Blackberry Lavender and Vanilla… sounds like a match made in heaven! I wish I could say that I made this mead successfully, but unfortunately, I haven’t yet. The reason for this, primarily, is that lavender is such a strong flavored flower, that it’s very easy to overpower your mead (which is what I did).

You don’t need much lavender, I suggest taking a small amount, try a 1/2 an oz and make a tea. Lavender flavor can be added, but not removed!

Since my first couple of meads, I believe this was the first one to really disappoint me. The balance was just OFF – this is in part the fault of lack of general experience with the ingredients, and the lack of acid & tannin balancing.

Primary:
1/2 pack of Lalvin QA23
3lb Orange Blossom Honey (Feel free to use a different honey)
Added orange peel & black tea – for tannin, using a wine blend is best
Follow TOSNA 2.0 with FermaidO and GoFerm is highly recommended

Secondary:
Stabilize
Added over 2lb Frozen & Thawed Blackberries
Added 12oz lavender buds (Make a Tea and add that liquid in primary!)
Added OJ to taste (unnecessary)
1 Vanilla Bean

Clear and Bottle