Feed it in thirds

Meadmakers feed nutrient in stages early in the ferment, while the yeast is still growing and can use it. Inorganic nitrogen such as DAP stops by the one-third sugar break, since late doses risk off-flavours.

The common organic schedule scales with the must. Under 1.100 it can take its whole dose at pitch. At 1.100 and above, split it into three roughly equal doses:

• At pitch.
• At the one-third sugar break.
• At the two-thirds break.

A stronger must needs more in total. The makers rate all four yeasts in this book as needing little nitrogen, so the honey's strength is what decides.

In this game a session needs a little, a standard a staggered feed and a sack the heavy plan. A standard with no nutrient smells of rotten eggs and sticks; from 1.100, one dose at pitch still smells. The cellar doses on the right days.