Two arrows going in different directions.

How to Transfer Mead Between Containers

Using a mixture of the methods described in the previous lesson, you should now have a clear mead with a layer of sediment at the bottom of the vessel. Now we need to transfer this mead into a new vessel so we can dump the sediment.

Racking

Racking is a term used in mead-making to describe the action of transferring mead between containers. This is ideally done using a self-priming autosiphon. Here is a breakdown of the process:

  1. Place the vessel currently holding the mead higher than the receiving vessel. A minimum of an 11-inch height difference is recommended, as gravity is how the siphon functions.
  2. Place the priming part of the siphon into the container currently holding the mead.
  3. Place the tube end of the siphon into the bottom of the receiving container. It’s important that the tube be placed as far into the vessel as possible. If the tube is placed at the top of the vessel, the mead will be oxidized as it flows to the bottom.
  4. Pump the siphon arm a few times, and the mead will begin to transfer. You don’t need to continue pumping the siphon arm once the transfer has started; gravity will do the rest.

Racking Tips

  • Keep the vessel currently holding the mead as still as possible during the rack. Any disturbances will shake up the sediment back into the mead.
  • Refrigerate your mead a day before racking. Cold mead oxidizes at a slower rate.
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