Posted: Fri Oct 16, 15 8:09 am Post subject: Mint Wine
Has anyone else made this?
I bottled my first batch last night and as we had one bottle that wasn't quite full, we drank it.
Really nice, really smooth, really potent!
I can just about remember going to bed, but this morning is a no go area!
I know I'm a bit of a light weight when it comes to alcohol - but less than half a bottle?
Really?
Lesson learned.😩
the problem was probably the original sg of the brew,i rather like mint sauce on my sheepy things and mint does not seem to cause hangovers
a slight aside in herbal medicine(or as i think of it medicine if it works)mint is thought of as a bad thing to consume if one has wounds cos it can inhibit healing although it is pretty useful for gasto intestinal upsets from a variety of causes
maybe less fermentable sugars next time
Nick
Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Posts: 34535 Location: Hereford
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 15 11:41 am Post subject:
Did it taste minty?
Shan
Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 9075 Location: South Wales
The mouthwash/toothpaste experience is not usually what I am looking for in a good wine! So Iwould not usually choose to make a mint wine. However if that floats you boat?
It is worth remembering though that making wine gets herbs into an alcohol solvent and if you ferment on the herb the enzymes in teh yeasts can help extract muchy higher percentages of active ingredients than you might get in teas, and they can have different effects when taken with alcohol etc.
When making wines with any ingredient used in herbal medicine with active ingredients take care.
Some individuals can react badly to mint, as to toher herbs in higher doses.
When making herbal wines mine are usually a blend of a base wine with low doses of the flavouring herbs.
No minty toothpaste or mouthwash taste. A very slight mint aroma.
It really is a deliciously smooth wine with a glorious gold colour and I'll certainly make it again next year.
I'm looking forward to opening the next bottle at Christmas - but I'll stick to one glass I think! 🍷
No minty toothpaste or mouthwash taste. A very slight mint aroma.
It really is a deliciously smooth wine with a glorious gold colour and I'll certainly make it again next year.
I'm looking forward to opening the next bottle at Christmas - but I'll stick to one glass I think! 🍷
Thank you, that was the question I was going to ask. I've always been amazed that the flavour of teh ingredients comes through so poorly in wine. And yet you sometimes get something completely unexpected but really nice.
A few leaves of mint in a bottle of vodka or white rum makes a rather nice flavoured (minty) spirit as Mark suggests, but I like the sound of your wine - how much mint and hoiw much sugar did you use to the gallon (4.5 litres) ?
The recipe came from Ian Ball's ' Wine making the Natural Way' which I've had for years. The quantities are: 1 litre loosely packed mint leaves, 2lbs of sugar, 8oz chopped sultanas, half cup tea, juice of 2 lemons, 1/4 teaspoon malt extract (or yeast extract) and yeast.
The sugar is dissolved in warm water and then added to the bucket with the rest of the ingredients. Top up with cold water, cover and stir twice a day for 10 days. Then strain into a demi john.
My only forray into spirits is the sloe gin I make each year for Christmas - I'm afraid I'm too poor for any other experiments but your mint vodka does sound refreshing!
Guest
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 15 7:21 am Post subject:
Been there, done that and It was surprisingly amazing. Strong, refresing and smooth.
Hairyloon
Joined: 20 Nov 2008 Posts: 15425 Location: Today I are mostly being in Yorkshire.
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 15 10:15 am Post subject:
Any particular variety of mint recommended?
lowri
Joined: 18 Oct 2006 Posts: 1322 Location: ceredigion
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 15 5:31 pm Post subject:
I made a small amount of mint wine in the 70s, don't remember what recipe or method, but I can remember 2 things about it, that it was vaguely reminiscent of vermouth, and that it was as clear as gin!!