>> Made mead before? Yeah. I have a good hookup on honey for a great price. I haven't been myself since my dad passed. I'm behind on brewing anything. I just began picking dandelions yesterday. I have frozen peaches from last summer. It's almost raspberry season and I need to get started before I run out of room. I tend to be up to 100 gallons a year. Mead is my absolute favorite. >> longer aging is better. I agree mine for a minimum of 2 years. Mead takes forever to be smooth.