What is Mead?
Fermented honey! Just as fermented grapes get you wine, and fermented hops get you beer, fermented honey will get you a sweet, tasteful batch of mead.
An Ancient Drink, Reborn
Mead is a fascinating and ancient beverage created by fermenting honey and water, often with the addition of fruits, spices or other botanicals chosen by the artisan. The alcohol content of mead typically ranges from 8% to 16%, though some varieties can be higher. This versatile drink can be sparkling, carbonated or still, and it can be crafted to suit any palate, from dry to semi-sweet to sweet.
Known as the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world, mead predates even wine and beer. In ancient times it was a rare and precious drink, so much so that it was reserved primarily for royalty. The ingredients were difficult to obtain, especially in a safe and reliable manner, until the rise of beekeeping.
Lost, and Found Again
Mead’s rarity and esteemed status made it a symbol of wealth and good fortune, often gifted to newlyweds as a blessing. Believed to be an aphrodisiac, mead was given in ample quantities to ensure that the couple’s first month of marriage was blessed, which led to the term "honeymoon."
Despite its rich history, mead eventually faded from the world’s radar. It became largely associated with renaissance fairs and Viking tales, which does a disservice to its long legacy, as mead predates both. Today, however, mead is making a dramatic comeback, rediscovered by enthusiasts and embraced by a new generation of drinkers. It’s once again taking the world by storm!
Mead Facts
Mead is the world's oldest alcoholic drink, pre-dating wine and beer.
The word "honeymoon" came from mead. A month's supply (one moon's worth) was given to newlyweds.
Vikings drank mead at seasonal fests and other ceremonies.
The Ancient Greeks called mead the "nectar of the Gods."
The word "amazing" is said to come from drinking mead out of a small hardwood bowl called a mazer.