Mead

Mead is Made for Enjoyment

Mead is one of the most misunderstood beverages on the market, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth learning about. Once you do, and once you start tasting the incredible range of amazing ones out there, we’re pretty sure you’ll become a fan.

What is mead?

Though there are many different styles of mead, they all share one key aspect in common: mead is distilled from a base that includes honey. Whether other ingredients are added—fruits, spices, and more—won’t change the fact that mead is produced from the fermentation of the sugars in honey (often cut with water).

Is mead more like beer or wine?

Depending on the style, mead can be more similar to either beer or wine. The carbonated ones that are lower in alcohol have a beer-like texture, and the still ones that happen to have higher alcohol can be more wine-like in character. This means that there is likely a mead available that’ll suit your tastes…whether you otherwise prefer beer or wine.

What does mead taste like?

Depending on what other ingredients are added to the honey base, mead can be reminiscent of any number of fruits, spices, and even hops. But in general, there is a honeyed note to mead that tends to show itself across the range of them.

Why is mead called mead?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word “mead” traces its roots back to the Middle English word mede, which itself is derived from the Old English word medu. Medu is believed to be a derivation of the Old High German word metu that comes from the Greek word methy, which means wine.

Is mead illegal?

Not at all! There are many great meads available, including Bunratty Meade, Redstone Mountain Honey Wine, Dansk Mjod Viking Blod Mead, Chaucer’s Mead, and more.

Does mead go bad?

Like most non-distilled fermented beverages, mead will eventually turn, though some can age gracefully for years and years. In general, however, storing an unopened bottle of mead for more than a couple of years is not advisable. However, it’s so delicious that chances are it won’t last long enough to get to that point: You’ll want to drink it immediately!

What is the oldest alcoholic beverage?

There is some debate about this, but it’s generally agreed that the oldest alcoholic beverage to be purposefully fermented was a combination of honey, grapes, and rice.

Where does mead come from?

Mead can be made anywhere since it’s not required by law that the mead be produced in the same location that the honey is collected.

Browse our full selection of mead online or check out our selection of highly-rated mead for a great new mead to try this week!