Mead, often referred to as the “nectar of the gods,” is a fermented honey-based alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was revered for its perceived divine qualities and its association with immortality and wisdom. Mead’s resurgence in popularity is not only attributed to its historical significance but also to its versatility and diverse flavor profile.
The process of making mead involves fermenting honey with water, often with the addition of yeast and other ingredients to enhance its flavor and character. The honey used can vary depending on the desired outcome, with different types of honey imparting unique flavors and aromas to the final product. Fruits, spices, and herbs are also commonly added to mead to create a wide range of flavor combinations, from sweet and fruity to dry and spiced.
Mead’s flavor profile is as diverse as its ingredients. It can range from sweet and mellow to dry and complex, with notes of honey, fruit, spice, and herbs. The alcohol content of mead can also vary – some meads are light, while others are strong and potent. Enjoyed both still and sparkling, its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions.
While mead is often associated with Renaissance festivals and medieval reenactments, its appeal extends beyond historical contexts. Mead’s unique flavor and rich history make it a popular choice among craft beverage enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of ancient traditions. The resurgence of mead is also fueled by the growing interest in artisanal and locally produced products, with many craft mead producers offering unique and innovative interpretations of this ancient beverage.
Where Did It Originate From?
Mead has a long and mysterious history, with its discovery likely occurring independently in various parts of the world. Though often associated with Vikings and medieval Europe, mead actually predates both beer and wine.
Evidence of mead’s existence dates back to 7000 BCE in northern China, where remnants of a fermented honey drink were found in clay pots. Ancient Indian texts also mention a honey wine called soma, and in Africa, the indigenous people of Ethiopia and Tanzania have a long tradition of brewing tej, a honey wine infused with herbs.
Mead’s popularity and cultural significance are widespread, spanning continents and centuries. From its association with wisdom and poetry in Norse mythology to its ceremonial use in Slavic, Baltic, and Finnish cultures, mead has been revered by many societies, including the Celts, Saxons, Greeks, and Romans.
During the Middle Ages, European monasteries were centers of mead production, with monks crafting it for both religious and medicinal purposes. However, mead’s prominence eventually declined as wine and beer gained popularity due to increased grape and grain cultivation.
What is Mead Made From?
Mead is primarily made up of honey, water, and yeast. The type of honey used affects the mead’s overall flavor profile. Water quality also plays a role in the final outcome. Yeast is responsible for the fermentation process, which turns the honey’s sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Often, fruits like berries, apples, or citrus are added; spices and herbs such as cinnamon, cloves, and lavender are also common additions. Sometimes grains or malts are included to make hybrid drinks like braggot, a mead-beer combination. The honey-to-water ratio, fermentation time, and aging all factor into the final product.
How Many Different Types of Mead Are There?
Just like wine or beer, mead comes in an array of styles. Here’s a look at some of the most popular categories:
Traditional Mead
Also known as ‘show mead’, traditional mead is crafted from honey, water, and yeast. This pure combination allows the natural essence and characteristics of the honey to shine.
Melomel
Made with fruit or fruit juice. Common subtypes include:
- Cyser – Made with apples or apple juice (a mead-cider hybrid).
- Pyment – Made with grapes or grape juice (a mead-wine fusion).
Metheglin
Flavored with spices and herbs such as: cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, or peppercorns. The name originates from the Welsh word meddyglyn, meaning medicinal liquor.
Braggot
A hybrid of mead and beer, brewed with malted grains and hops. Its taste can resemble a strong ale, sometimes even a stout, depending on the recipe.
Hydromel
A lighter, more diluted mead with lower alcohol content than other meads.
Sack Mead
A sweeter, more concentrated mead with a richer mouthfeel, often aged longer.
Sparkling Mead
Carbonated, either naturally through fermentation or artificially. Served chilled.
Bochet
Made with honey that has been caramelized, which results in a dark color and toasty, marshmallow flavor profile. As the craft beverage movement continues to grow, so does experimentation in the world of mead. Many modern meaderies are now blending styles, aging mead in bourbon barrels, or creating session-style meads for casual sipping.
Is there a difference between Mead and Wine?
Both mead and wine are produced through fermentation, but they have distinct characteristics due to their differing sugar sources and production processes. Mead, with its origins dating back to ancient civilizations, holds a prominent place in mythology and folklore. Wine, similarly steeped in history, has played a central role in religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and culinary traditions for centuries.
Despite their differences, mead and wine share similarities in craftsmanship, complexity, and tradition. Both can be dry or sweet, still or sparkling, and aged to develop deeper flavors. However, while wine is heavily influenced by terroir (the soil and climate where grapes are grown), mead’s signature taste is shaped by the floral origin of the honey, making it a truly unique beverage. Overall, mead and wine represent two distinct branches of the fermented beverage family tree. While sharing a common ancestry in fermentation, their unique sugar sources, production methods, and cultural contexts give rise to a diverse array of flavors, aromas, and experiences for enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.
The Renaissance Revival
Mead’s popularity today is partly due to its connection to medieval and Renaissance festivals, where drinking it from a pewter mug amidst jesters and troubadours creates a whimsical and nostalgic feeling. These festivals have been crucial in reintroducing mead to a new generation.
Mead is no longer just for festivals, though; craft meaderies worldwide are producing sophisticated, bottle-aged meads that rival fine wines. There’s a mead for every taste, from sweet and sparkling for a summer day to rich and spiced for a cozy night by the fire.
So, now that you know everything there is to know about mead, how about heading to Spec’s and picking up one of the delicious bottles listed below? You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices:
Chaucer’s Mead
A sweet, dessert-style wine made by Bargetto Winery in California. It’s made with 100% pure honey from various sources, including orange blossom, alfalfa, and sage, which contribute to its unique flavor profile.
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Texas Mead Works Traditional
A traditional mead is a dry mead made with our proprietary blend of honey. It has a crisp taste with a lingering honey finish.
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Dansk Vikingernes Hopped Mead
Golden in color, Dansk Mjod Vikingernes warms the palate with the restorative sweetness of honey and mulled spices.
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Bee & Brew Allfather Dry Fig Mead
This small batch dry mead is crafted from two of the world’s oldest ingredients, honey and figs. Rich in flavor yet incredibly smooth.
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Thorin’s Viking Texas Mead
A traditional norse style mead with full body and flavor made with a dark amber honey such as sunflower or mustard honey.
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