Mead, often referred to as honey wine, is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world. Made by fermenting honey with water and yeast, mead has been enjoyed by civilisations for thousands of years—from the Vikings to medieval royalty.
Despite its ancient origins, mead is making a modern comeback, becoming a favourite among craft beverage enthusiasts. Whether you’re new to mead or looking to expand your knowledge, this guide will walk you through what mead is, how it’s made, its different varieties, and how it compares to wine and beer.
Where Does Mead Come From?
Mead has a long and fascinating history, dating back at least 4,000 years. It was one of the first alcoholic drinks ever created, believed to have been discovered accidentally when wild yeast fermented honey and water in beehives.
Many ancient civilisations, including the Vikings, Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese, prized mead for both its flavour and its supposed medicinal and divine properties. In Norse mythology, mead was known as the “nectar of the gods,” consumed by warriors and royalty. Similarly, in medieval Europe, mead was often served at royal banquets and was a symbol of prosperity.
Today, mead is enjoying a resurgence as craft brewers and homebrewers rediscover this versatile and unique honey-based drink.
How Is Mead Made?
The process of making mead is similar to winemaking but with honey as the main fermentable sugar instead of grapes.
Basic Mead-Making Process:
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Mixing the Ingredients – Honey, water, and yeast are combined in a fermentation vessel.
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Fermentation – Yeast consumes the honey’s sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the desired alcohol content and flavour.
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Aging – Once fermentation is complete, the mead is aged to develop its flavours. Some meads are aged for months or even years for a smoother, richer taste.
The type of honey used in mead-making plays a significant role in the final flavour profile, with different floral sources (e.g., clover, manuka, jarrah) adding unique characteristics.
Interested in trying high-quality mead? Discover our premium honey mead.
What Are the Different Types of Mead?
Mead is an incredibly diverse drink, with many different styles and variations. Here are some of the most common types:
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Traditional Mead – The purest form, made only with honey, water, and yeast.
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Melomel – Mead infused with fruits like berries, apples, or cherries.
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Metheglin – A spiced mead flavoured with herbs and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or cloves.
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Braggot – A hybrid of mead and beer, often brewed with malted barley.
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Cyser – A mix of mead and apple cider, offering a crisp, refreshing taste.
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Sparkling vs. Still Mead – Mead can be carbonated (sparkling) or non-carbonated (still), similar to wine or champagne.
Each variety has its own unique taste and characteristics, making mead a drink with endless possibilities.
How Does Mead Taste Compared to Wine and Beer?
Mead falls somewhere between wine and beer in terms of taste and texture. It can range from sweet to dry, depending on how much honey remains unfermented.
Mead vs. Wine vs. Beer – Key Differences:
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Alcohol Content – Mead typically has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 8-15%, similar to wine, whereas beer is usually around 4-7%.
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Sweetness Level – Mead can be dry, semi-sweet, or sweet, depending on the fermentation process and honey used.
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Mouthfeel & Texture – Mead can be light and crisp like white wine or rich and full-bodied like a dessert wine.
If you enjoy fruit wines, ciders, or craft beers, chances are you’ll love trying different styles of mead!
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Mead?
Aside from its unique taste, mead also offers potential health benefits, thanks to its honey-based composition.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Honey contains natural antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, potentially reducing inflammation.
2. Natural & Less Processed
Unlike commercial beers and wines that may contain preservatives, additives, or artificial sugars, mead is often made using just pure honey and natural ingredients.
3. Possible Probiotic Properties
Fermented drinks like mead may support gut health by providing beneficial bacteria, though more research is needed in this area.
Of course, as with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key to enjoying its benefits without negative effects.
Where Can You Buy Mead?
With the rising popularity of craft mead, you can now find it in specialty liquor stores, online shops, and meaderies. If you're looking for high-quality, authentic mead, check out our carefully curated selection of honey alcohol products.
Ready to Experience the Taste of Mead?
Mead is a delicious and versatile beverage with a deep history and a bright future. Whether you’re drawn to its rich heritage, diverse flavours, or natural ingredients, there’s a mead out there for everyone.
If you’re new to mead and looking to try a high-quality honey wine, browse our selection of premium honey mead or contact us for expert recommendations. Cheers to discovering your new favourite drink!