Hydromel

History of Mead

Mead has a rich and fascinating history dating back thousands of years.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans all produced mead. The Vikings are also famous for their love of mead, which they called "mjöd". They even created a deity associated with this drink, the goddess of mead, who was believed to oversee the production of the beverage.

In the Middle Ages, mead was a popular drink in Europe, often consumed during celebrations and festivities. It was also considered a medicinal remedy and was used to treat various ailments.

Over the centuries, mead has experienced highs and lows in popularity. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was largely replaced by wine and beer, but in the 20th century, it saw a resurgence of popularity in North America and Europe.

What does mead taste like?

Mead has a sweet and honeyed taste, with floral and fruity notes depending on the ingredients used. The honey used in mead production can come from different varieties of flowers, such as clover, lavender, acacia, or even manuka honey depending on the region where it is produced, which can influence the flavor of the drink.

Additionally, some mead producers add spices, fruits, or other ingredients to add complexity to the flavor. This can include herbs like mint or verbena, fruits like berries or citrus, or spices like cinnamon or ginger.

In general, mead has a sweet and slightly sugary taste, with floral and fruity notes, and can be enjoyed on its own, like wine, or used in cocktails to add flavor and complexity.

How is mead produced?

Mead is produced from honey and water, mixed together and fermented by yeast to produce alcohol. Here are the basic steps to produce mead:

·        Mixing the honey and water: The honey is dissolved in warm water to create a sweet solution called must.

·        Adding yeast: Yeast is added to the sweet solution to start fermentation. The yeast feeds on the sugar in the must and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide.

·        Fermentation: The must is fermented for several weeks, sometimes several months, until all the sugar content is converted into alcohol.

·        Aging: After fermentation, the mead is often aged in oak barrels to add complexity to the flavor.

·        Bottling: The mead is then filtered and bottled.

The mead production process can vary depending on the producers, who may use different varieties of honey and varied fermentation and aging techniques to create unique flavors.

Who to Gift Mead To?

Mead is a sweet and delicate alcoholic beverage with a fascinating history. It can be gifted to different types of people, depending on their tastes and interests. Here are some ideas of people you might consider gifting mead to:

Wine Enthusiasts: If you know someone who appreciates wine, mead can be an excellent alternative or a new discovery. Like wine, mead is produced from grapes, but the honey gives it a unique and delicate flavor.

Honey Lovers: Mead is made from honey, making it an ideal gift for honey enthusiasts. They can appreciate the subtlety and flavor nuances brought by different types of honey.

Fans of Medieval Culture: Mead was a popular drink during medieval times and is often associated with medieval culture in literature and films. If you know someone who appreciates this historical period, mead could be a fun and interesting gift.

Craft Beverage Enthusiasts: Since mead is often produced in small quantities, often in a craft manner, it can be a cherished gift for craft beverage enthusiasts. They can appreciate the complexity of the flavor and the attention to detail in its production.

In general, mead can be gifted to anyone who appreciates unique and interesting alcoholic beverages or is curious to discover new flavors and experiences.

To learn more, check out our blog article: All About Mead