Mead and Food

Tasting Notes

Mead is the oldest art of fermentation. Consumed by all from kings to peasants mead has gained a reputation as a giver of life, wisdom, courage and strength down through the ages. The term “honeymoon” has been associated with drinking mead during the month long celebration following a wedding in pagan times. In addition to the health giving properties of honey, mead was thought by Romans to lengthen life and to possess unique healing qualities. The ancient Nordic people considered the drinking of mead as a most important aspect of daily life. Legends of great mead halls, feasts and celebrations abound in the cultural histories of the countries of this area. It is the bee’s tireless search for nectar from thousands of blossoms that creates the honey in each bottle of mead. 100% natural honey is diluted with pure water and spices or berry juice to add further dimension and complexity. Special yeast cultures are added to this medieval style of Mead. A fermentation and slow aging process in European oak barrels occurs for up to three years before bottling.

How to Serve Mead

Temperature: Serve at cellar temperature
Storage: Once opened, will keep for up to 2 weeks. Treat fruit based meads like high quality grape wine
Cellaring: Straight honey meads will cellar up to 20 years. Some fruit meads become more sherry like; sweeter meads more Sauterne like

Pairing Mead

Fruit meads pair well with spicy foods
like a dry sherry, with a cheese course
Pastas and light meats
Sweet meads are good with dessert