When you think of mead, your mind probably conjures up syrupy memories in National Trust gift shops, or images of bearded Vikings drinking and having fun.
Now, this ancient beverage, one of the first ways humans consumed alcohol, whose roots date back to 7000 BC. C., is making a comeback as the trendiest soda of the summer, thanks to new fermentation techniques, sophisticated new flavors and even great support on TikTok. .
Mead is made in a simple and traditional way by fermenting honey with water. In fact, the word “honeymoon” comes from the ancient Greek custom of giving it as a wedding gift to promote fertility. But you can also add ingredients such as spices, fruits or hops to enhance its flavor.
Typically flat or slightly sparkling, more traditional styles taste like aromatic wine sweetened with honey at a similar strength (12-14 percent) and drink just as wine would.
But there is a new generation of lighter, modern meads that can be slightly sweet or almost completely dry and range from non-alcoholic to low or medium strength, matching the ABVs of cider or beer.
Mead, one of the first ways humans consumed alcohol, with roots dating back to 7000 BC. C., is improbably making a comeback as summer’s trendiest soft drink.
They are drinks made to attract a new modern audience, since there is now a great demand for more “natural” drinks, without sulfur, chemicals or added sugars.
Consider the growing popularity of orange wine, which is typically made without any additives. And Pét Nat: a lightly sparkling wine made using ancient methods that predate Champagne.
“People are looking for lower intervention, natural and sustainable products,” says Kit Newell of mead maker Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co.
Then there are the bees to consider. Mead is made from honey and most modern producers are doing their part to promote the health of the bee population by planting wildflowers or donating to bee conservation charities.
Most are also committed to using sustainably and ethically produced honey.
“At just 4 per cent, our nectars have all the subtlety and freshness of a good 12 per cent sparkling wine,” says mead brewer Tom Gosnell of Gosnells of London.
All of which helps explain why the typical new mead drinker is not a Viking warrior, but rather a discerning consumer who wants to enjoy a sophisticated summer refreshment without getting too drunk.
Lyme Bay Winery Traditional Mead (14.5% ABV), £11.49 for 75cl, Waitrose
In medieval times, monks perfected fermentation techniques to produce honey wine worthy of European royalty. But the latest resurgence began in the United States, where more sophisticated methods mean it is now taken as seriously as wine.
Just as good wine can show elements of the soil and “terroir” where it was grown, mead will taste different depending on where the bees have been harvesting and what types of plants they have visited.
‘First they are defending the liquid, making something delicious that reflects the terroir where the bees foraged for food. Watching it was a revelation,” says Tom Gosnell.
So will mead recover from the drinking halls of history? I tried the best of modern beers to find out…
AROMATIC AND LOW IN ALCOHOL
Gosnells Hazy Nectar (4 per cent ABV), £1.49, 330ml, Lidl
Take advantage of being able to find this low ABV liquid gold at Lidl for a limited time.
It is an excellent reference mead with its dry and honeyed aroma and its smooth and slightly sweet flavor: it is made with flower honey.
Also try the spicy Raspberry Hibiscus Nectar for something deliciously different. 4/5
ZINGY CITRUS
Wye Valley Traditional Mead (14.5% ABV), £30, 70cl, Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co.
This vibrant, golden nectar won the 2023 Golden Fork Award for its complex, beeswax-scented profile.
Aromatic with a delicious yeast note, it is smooth and honeyed with a spicy citrus acidity. 4/5
DARK HONEYCOMB NOTES
Lyme Bay Winery Traditional Mead (14.5% ABV), £11.49 for 75cl, Waitrose
Bees and grapes often go hand in hand, and Lyme Bay ferments, blends and ages its mead on site.
A traditional version, it is dark amber and flavorful with notes of caramelized honeycomb and a hint of elderflower. 2/5
TASTERS THAT ANTLE THE TONGUE
Postcode Mead Tasting Box, £30, Gosnells.co.uk
Biddenden Special Mead, (12% ABV) £11.20 for 75cl Biddenden Vineyards.com
A masterclass in a box, featuring four premium ‘nectars’ (low alcohol mead) complete with jars of the honey used to prepare each.
These small-batch bottles show how different the flavor of the drink can be depending on where the nectar is collected. 5/5
PAGE CHERRY
Viking Cherry Mead, (6% ABV) £14.99 for 75cl, Honey Mead Company
A little different and incredibly tasty, this low-alcohol drink is packed with warm honey notes, beautifully balanced with natural, tangy cherry flavors.
You can also drink it hot. The classic Honey Mead version is also worth trying. 3/5
DELIGHT WITH CHEESE
Biddenden Special Mead, (12% ABV) £11.20 for 75cl Biddenden Vineyards.com
Another specialty of the winery and a sweeter and more aromatic version than others, Biddenden ferments the fruit together with honey before subtly sweetening it.
It’s not as sweet as dessert wines, but it’s sweet enough to pair with spicy spices and salty cheese. 3/5