Learn what mead is and how it’s made

Mead, also known as the drink of the gods, is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world, enjoyed by civilizations throughout history. This elixir, made mainly from fermented honey and water, is both a delight for the palate and a link to our cultural and historical past. With a unique flavor and a rich history, mead is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. In this complete guide, we’ll explore what mead is, its benefits, its varieties, and how you can make your own mead at home.

Let’s Discover the History of Mead

Mead has roots that go back thousands of years in multiple cultures around the world, from ancient India and China to Europe and Africa. The Vikings, for example, are famous for their love of this drink, and many mythologies and legends from different cultures mention mead as a beverage of ceremonial and divine importance. It is believed to have been one of the first alcoholic drinks humans learned to make.

Ancient Origins

The earliest records of mead are found in ancient cultures in Asia, Africa and Europe. It is believed that its discovery may have been accidental, the result of the natural fermentation of honey mixed with water in containers.

Viking Age and Nordic Cultures

Mead is perhaps best known for its association with the Vikings and Nordic cultures, where it was considered a drink of the gods, an elixir that granted strength and vitality.

Ritual and Medicinal Use

Throughout history, mead has played an important role in ritual ceremonies and medicinal practices, valued for its preservative properties and potential health benefits.

Popularity in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, mead was a common drink in Europe, especially before beer and wine became more accessible and popular.

Modern Revival

In recent years, mead has experienced a renaissance, gaining popularity in the world of craft beverages and among home fermentation enthusiasts.

What Are the Main Properties of Mead?

Variety of Flavors

Mead can vary enormously in flavor, from sweet and fruity to dry and spicy, depending on the types of honey and other ingredients used.

Health Benefits

Although it is an alcoholic beverage, mead can retain some of the beneficial properties of honey, such as antioxidants and anti‑inflammatory compounds.

Adaptability

Mead can be adapted to many personal preferences and styles by incorporating fruits, spices, or even hops to create unique flavors.

Low in Gluten

For those who are sensitive to gluten, mead is an excellent alternative to other fermented drinks like beer.

Mead: Does It Contain Alcohol?

Yes, mead does contain alcohol. The alcohol content of mead can vary widely, generally between 5% and 20% alcohol by volume (ABV), depending on factors such as the amount of honey used, the fermentation process, and whether other ingredients are added. During fermentation, the sugars in the honey are converted into alcohol, resulting in a drink that can reach a range of alcohol levels similar to wine or beer.

5 Benefits of Mead

Natural and Craft

Mead is made naturally, often with organic ingredients and artisanal processes, making it an attractive option for lovers of natural beverages.

Variety of Flavors

Thanks to the versatility of honey and the possibility of adding different ingredients, mead offers a wide range of flavors, from sweet and fruity to dry and spiced.

Health Benefits

Honey, the main ingredient in mead, is known for its antioxidant and health-promoting properties. Although mead is an alcoholic beverage, many believe it retains some of honey’s beneficial properties.

Low in Gluten

For those with gluten sensitivity, mead is an excellent alternative to traditional beers, as it is generally produced without gluten-containing grains.

History and Tradition

Drinking mead is diving into history. From the Vikings to the ancient Egyptians, mead has been part of numerous cultures over the centuries.

What Types of Mead Are There?

Mead varies enormously in flavor, aroma and texture, depending on the ingredients and the fermentation process. Some of the most popular types include:

Traditional Mead

Made only with water and honey, this type of mead highlights the quality and flavor of the honey used.

Melomel

This variety includes the addition of fruit, which brings extra flavors and complexity to the mead.

Metheglin

Metheglin incorporates herbs and spices, creating unique flavor profiles often associated with medicinal properties.

Cyser

It is a blend of mead and cider, combining fermented honey and apple juice.

Braggot

Braggot combines the best of beer and mead, using both malt and honey in its production. This style usually strikes a balance between the sweetness of the honey and the more robust flavors of the malt.

Pyment

This type of mead is made by mixing honey with grape wine, resulting in a drink that combines characteristics of both wine and mead, offering a unique flavor experience.

Sparkling Mead

Similar to champagne, sparkling mead goes through a secondary fermentation process that produces a carbonated, refreshing drink, perfect for special occasions.

Dry Mead

In contrast to sweet meads, dry mead ferments for longer, allowing the yeast to consume most of the sugar, resulting in a less sweet and more subtle profile.

Ice Mead

Inspirado en el proceso utilizado para hacer el vino de hielo, el hidromiel de hielo se elabora congelando la miel y luego fermentando el concentrado, lo que resulta en una bebida con sabores intensos y una mayor dulzura.

FAQs

How Can I Distill Mead?

The distillation of mead is an advanced process that can further concentrate flavors and increase the alcohol content. This process requires specialized equipment and a deep understanding of distillation techniques.

What Is the Relationship Between Mead and the Vikings?

Mead is often associated with the Vikings and ancient Nordic culture. It was considered a drink of value and prestige, consumed at festivities and ceremonies.

Is Mead Considered a Beer?

Although it’s sometimes called “honey beer”, mead is technically different from beer. While beer is made from fermented grains, mead is made by fermenting honey with water.

How Long Does the Mead-Making Process Take?

The mead-making process can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type and desired flavor profile. Traditional mead usually requires a longer fermentation period to fully develop its flavors.