Types of Mead

Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water.

It is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages known to humankind, with evidence suggesting that it has been consumed for at least 8,000 years. Mead is still enjoyed today, and there are many different types of mead available around the world.

The types of mead available vary greatly in flavor, sweetness, and alcohol content. Some meads are dry and crisp, while others are sweet and syrupy. Some meads are made with added fruits or spices, while others are made with grains. The alcohol content of mead can range from as little as 3% to as much as 20%. There is truly a type of mead for every taste preference.

Whether you are a seasoned mead drinker or a curious newcomer, learning about the different types of mead available can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience. With so many different flavors and styles to choose from, there is always something new to discover in the world of mead.

The Basics of Mead

Honey Wine

Mead is a type of honey wine that has been made for thousands of years.

It is created by fermenting honey with water and yeast. The quality of the honey used can greatly impact the flavor of the mead. Mead can be made with a variety of honey types, including clover, acacia, and wildflower.

Alcohol Content

The alcohol content of mead can vary depending on the type of yeast used and the fermentation process. The alcohol content can range from 3% to 20% ABV. It is important to note that mead can be a strong drink, so it should be consumed responsibly.

Fermentation Process

The fermentation process is a crucial step in making mead. Yeast is added to the honey and water mixture, and the mixture is left to ferment for several weeks. During this time, the yeast consumes the sugar in the honey and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is released, and the alcohol remains in the mead.

Mead can be made in a variety of ways, including traditional methods and modern techniques. Traditional mead is made with only honey, water, and yeast, while modern mead can include additional ingredients such as fruits, spices, and hops.

Traditional Mead

Traditional mead is the simplest type of mead and is made with just three ingredients – honey, water, and yeast.

It is also known as “show mead” because its clarity and simplicity showcase the flavor of the honey used.

The process of making traditional mead involves mixing honey and water, and then adding yeast to ferment the mixture. The yeast consumes the sugar in the honey and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide. The amount of honey used determines the sweetness of the mead, and the type of yeast used affects the flavor and aroma of the final product.

Traditional mead can be still, meaning it has no carbonation, or sparkling, which is achieved through a secondary fermentation process. It can also be aged for several months to several years, which can enhance its flavor and complexity.

Since traditional mead only uses honey, water, and yeast, the quality of the honey used is crucial to the flavor of the final product. Different types of honey can produce vastly different flavors, from light and floral to dark and earthy.

Types of Mead

Mead is a fermented beverage made from honey and water. However, there are many types of mead that incorporate different ingredients and techniques to create unique flavors and aromas.

Here are some of the most popular types of mead:

Fruit Meads

Fruit meads, also known as melomels, are made by adding fruits such as berries, apples, or peaches to the honey and water mixture. The fruit adds sweetness and acidity to the mead and can also impart unique flavors and aromas. Some popular fruit meads include raspberry melomel, apple cyser, and peach pyment.

Spiced Meads

Spiced meads, also known as metheglins, are made by adding herbs and spices to the honey and water mixture. The spices can range from simple additions like cinnamon and nutmeg to more complex blends of herbs and botanicals. Some popular spiced meads include ginger metheglin, chai mead, and pumpkin spice mead.

Honey Varietal Meads

Honey varietal meads are made using honey from a specific type of flower or plant. The type of honey used can greatly impact the flavor and aroma of the mead. For example, meads made with clover honey tend to be light and floral, while meads made with buckwheat honey are dark and robust. Some popular honey varietal meads include orange blossom mead, lavender mead, and tupelo mead.

Sparkling Meads

Sparkling meads, also known as carbonated meads, are made by adding carbonation to the mead. This can be done naturally through bottle conditioning or artificially through force carbonation. Sparkling meads can have a light and effervescent mouthfeel and are often served chilled. Some popular sparkling meads include cherry blossom sparkling mead, elderflower sparkling mead, and sparkling cyser.

Aged Meads

Aged meads are meads that have been allowed to mature and develop over a long period of time. This can be done in barrels, bottles, or other vessels. Aged meads can take on complex flavors and aromas and can be enjoyed as a sipping drink. Some popular aged meads include oak-aged mead, port-style mead, and mead aged with fruit.

Ingredients Used in Mead Making

Mead is a fermented alcoholic beverage that is made using honey as its primary ingredient.

However, there are several other ingredients that are used in the mead making process.

Honey

Honey is the most important ingredient in mead making. It provides the sweetness and flavor to the final product. Different types of honey can be used to make mead, each with its unique flavor profile. Beekeepers themselves or those with access to large amounts of honey are often the ones who make mead.

Water

Water is used to dilute the honey and create the mead must. The quality of water used in mead making can affect the final flavor of the mead. Spring water or filtered tap water is often used.

Yeast

Yeast is an essential ingredient needed to ferment the honey and turn it into alcohol. There are several types of yeast that can be used in mead making, each with its unique flavor profile. Some of the most common yeasts used in mead making are Lalvin D-47, EC-1118, and K1V-1116.

Spices and Fruit

Spices and fruit are often added to mead to enhance its flavor and aroma.

Some popular spices used in mead making include ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla. Fruits such as berries, apples, grapes, and oranges can also be added to mead to create different flavor profiles.

Maple Syrup and Caramelized Ingredients

Maple syrup can be used in mead making to create a unique flavor profile. During the mead making process, some of the honey can be substituted out for all-natural maple syrup. Caramelized ingredients, such as caramelized honey or caramelized sugar, can also be used to add depth and complexity to the mead.

Herbs and Flowers

Herbs and flowers can be added to mead to create unique flavors and aromas. Some popular herbs used in mead making include chamomile, lavender, and rosemary. Flowers such as hibiscus and elderflower can also be used to add floral notes to the mead.

Acid and Tannin

Acid and tannin are used in mead making to balance the sweetness of the honey and create a more complex flavor profile. Acid can be added in the form of lemon juice or citric acid, while tannin can be added in the form of tea or grape juice.