Discovering Mead

The natural sweetness and aromas derived from fermented honey captivated palates and ignited a passion for this unique libation. From ancient China to the Mayans of Central America, honey wines have left their sweet mark on diverse cultures across the globe.

In recent years, mead and honey wines have found a special place among those seeking unique and memorable drinking experiences. 

Mead has become on trend. It is growing in demand as more people discover this ancient, yet also very modern, beverage. In terms of growth, Mead is currently overtaking the craft beer scene in many countries, Australia has not seen this yet, but things are stirring.

Mead's origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and Vikings. Some of these civilizations prized mead for its mythical and spiritual qualities, believing it possessed magical properties and bestowed longevity, fertility, and wisdom upon those who consumed it. Others enjoyed it as gift from the Gods and surely some simply drank it.

As such, Mead is said to be the oldest of alcoholic beverages. Some argue otherwise, but we say let them argue, and we are content to simply make the statement "Mead has been around for thousands of years" Like anything that developed independently in different places, there were of course many variations along the way. They all have one thing in common though, they are made from honey, water and yeast and allowed to ferment into an alcoholic beverage.

During the medieval period, mead gained immense popularity across the globe. Sometimes through isolated discovery, at times mead crafting was a travelled knowledge that found places to settle. It is said to have became a symbol of celebration and was often associated with special occasions, such as weddings and festivals. 

With the Renaissance came a refined appreciation for mead and honey wines. The courtly elite in Europe embraced these beverages, considering them a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Honey wines were crafted with meticulous care, often infused with aromatic herbs, spices, and fruits, creating a wide range of exquisite flavors to satisfy even the most discerning palates. It is from this era that we believe some of the finest meads in history were crafted.

While mead and honey wines experienced a decline in popularity during the rise of beer and grape wines, the past few decades have witnessed a remarkable revival. Meadmakers around the world have dedicated themselves to resurrecting these ancient libations, infusing them with a contemporary twist.

Innovative techniques and experimentation have resulted in an incredible diversity of meads and honey wines today. From traditional, dry meads to sweet and spiced varieties, the options are endless. Artisanal honey wines have gained recognition for their delicate balance of honeyed notes and fruit-forward profiles, enticing both wine enthusiasts and newcomers to explore these delectable offerings. Craft cocktail bars have embraced these ancient libations, incorporating them into creative concoctions and imaginative pairings. 

With a growing emphasis on natural, locally sourced ingredients, mead and honey wines align perfectly with the demands of modern consumers. These beverages offer a delightful alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages, boasting their ancient legacy and the remarkable versatility of honey as a key ingredient.

We are proud to be part of the Mead resurgence, we keep the traditions and histories in mind as we craft our mead making use of both traditional practices and modern knowledge.