Introducing Mead, One of the Oldest Alcohols

Mead is one of the oldest known alcoholic beverages, with origins that trace back thousands of years, likely predating both beer and wine. If you haven’t already, its rich, honey flavours are definitely worth a try.

It is made by fermenting honey with water, and often includes additional ingredients such as fruits, spices, grains, or herbs. The exact origin of mead is difficult to pinpoint, as evidence of its production and consumption appears in multiple ancient civilizations across the globe. Archaeological findings suggest that mead was being consumed as early as 7000 BCE in northern China, where pottery vessels from the Neolithic village of Jiahu were found containing residues of a fermented mixture of honey, rice, and fruit. Similarly, references to mead appear in ancient texts and traditions from Europe, Africa, and Asia.

In ancient India, mead, known as madhu, was mentioned in the Rigveda, a sacred Hindu text dating to around 1500 BCE. In northern and eastern Europe, mead held significant cultural and spiritual value, especially among the Celts, Vikings, and Slavs, where it was associated with divine or magical properties and used in ritual feasts and celebrations. The term "honeymoon" even stems from the medieval European tradition of giving newlyweds a month’s supply of mead to ensure fertility and happiness. While mead’s prominence declined in favor of beer and grape wine due to evolving agricultural practices and accessibility, it has experienced a revival in recent years, with modern craft meaderies reimagining traditional recipes for contemporary palates.

The flavor palate of mead is incredibly diverse and depends on a range of factors including the type of honey used, additional ingredients, fermentation techniques, and aging process. At its core, mead typically has a honey-forward character, though it can range from dry to sweet depending on the residual sugar content.

If you’re keen to give mead a go, don’t miss the Lime Bay Winery Traditional Mead. The winery was founded more than 30 years ago in the sleepy green hills of East Devon, this estate is located outside Axminster, near the historic and medieval Shute estate. In this area of outstanding natural beauty, just a stone’s throw away from the Jurassic coast, Lyme Bay conserves the best of English wine and mead-making tradition. This traditional mead is crafted using a blend of fermented honey, water, and yeast, with no added fruits or spices, resulting in a smooth and richly flavoured drink that pays homage to ancient mead-making techniques. This one is a sweet, full-flavoured mead with rich, deep honey flavours and a moreish honeycomb finish. It makes for great accompaniment to strong cheeses and full-flavoured casseroles.