Mead is often associated with medieval and Viking culture, but it has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years as part of the craft beverage movement.
Are you tired of the same old beer and wine? Why not try your hand at making mead, the ancient alcoholic beverage made from honey?
Not only will you impress your friends with your newfound brewing skills, but you’ll also get to proclaim that you’re a “mead-maker proudly” – which, let’s be honest, sounds way cooler than “beer-brewer” or “wine-maker”.
So put on your Viking helmet, grab a jar of honey, and let’s get started on this sweet and boozy journey.
Mead or sometimes referred to as “honey wine,” is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey and water. It is believed to be one of the oldest alcoholic beverages known to humans, with evidence of its production dating back thousands of years and apparently described as “nectar of the gods” by ancient Greeks.
It is really as simple as honey and water, which is fermented with yeast to make Mead honey wine.
Making mead is a lot like making other alcoholic drinks. First, you mix water with honey and then yeast which eats up the sugars in the honey to make alcohol. After the first round of fermentation, you transfer the mead to a different container to clear it up even more. But don’t let the simple process fool you, like wine, mead can be super complicated!
Mead can have a wide range of flavours, depending on the type of honey and the flower pollen that the bees have consumed to produce it, which adds even more unique flavours. Plus, it can pack a punch with an alcohol content similar to wine.
Just like fancy wines, mead can also be aged for years, giving it even more depth and flavour.
Other ingredients can be added to add to the flavour, like fruits, spices, or grains. Some meads are still, while others are carbonated or even sparkling.
Here’s a beginners guide to making mead. A basic recipe, home brew equipment needed and method for making mead:
Mead Recipe Ingredients:
Mead Making Equipment:
Making Mead Instructions:
Enjoy drinking your homemade mead!
The fermentation process for mead typically takes 2-6 weeks, depending on the specific recipe and fermentation conditions. However, some meads may take longer to fully ferment and may require several months of ageing to develop their desired flavours and complexity.
The fermentation time can also vary depending on factors such as the yeast used, the temperature the mead is fermenting, and the initial sugar content of the mead.
It’s important to monitor the fermentation process carefully to ensure that it progresses smoothly and does not become stuck or contaminated.
The are a number of mead making books available to offer even more suggestions and additional botanicals that can be added to make even more unusual meads.
Mead-making might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Ancient brewers made it with simple equipment and ingredients, and you can too.
This book offers a step-by-step guide to making a delicious, easy-to-drink type of mead called quick mead. You’ll learn about the equipment needed, the ingredients (especially honey), and how to follow the recipe with photos.
This method of mead making is almost fool-proof and produces a sweet, inexpensive, and reliable mead that can be enjoyed immediately.
Braggots and Ale Meads: Brewing with Honey
Braggots and Ale Meads are drinks with a long and interesting history.
This book has easy-to-follow recipes that take inspiration from that ancient heritage to make tasty brews that are perfect for today. By using honey, malt extract, hops, fruits, and spices, the recipes in this book will add a new dimension to your home-brewing adventures.
Get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your friends and family with these unique and delicious drinks.
The Complete Guide to Making Mead: The Ingredients, Equipment, Processes, and Recipes for Crafting Honey Wine: Steve Piatz
Long ago, some people might have accidentally stumbled upon the drink we know as mead. Nowadays, making mead has evolved and it’s easier than ever to make it at home.
The Complete Guide to Making Mead is an awesome guide for anyone who wants to learn how to make mead, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
Author Steve Piatz gives a history of mead, explains the different types of mead and honey, and shares his expertise on yeast, equipment, and ingredients. He even teaches advanced techniques like clarifying, aging, and blending.
With over 100 photos, this guide is sure to inspire you with recipes for different types of mead, like honey only, honey and fruit, honey and spices, and honey and malt. Plus, if something goes wrong during the brewing process, Steve’s got your back with troubleshooting tips.
So, let’s raise a glass of mead and get brewing!
Attention mead lovers! Did you know mead was the drink of choice for Viking warriors and medieval kings? Well, now it’s making a comeback and you can brew your own at home!
This mead book will teach you everything you need to know about making mead and give you 43 amazing recipes to try out.
You’ll learn how to make different flavours of mead using fruits, grapes, spices, and apples.
Get ready to impress your friends and feel like a king or queen as you sip your homemade “nectar of the gods”!
The Joy of Brewing Cider, Mead, and Herbal Wine: How to Craft Seasonal Fast-Brew Favorites at Home.
Are you interested in home brewing but don’t know where to start? Look no further than this book!
Nancy Koziol breaks down the process into three easy-to-follow sections: mead, cider, and herbal wine. You’ll learn about the equipment and ingredients you need, and Nancy will guide you step-by-step through each part of the brewing process.
Plus, you’ll discover some interesting facts about sustainable farming, ethical consumption, and the science behind fermenting. So, let’s get brewing!
