History of Mead

Mead, also known as honey wine, is considered one of the oldest fermented drinks in human history, dating as far back as 20,000-40,000 years. Some believe it originated in Africa, where early people may have accidentally fermented honey when bees built hives in hollowed-out trees and it rained. The honey and water would mix, become stagnant, and natural yeast would introduce itself, creating a basic alcohol or mead. Archaeological evidence suggests that mead was consumed in China and Ethiopia as early as 7000 BCE.

In ancient civilizations like Greece and Egypt, mead was seen as a symbol of divine blessings and prosperity. The Celts believed in rivers of mead in the afterlife, and the ancient Indian Rig-Veda also mentions it.

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Types of Mead

Acerglyn

Made with maple syrup in addition to honey, providing rich, sweet flavors.

Bochet

Mead made by caramelizing the honey before fermentation, imparting rich, toasty flavors.

Braggot

A blend of mead and beer, often including malted barley.

Capsicumel

Mead infused with chili peppers, adding a spicy kick to the traditional honey profile.

Coffeemel

Mead with the addition of coffee. Cold Brewed Coffee is a great option here as it has a lower acidity.

Cyser

A type of melomel made with apples or apple juice, blending mead with cider.

Hippocras

A pyment variant spiced with herbs and spices, similar to mulled wine.

Hydromel

A low-alcohol mead, often lighter and more refreshing.

Melomel

Mead that includes fruit. Common fruits include berries, apples, and stone fruits.

Metheglin

Mead infused with spices or herbs, such as cinnamon, ginger, or cloves.

Morat

A melomel made specifically with mulberries, resulting in deep, rich berry flavors.

Omphacomel

Made with verjuice (the juice of unripe grapes), yielding a tart and tangy flavor profile.

Oxymel

The added dimension here is vinegar. Interestingly enough, this mead can also serve as the base liquid for a medicinal herb creation.

Pyment

Made with grapes or grape juice, combining mead with wine.

Rhodomel

Mead made with roses or rose petals, often floral and aromatic.

Sack Mead

A stronger, sweeter mead with higher honey content, often aged for longer periods.

Tej

A traditional Ethiopian mead made with honey and a special herb called “gesho,” similar to hops.

Traditional Mead

Made with just honey, water, and yeast. The simplest form of mead.