10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mead

Mead, the "nectar of the gods," has been enjoyed by cultures across the globe for thousands of years, but it remains an enigma to many modern-day drinkers. If you're curious about this ancient drink, let’s explore some fascinating facts about mead that might surprise you.

1. Mead is One of the Oldest Alcoholic Beverages in History

While beer and wine get most of the historical spotlight, mead actually predates both. Archaeological evidence suggests that mead was consumed as far back as 7,000 BC in Northern China. It’s believed that honey, water, and natural yeast combined accidentally, resulting in the first fermentation process—giving us the world's first alcoholic drink.

2. It's Made From Honey, But It’s Not Always Sweet

The defining ingredient of mead is honey, but not all meads are sweet. Mead can range from bone dry to intensely sweet, depending on the type of honey used, the fermentation process, and whether or not additional sugars are added. There are also varieties of mead flavored with fruits, spices, herbs, or even hops, adding a range of complex flavors.

3. Mead Comes in a Variety of Styles

The word "mead" encompasses a wide range of styles, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the main types include:


	
Melomel: Mead made with fruit.
	
Metheglin: Mead infused with spices and herbs.
	
Cyser: A combination of mead and apple cider.
	
Pyment: A mix of mead and grape juice, akin to a wine-mead hybrid. These variations show the versatility of mead and its ability to adapt to different flavor profiles.


4. It Was Once a Wedding Tradition

The term "honeymoon" has its origins in mead. In ancient times, it was customary for newlyweds to drink mead for a full moon cycle following their wedding. It was believed that consuming mead would promote fertility and happiness. This tradition gave rise to the word “honeymoon,” with "honey" symbolizing the drink and "moon" representing the time span.

5. Mead is Popular in Mythology and Folklore

Mead has a special place in mythology, especially in Norse and Celtic cultures. The Vikings referred to mead as "the drink of the gods," and it was believed to provide wisdom and poetic inspiration. In Celtic mythology, mead was linked to the Otherworld and was thought to have magical properties that could bestow immortality.

6. It Was Used Medicinally in the Past

Throughout history, mead was often considered a health tonic. The ancient Greeks believed it to be an elixir of youth, while medieval Europeans used it as a remedy for various ailments. The antibacterial properties of honey combined with medicinal herbs made it an early form of medicine. Some modern meaderies are experimenting with similar herbal concoctions today.

7. Mead Can Be Carbonated or Still

Like beer or wine, mead can be produced in both still and sparkling varieties. Some meaderies create meads with a slight fizz by using natural fermentation methods or carbon dioxide injection, which results in a sparkling, champagne-like mead. This versatility makes mead a fun choice for different occasions, from casual gatherings to celebrations.

8. It’s Produced All Over the World

While mead has ancient roots in many cultures, it’s currently produced in diverse places around the world. Mead is particularly popular in Ethiopia, where it’s known as "tej," and is enjoyed during special occasions. Today, meaderies are popping up across Europe, North America, and beyond, making the beverage accessible to a growing global audience.

9. It’s a Favorite Among Homebrewers

Mead is relatively simple to make, which makes it a favorite among homebrewers. The ingredients—honey, water, and yeast—are easily accessible, and the process doesn’t require as much equipment as beer brewing. This ease of production has helped revive mead's popularity, leading to a renaissance of small-batch, craft meaderies.

10. There’s a Mead for Every Season

Just like beer and wine, mead has seasonal varieties. Light, floral meads are perfect for spring, while fruit-infused melomels are ideal for summer. Rich, spiced metheglins pair wonderfully with fall, and stronger, sweeter dessert meads are perfect for winter. Mead’s versatility ensures there’s always a version of it to enjoy, no matter the time of year.

Final Thoughts

Mead is a beverage rich in history, culture, and flavor. With its incredible diversity and deep connection to human heritage, it offers something for everyone—whether you enjoy a dry, sparkling drink or a sweet, syrupy dessert mead. If you haven’t tried mead yet, now’s the perfect time to discover what has captivated drinkers for millennia. Whether you’re raising a glass to celebrate a special occasion or simply exploring something new, mead promises a unique and rewarding experience.