Mead, also called honey wine, is making a big comeback. This ancient drink, made from honey, water, and yeast, is now a hot trend.
Craft mead is popping up in bars, restaurants, and stores. Why is everyone talking about it?
In this guide, we’ll explore the rise of craft mead and why it’s the new trendy drink. We’ll also share where to find it and how to enjoy it. Let’s dive in!
What Is Craft Mead?
Craft mead is mead made in small batches. It’s crafted with care, often using local honey and unique flavors. Unlike mass-produced drinks, craft mead focuses on quality and creativity. It can be sweet, dry, or flavored with fruits, spices, or herbs.
Mead has been around for thousands of years. Vikings, kings, and ancient cultures loved it. Today, craft mead brings that old-world charm with a modern twist. It’s like a mix of wine, beer, and history in a glass!
Why Craft Mead Is So Popular
Craft mead is everywhere right now. Here’s why it’s the new trendy drink
- Unique Taste: Honey gives mead a flavor you can’t find in beer or wine.
- Creative Flavors: From blueberry to vanilla, there’s a mead for everyone.
- Local Appeal: Many meaderies use nearby honey, supporting local bees.
- Cool History: Drinking mead feels like stepping into a medieval feast.
- Craft Trend: People love artisanal drinks, and mead fits right in.
I tried a lavender mead at a local bar last month. It was so good, I bought a bottle to share with friends!
The Craft Mead Boom: What’s Driving It?
Craft mead is growing fast. Here are the big reasons behind its rise
1. Love for Local Ingredients
People want drinks made with local, natural stuff. Craft mead often uses honey from nearby farms. This supports beekeepers and tastes amazing. For example, a meadery in Oregon might use wildflower honey for a floral taste.
2. Creative Flavors
Craft meaderies are like mad scientists. They mix in fruits, spices, or even coffee. Want a spicy chili mead? They’ve got it. This creativity draws in adventurous drinkers.
3. Craft Beverage Trend
Craft beer and artisanal cocktails are huge. Mead fits right into this trend. It’s handcrafted, unique, and perfect for people who love trying new things.
4. Social Media Buzz
Craft mead looks great on Instagram. Picture a golden mead in a rustic glass. Meaderies share cool photos, and fans post about their favorite bottles. This buzz spreads the word fast.
5. History and Storytelling
Mead has a rich past. It was sipped by Vikings and medieval kings. Craft meaderies lean into this history, making every bottle feel like a story. History buffs and curious drinkers love it.
How Craft Mead Stands Out
Craft mead isn’t like other drinks. Here’s what makes it special
- Small Batches: Made with care, not in huge factories.
- High-Quality Honey: Often raw or local for better flavor.
- Bold Experiments: Flavors like peach, oak, or even chocolate.
- Eco-Friendly: Many meaderies support sustainable beekeeping.
- Community Vibe: Meaderies often feel like local hangouts.
For example, I visited a meadery that used honey from their own beehives. The mead tasted fresh and full of character.
Top Craft Meads to Try
Want to jump on the craft mead trend? Here are five amazing meads to try. They’re flavorful, unique, and easy to find.
1. Batch Mead Orange Blossom Mead
Batch Mead, in California, makes this light, citrusy mead. It’s made with orange blossom honey for a floral, sunny taste.
- Why Try It: Perfect for summer sipping or pairing with salads.
- Price: $25–$35 per 750ml bottle.
- Where to Buy: batchmead.com or Drizly.
I brought this to a picnic. It was a hit with everyone!
2. Hidden Legend Spiced Metheglin
Hidden Legend, from Montana, crafts this warm, spiced mead. It has cinnamon and cloves, like a medieval mulled wine.
- Why Try It: Great for cozy nights or holiday parties.
- Price: $22–$30 per 750ml bottle.
- Where to Buy: hiddenlegendwinery.com or Total Wine.
This mead was perfect at my Thanksgiving dinner. It tasted like fall!
3. Rebel Hive Blackberry Melomel
Rebel Hive, in Pennsylvania, makes this fruity mead. It blends honey with blackberries for a sweet, tart flavor.
- Why Try It: Fun and colorful, great for dessert pairings.
- Price: $18–$25 per 750ml bottle.
- Where to Buy: rebelhivemeadery.com or local meaderies.
I served this at a book club. It paired so well with chocolate cake!
4. Zen Bee Session Mead
Zen Bee, from Ohio, creates this low-alcohol mead (6%). It’s light, crisp, and easy to drink, like a craft beer.
- Why Try It: Perfect for casual sipping or daytime events.
- Price: $15–$20 per 750ml bottle.
- Where to Buy: Local meaderies or zenbeemeadery.com.
I tried this at a meadery tasting. It was so refreshing!
5. Kinsale Wildflower Mead
Kinsale, from Ireland, makes this floral mead. It’s dry and honey-forward, with a touch of wildflower sweetness.
- Why Try It: Elegant and great for wine lovers.
- Price: $20–$30 per 500ml bottle.
- Where to Buy:http://eshop.medovinarna.com or specialty stores.
This mead was a star at my friend’s dinner party. It felt so fancy!
Where to Find Craft Mead
Ready to try craft mead? Here’s where to look
- Meaderies: Visit local meaderies for fresh bottles and tastings. Search “meadery near me.”
- Online Stores: Total Wine, Drizly, or Medovinarna ship to many places.
- Meadery Websites: Buy directly from Batch Mead, Hidden Legend, or Rebel Hive.
- Bars and Restaurants: Many craft bars now serve mead on tap or by the bottle.
- Farmers’ Markets: Some meaderies sell at local markets.
I found Zen Bee Mead at a nearby meadery. Total Wine had Hidden Legend in stock too!
How to Enjoy Craft Mead
Got your mead? Here’s how to make the most of it
- Serve It Right: Chill fruity or dry meads. Serve spiced meads at room temp or slightly warm.
- Pair with Food: Sweet meads go with desserts. Dry meads match cheese or grilled meats.
- Try Cocktails: Mix mead with soda or fruit juice for a fun drink.
- Share the Story: Tell friends about the mead’s flavors or history.
- Store Well: Keep bottles in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening.
I love sipping a chilled blackberry mead with spicy tacos. The sweetness balances the heat!
Tips for Jumping on the Craft Mead Trend
Want to join the craft mead craze? Try these tips
- Start Simple: Try a classic honey mead to get a feel for it.
- Visit Meaderies: Tastings help you find flavors you love.
- Read Reviews: Check Total Wine or Drizly for top-rated meads.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try bold flavors like chili or oak-aged.
- Share on Social: Post your mead adventures online to connect with other fans.
For example, I visited a meadery and tried five flavors. I found my favorite—a peach melomel!
Why Craft Mead Is Here to Stay
Craft mead isn’t just a fad. It’s growing because people love local, creative drinks. Meaderies are opening everywhere, from small towns to big cities. Bars are adding mead to their menus. Plus, mead’s history gives it a timeless appeal.
I’ve noticed more friends asking about mead at parties. It’s becoming as popular as craft beer!
Final Thoughts
Craft mead is the new trendy drink for a reason. Its unique honey flavor, creative twists, and rich history make it a hit. From Batch Mead’s citrusy sip to Hidden Legend’s spiced warmth, there’s a craft mead for everyone. You can find it at meaderies, online, or even local bars. Serve it with food, share it with friends, and enjoy the buzz.
Ready to try the craft mead trend? Grab a bottle and taste the magic of honey wine. Cheers!
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