The fragrant alcoholic drink mead is currently experiencing a revival in the market due to the popularity of historical dramas such as Game of Thrones, Robin Hood and, most recently, Wolf Hall. It seems the modern generation of adventurous drinkers are keen to follow in the footsteps of their favourite fictional characters, even Harry Potter is a mead drinker!
‘Nectar of Gods’
This oldest known alcoholic drink described by the Greeks as the ‘Nectar of Gods’ is made from fermented honey and water. Its subtly sweet aroma and flavour have been modernised since its first production and can now be enhanced through the addition of fruit and spices.
Photo: Getty
Honey for honeymooners
Mead’s long history dates back to the Babylonian times and throughout medieval Britain, when water was not always seen as the safest option. Mead also has a long association with marriage and fertility and was traditionally the drink given to the newlyweds to last the month after marriage. In fact, it’s believed the term ‘honeymoon’ stems from this association.
The US has recorded an explosion of 130 per cent in the mead market between 2012- 2013. Tom Gosnell is leading the way in the UK, opening London’s first meadery, which is now supplying well known sights including The Globe and Tate Modern. The Cornish Mead Company – following a packaging redesign and reassessment of its new younger audience – has also reported an increase in sales and can now be found in supermarkets nationwide.
Photo: Getty
The diversity of mead is one of its most appealing traits and the drink is also used as an ingredient in restaurant sauces and cocktails. The increase in the hobby of home-brewing and the growing popularity of bee-keeping can also be said to be influencing the reappearance of this once forgotten drink.
Eco credentials
In comparison to its better known alcoholic counterparts, mead is an environmentally friendly beverage. It requires hardly any land for cultivation and is a sustainable form of protection for endangered honey-bees, who are vital for our agriculture and food production.
Lyme Bay winery in Lyme Regis, Dorset is known for its award-winning mead, and has seen it become their bestselling country wine over the last three years. They recommend accompanying the flavoursome drink with strong cheeses and serving at room temperature to really appreciate its sweet undertones.
Words by Kathryn McConnell
The fragrant alcoholic drink mead is currently experiencing a revival in the market due to the popularity of historical dramas such as Game of Thrones, Robin Hood and, most recently, Wolf Hall. It seems the modern generation of adventurous drinkers are keen to follow in the footsteps of their favourite fictional characters, even Harry Potter is a mead drinker!
‘Nectar of Gods’
This oldest known alcoholic drink described by the Greeks as the ‘Nectar of Gods’ is made from fermented honey and water. Its subtly sweet aroma and flavour have been modernised since its first production and can now be enhanced through the addition of fruit and spices.
Photo: Getty
Honey for honeymooners
Mead’s long history dates back to the Babylonian times and throughout medieval Britain, when water was not always seen as the safest option. Mead also has a long association with marriage and fertility and was traditionally the drink given to the newlyweds to last the month after marriage. In fact, it’s believed the term ‘honeymoon’ stems from this association.
The US has recorded an explosion of 130 per cent in the mead market between 2012- 2013. Tom Gosnell is leading the way in the UK, opening London’s first meadery, which is now supplying well known sights including The Globe and Tate Modern. The Cornish Mead Company – following a packaging redesign and reassessment of its new younger audience – has also reported an increase in sales and can now be found in supermarkets nationwide.
Photo: Getty
The diversity of mead is one of its most appealing traits and the drink is also used as an ingredient in restaurant sauces and cocktails. The increase in the hobby of home-brewing and the growing popularity of bee-keeping can also be said to be influencing the reappearance of this once forgotten drink.
Eco credentials
In comparison to its better known alcoholic counterparts, mead is an environmentally friendly beverage. It requires hardly any land for cultivation and is a sustainable form of protection for endangered honey-bees, who are vital for our agriculture and food production.
Lyme Bay winery in Lyme Regis, Dorset is known for its award-winning mead, and has seen it become their bestselling country wine over the last three years. They recommend accompanying the flavoursome drink with strong cheeses and serving at room temperature to really appreciate its sweet undertones.
Words by Kathryn McConnell
