Why Mead Deserves a Spot in Your Beverage Line-Up

MEAD has been charming taste buds across Australia and the world for centuries. This ancient beverage, made by fermenting honey with water, boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years. From its early Nordic origins to its recent resurgence, mead is celebrated for its unique flavours, versatility, and cultural significance.

If you’re curious about mead, you’re not alone. This guide delves into the 11 most commonly asked questions about mead, explores its appeal, and even shares a recipe so you can try brewing your own.

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1. What is Mead?

Mead is a fermented beverage created by mixing honey, water, and yeast. Often referred to as “honey wine,” it can range from dry to sweet and still to sparkling. Its simplicity allows for endless variations, including the addition of fruits, spices, and herbs.

2. Where Does Mead Come From?

Mead’s origins trace back over 5,000 years to ancient Nordic cultures. Revered as the “nectar of the gods,” it symbolised life, courage, and wisdom. The tradition of the “honeymoon” stems from newlyweds drinking mead for a month to promote fertility and happiness.

3. Why is Mead Popular Again?

Mead’s renaissance is fuelled by artisanal meaderies, a growing interest in craft beverages, and its appeal as a naturally gluten-free option. It’s also a hit at food and wine festivals, including Queensland’s Relish Food & Wine Festival in Maryborough, where Amrita Park Meadery from Pomona showcased its creations.

4. What Are the Health Benefits of Mead?

While scientific research on mead is limited, it’s often praised for its potential benefits:

• Antioxidants: Linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases.
• Probiotics: Beneficial for gut health due to fermentation.
• Nutrients: Contains vitamins B6 and B12, along with iron, potassium, and magnesium.
• Gluten-Free: A great choice for those with sensitivities.

5. What Types of Mead Are Available?

Mead comes in many styles:

• Traditional Mead: Honey, water, and yeast.
• Melomel: Mead made with fruit.
• Metheglin: Mead infused with spices or herbs.
• Sparkling Mead: Carbonated for a bubbly twist.

Australian meaderies experiment with native bush honey and unique ingredients like citrus, coffee, and chocolate.

6. How is Mead Made?

Mead-making involves fermenting honey, water, and yeast. Variations arise from adjusting the honey-to-water ratio and adding fruits or spices. The mixture ferments for weeks or months before ageing in bottles. You can even try making mead at home—see the recipe below.

7. How Do You Serve and Store Mead?

Mead should be stored like wine: in a cool, dark place. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. It’s perfect on its own or as a mixer in cocktails.

8. Can You Make Mead at Home?

Midus is a type of Lithuanian mead, an alcoholic beverage made of grain, honey and water. The Balts have been making mead for thousands of years.

Yes! Making mead is simple and rewarding. Here’s a basic recipe:

Basic Mead Recipe (1-Litre Batch)

Ingredients:

• 350 g raw honey
• 700 ml water
• 1/4 tsp dry yeast

Method:

1. Mix the honey and water in a clean, sterilised jar until fully dissolved.
2. Add the yeast and stir gently.
3. Cover the jar with a breathable cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
4. Store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for 2–4 weeks.
5. Once fermentation slows, transfer to an airtight container and age for another 1–2 months.
6. Enjoy your homemade mead!

9. What Foods Pair Well with Mead?

Mead’s versatility makes it a great match for various dishes:

• Dry Mead: Complements savoury foods like steak or roast vegetables.
• Sweet Mead: Pairs beautifully with desserts or cheese.
• Spiced Mead: Enhances the flavours of curries or spiced dishes.

Experiment to discover your favourite pairings.

*In Australia, making mead at home for personal use is legal, but there are regulations you need to be aware of. Homebrewers are allowed to make alcohol for personal consumption without a licence, as long as it’s not for sale. However, if you plan to produce large quantities or distribute it, you’ll need to comply with specific laws, including obtaining the proper permits. More information is below.

10. Where Can You Buy Mead in Australia?

Australia boasts an array of excellent meaderies. Here are some to explore:

• Queensland: Amrita Park Meadery
• New South Wales: Wins Creek Meadery
• Victoria: Bearded Bee Meadery
• Tasmania: Hartzview Vineyard
• South Australia: Thistle Meadery
• Western Australia: Bartholomews Meadery
• Online: Honey Wine Australia
• For more Australian meaderies, visit Mead World

To book accommodation, visit OAKS HOTELS

Explore the World of Mead

Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to this ancient beverage, mead offers something for everyone. Visit a local meadery, try a new flavour, or brew your own to join the growing community celebrating this timeless drink. Just mind the kilojoules (calories) if you’re watching your weight. Cheers!

Ginger & Lime Melomel from Amrita Park Meadery.

Homebrewing Laws in Australia

*For information on the laws surrounding homebrewing in Australia, here are some reliable sources you can check out:

1. Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – The ATO provides detailed information on alcohol excise, the quantity of alcohol that can be brewed for personal use, and the legal requirements for homebrewers. You can find information on excise duty and homebrew rules on their website: www.ato.gov.au

2. State and Territory Liquor Licensing Authorities – Each state or territory has its own liquor licensing body that regulates alcohol production, including homebrewing. You can find regulations specific to your region on their websites:

   • New South Wales: Liquor & Gaming NSW
   • Victoria: Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation
   • Queensland: Liquor Licensing – Queensland Government
   • South Australia: Liquor & Gambling Commissioner
   • Western Australia: Liquor Control – Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries
   • Tasmania: Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission
   • Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra – Liquor Licensing
   • Northern Territory: Northern Territory Government – Liquor Commission

3. Homebrewing Associations – National or state-based homebrew associations, such as the Australian National Homebrewers Conference (ANHC) and Brewer’s Guild of Australia, often provide resources, guidance, and updates on relevant laws and best practices. The Australian Brewers Association also offers information for both hobbyists and professionals.

4. Australian Government – Comlaw – For the full text of relevant laws, including excise duty and other alcohol-related regulations, you can visit the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au.

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About the Author

Jocelyn Watts is a writer, photographer and editor of Jocelyn Magazine. Based on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, she explores food not just as nourishment, but as memory, culture and connection.