What is Mead? A Comprehensive Guide to the Charms of "Honey Wine," the World's Oldest Alcoholic Beverage

Even if you've heard the name "mead," many people might not know what kind of alcohol it actually is.

Mead is a brewed alcoholic beverage made from honey, and it is also known as "the oldest alcoholic beverage known to humankind," with a history older than wine or beer.

In this article, we will tell you all about the charms of mead from the perspective of the brewing現場, including its history, how it's made, its calories, and recommended ways to drink it and food pairings.

What is Mead?

Mead is a brewed alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey, water, and yeast.

In Japanese, it is also called "honey wine."

It typically has an alcohol content of about 8-18%, and its taste is similar to wine.

Under Japanese liquor tax law, it is classified as "other brewed alcoholic beverages," and a special brewing license is required for its production.

Our brewery has also obtained this license and carefully brews each bottle of mead.

Mead comes in a wide variety of styles, from sweet to dry, and sparkling, with many options also including fruits, herbs, and spices.

Main Types of Mead

• Traditional Mead: A traditional style made only with honey, water, and yeast
• Melomel: Fruity mead with added fruits
• Metheglin: Mead with added herbs and spices
• Cyser: Mead with added apple juice
• Braggot: Mead with added malt
• Pyment: Mead with added grape juice

Is Mead the "Oldest Alcoholic Beverage"? Its Origin and History

Mead is often called "the oldest alcoholic beverage known to humankind."

The basis for this claim is the detection of fermented beverage components derived from honey at the Jiahu (賈湖) site in China, dating back to approximately 7000 BCE.

While beer dates back about 6,000 years and wine about 8,000 years, mead has a history that is among the oldest, not inferior to either.

How Mead Came to Be

Regarding the origin of mead, the spontaneous generation theory is the most plausible.

It is believed that mead originated when rainwater collected in a beehive formed inside a fallen tree, underwent natural fermentation by wild yeast in the air, and was then accidentally consumed by humans.

Afterward, mead was widely enjoyed in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and it is said that the Vikings in Northern Europe drank mead as a celebratory toast after victories.

In Norse mythology, it appears as "the drink of the gods" and "the poets' mead," and was treated as a sacred beverage.

In medieval Europe, monasteries became centers for mead production, and medicinal mead with added herbs was also widely brewed.

Is "Honeymoon" Derived from Mead?

There is a theory that the word "honeymoon," meaning a wedding trip, is derived from mead.

In ancient Europe, there was a custom for newlyweds to drink mead for a month after their wedding to be blessed with children, and it is said that "Honey (Honey) Moon (Moon)" became the origin of the word. Mead is an alcoholic beverage rich in history and romance.

How to Make Mead

The production method of mead, at first glance, resembles that of wine, but the ingredients are fundamentally different. Here's a basic overview of how we make it at our brewery.

Basic Brewing Process

1. Preparation: Honey and water are mixed in a ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 to create a pre-fermentation liquid called "must."
2. Yeast Pitching: Yeast suitable for the purpose is added. The type of yeast used greatly influences the aroma and flavor.
3. Primary Fermentation: Over 1 to 3 weeks, the yeast converts the honey's sugars into alcohol.
4. Secondary Fermentation and Aging: The mead is slowly aged for several months to several years to deepen its flavor.
5. Bottling: The finished mead is bottled and ready.

The flavor of mead changes dramatically depending on the type of honey used.

Acacia, Chinese milk vetch, chestnut, orange blossom, buckwheat – the individuality of the honey used directly becomes the individuality of the mead, which is the greatest appeal of this beverage.

How Many Calories Are in Mead?

For those who are health-conscious, the calories in alcohol are a concern. Mead typically contains approximately 100-150 kcal per 100ml.

Because residual sugar from honey remains, it is slightly higher in calories compared to wine and beer. However, dry meads have significantly lower calories as the sugar is thoroughly consumed during fermentation.

If you are concerned about sugar content, be sure to choose a dry type.

Recommended Ways to Drink Mead

Mead is a drink that shows completely different facets just by changing the temperature or how it is mixed.

Straight (Chilled to Room Temperature)

Lightly chilling it to around 10-15°C brings out the delicate aroma of honey most effectively.

Pouring it into a wine glass allows you to fully enjoy the rising aroma.

On the Rocks

With ice, it becomes crisp and refreshing, perfect for summer enjoyment. This is especially recommended for meads with a higher alcohol content.

Hot Mead

Warming it to 40-50°C creates a perfect warm drink for the cold season.

Adding a cinnamon stick, cloves, or orange peel completes an authentic "hot mead," cherished in Northern Europe.

It's ideal for a long winter evening.

As a Cocktail Base

Mixing it with ginger ale, tonic water, or sparkling water quickly transforms it into a light aperitif. Squeezing in lemon further enhances its fresh flavor.

Food Pairings that Go Perfectly with Mead

Mead pairs exceptionally well with food. Here are some recommended pairings by type.

Sweet Mead × Food

• Blue Cheese / Gorgonzola: An exquisite harmony of saltiness and sweetness
• Foie Gras / Pâté: Gently envelops rich flavors
• Nuts / Dried Fruits: Perfect for aperitifs or digestifs
• Chocolate / Tart: A classic dessert pairing

Dry Mead × Food

• Grilled Chicken or Pork: The honey flavor enhances the meat's umami
• Sautéed White Fish: A synergistic effect of delicate flavors
• Japanese Cuisine (Teriyaki, Sukiyaki, Kabayaki): Soy sauce and honey have excellent affinity
• Prosciutto / Salami: The saltiness is gently mellowed

Spiced Mead × Food

• Curry / Ethnic Cuisine: Spices resonate with each other
• Tagine / Moroccan Cuisine: Exotic pairings
• Game Meat: Spices round out the wild flavors

Summary: Why not try "the Drink of the Gods" with its ancient history?

Mead is a romantic drink, said to be the first alcoholic beverage discovered by humankind.

The gentle sweetness of honey, its profound aroma, and the rich aftertaste that spreads with every sip. As you raise your glass, you can ponder the long stream of history that stretches back to ancient times.

At our brewery, under the license for "other brewed alcoholic beverages," we lovingly produce authentic mead using carefully selected honey.

Please experience the world's oldest alcoholic beverage, "mead," for yourself. You'll surely discover a new joy in your evening drinks.