- baka_san via flickr
Mead, also known as "honey wine", is said to be mankind's first alcoholic beverage as its production dates back to the time of the Vikings. Made from fermented honey, water and yeast or grain mash, it typically can be found with an ABV of 8-18%, but can also be distilled to a brandy or liqueur strength. Like wine, it can be found in dry, sweet and semi-sweet versions, and be still, carbonated or sparkling.
Mead is sometimes given the addition of fruit, spices or hops to create an array of flavors. There are a multitude of varieties and styles of mead made all over the world, but the basics are as follows:
This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 5, 2011.