Mead is an alcoholic beverage that is made by fermenting honey with water, and sometimes with the addition of fruits, spices, grains, or hops. It is one of the oldest known alcoholic beverages, with a history dating back thousands of years.
The process of making mead involves mixing honey with water and adding yeast to initiate fermentation. The yeast eats the sugars in the honey, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The fermentation process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the desired flavor and strength of the mead.
Mead can vary in taste and appearance, depending on the ingredients used and the fermentation process. It can range from dry to sweet, and can have flavors that range from floral and fruity to spicy and herbal. The alcohol content of mead can also vary, typically ranging from 8% to 20% ABV (alcohol by volume). These offerings featured around 12%.
I reached out via email to Sap House Meadery. Matt Trahan one of the owners and founders responded to my questions. Matt and his cousin, Ash Fischbein both own and founded Sap House Meadery.
Answers and more about mead below..
bbb: How much honey does it take to make a 375ml bottle?
MT: The honey amount ranges but around 1/2 lb per bottle.
bbb: How much honey does it take to make a barrel of mead?
MT: To make a 50 gallon barrel would be about 180 lbs of honey.
bbb: Where do you get your barrels and what kind of wood are they?
MT: We get barrels from either Cathedral Ledge Distilling in North Conway or a barrel broker for the more exotic stuff like mezcal/brandy barrels. Generally American oak.
bbb: Where do you source your honey?
MT: We have a couple hives but our honey for production comes from a variety of apiaries in New England and beyond when they are out.
bbb: Do you ship to California?
MT: We sure do ship to CA!
***They also ship to other states too per their website. I needed some in California. Photo shoot and more tastes, duh!
Mead can be enjoyed on its own, served chilled or at room temperature, or it can be used as an ingredient in cocktails or mixed with other beverages. It is often served in a glass similar to a wine glass or a goblet. We (my sister and I), on this day, chose shot glasses. You had to be there.
Mead is a unique and versatile alcoholic beverage that offers a wide range of flavors and styles, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore different types of drinks.
I was first introduced to mead attending and online class on the EdX platform during quarantine. HarvardX offers Food & Fermentation course and a Cooking & Science course. I highly recommend upgrading to the certification program as you gain access to more information and receive a certificate for your efforts in the end and I suppose some bragging rights. Links below.
Where to buy the mead?
Where to buy stemware corkscrews and stuffs?
Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront
**i may receive some commissions for eligible purchases
Where to get information about the HarvardX course?