What is Mead?

Simply put, mead is an alcoholic beverage fermented primarily from the sugars found in honey. It is not just a drink, however. It is a vibrant piece of human history.

Believed to be the oldest known alcoholic beverage, its roots trace back to roughly 7000 BCE. Mead has been celebrated by great civilizations across the globe, from ancient Ethiopian brewing traditions to early Chinese settlements. The ancient Greeks revered it as "ambrosia," the legendary nectar of the gods believed to grant immortality. In Northern Europe, Nordic Vikings considered it the drink of warriors. It fueled their legendary voyages and was said to flow freely in the great halls of Valhalla. Mead even gave us the word "honeymoon," born from an ancient tradition where newlyweds were gifted a moon cycle's worth of the honey wine to ensure happiness and fertility.

A Modern Renaissance

While meads have traditionally been brewed in the heavy, sweet style of a dessert wine, we are looking forward. We are crafting the future of mead.

A recent craft revolution has given rise to session meads. These are closer in style to dry sparkling wines, crisp ciders, and refreshing beers. By fermenting the honey completely, we create a carbonated, lower-alcohol beverage with zero residual sugar. The result is a highly quaffable and refreshing drink that is perfect for a warm summer day and pairs effortlessly with any meal.

Pure Ingredients, Better Health

Mead is celebrated for its clean profile and beneficial qualities. It is naturally gluten-free and retains the phytonutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants from the honey used to create it. Session meads are exceptionally low in carbohydrates, and Hiveworks Mead proudly boasts a zero sugar content, making it an ideal choice for anyone watching their carbs.

Historically known for reducing stress, promoting digestion, and even aiding in healing, our modern take keeps things brilliantly simple. We use only natural ingredients: water, honey, yeast, and fresh fruits, hops, herbs, and spices for flavor. Unlike many commercial wines, our meads are entirely free of sulfites.

A Champion for the Planet

Finally, mead is one of the most environmentally friendly alcoholic beverages on earth. Honey bees are kept primarily as crop pollinators and are responsible for pollinating over 70% of the food we eat. The honey used in our mead is simply a natural byproduct of this essential agricultural system.

Because of this, mead has a remarkably low carbon and water footprint when compared to other alcoholic beverages. In fact, mead uses roughly 1/600th of the water needed to produce beer or wine. Hiveworks is deeply committed to the health of the planet, the welfare of honey bees, and the protection of native pollinators. Every glass you pour supports a vital keystone of our local flora and fauna.