Commercial Meads

**JoshuaWhite5522** · 08-01-2010, 02:45 PM

So I want to try my hand at some meads, melomels, and metheglins. However, I have never tried a mead before. The project intrigues me and my intrest is solely based on trying something new. What are some comercial examples I can try to see if I actually like the beverage? After all whats the point of investing the time, money, and fermenter spaceif I'm not going to like the end result from the get go. I'd like to hear about meads that range in quality. Some really good, some middle of the road, and some bad. I'm not so foolish as to think my first batch will recieve a first prize ribbon. This way I know what to expect and what to shoot for.

karmabrew · 08-01-2010, 03:01 PM

I'm very interested as well to see if there's any good commercial meads out there..I wanna try to make a mead some day but I want to know if I like it first!

**JoshuaWhite5522** · 08-01-2010, 03:08 PM

I know widimer brothers makes a braggot, never tried it. They do make some tastey brew though

MeadWitch · 08-01-2010, 03:20 PM

Josh, I have never tried any commerical meads. I now that they are out there but I haven't heard or read many good reviews on commerical meads. I suggest going to a mega-store such as Specs and talk to the buyers or staff. The larger the store the more apt they are to cater to such things off of the beaten track.

Do you have a LHBS (local home brew store)? You could ask if they have a mead brew club locally. Perhaps googling it might get you some info for your area. Where there are mazers, there are people willing to share their wares.

Good luck!

**Pappers_** · 08-01-2010, 03:33 PM

Hi Josh. I'm not a mead expert, but enjoy it very much. I'm fortunate to have a good meadery near me, only a ten minute drive. Its called Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery and their website is at http://www.wildblossomwines.com/

I also remember hearing a Basic Brewing podcast with the mead-maker at Red Stone Meadery in Colorado - I've had one of their meads and it was good, although I don't remember any details, like what style of mead it was, etc. In any case, Red Stone's web site is at http://redstonemeadery.com/ and the podcast is at http://www.basicbrewing.com/index.php?page=basic-brewing-radio-2007

**JoshuaWhite5522** · 08-01-2010, 03:34 PM

I've seen comercial one around, and now I'm kicking myself for not picking one up. Trader Joe's, and Specaility beer and wine store has had them. Just wondering if anyone here has some favorites.

**JoshuaWhite5522** · 08-01-2010, 03:37 PM

Pappers, thanks I'll look into those. Even if I end up not liking their meads. I might still give it a go and see if I can tweek into something I do like. At any rate as long as I learn something or pick up a trick or two, it's a worth while endevor

northman · 08-01-2010, 03:40 PM

not sure the availability of these meads in your area, but White Winter (Iron river Wis.), Winehaven (Chisago city,MN) and Hometown Cellars (Ithica, MI)

I do drink Chaucers Mead from time to time while not the best it is ok for a commercial mead.

I have to look for the empty's but there are some commercial meads I've tasted that are horrible.

**GTG** · 08-01-2010, 03:54 PM

Redstone makes a great blackberry mead that's slightly carbonated that I have liked. Getting something carbonated in your finished product might be tough on the first few go arounds. For a plain show mead, I really like Rabbit's Fott Meadery's product. I understand that Chaucer's is not a good one to try from what I've read here and from what I've seen on their labels.
it seems some of theirs is a wine with honey wine added. You may also check with your local LHBS as stated above. See if someone might trade you a bottle of their plain mead to get a try on.

GTG

**JoshuaWhite5522** · 08-01-2010, 04:50 PM

While I haven't seen White Winter or Winehave,, I have seen Chaucers. I may give it try, since my first few meads might not be all that great until I get the process dialed in