Today, we’re venturing into something a bit different for your holiday sipping: Mead. Also known as “honey wine,” mead is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world, made by fermenting honey. Dating back over 4,000 years, it was enjoyed by ancient civilizations across Asia, Europe, and Africa..
While most of us associate mead with the medieval period—and of course, Vikings—its popularity is experiencing a major comeback. If you’re into role-playing or medieval festivals, you’ll spot it at every event celebrating these old-world traditions. But don’t let that fool you: mead is a wonderful addition to your holiday beverage lineup, whether enjoyed on its own or in festive cocktails.
Often called a “kissing cousin to beer,” mead shares a brewing process with beer, but its sweet, floral taste comes from honey. Depending on the honey used and the recipe, mead can range from floral to spicy, savory, or even herbal. Whether served chilled or warm, it’s a drink that truly lets the ingredients shine.
Typically pale yellow in colour, mead’s ABV can vary from 7% to 41%, depending on the style. It’s available in sweet, semi-sweet, or dry varieties, offering plenty of options for your palate.
During my recent visit to the local Christmas market, I came across Honeymoon Mead by
This mead, crafted from raw, local honey harvested from the family’s own bee hives, is aged for six months in whiskey barrels. At 17% ABV, it’s an off-dry delight with a beautiful pale gold hue. The nose is a wonderful blend of oak and walnuts, and the taste offers a creamy, nutty richness, with lingering notes of hazelnut and honey.
I’ve been pairing it with a charcuterie board of spicy meats and tangy cheeses—truly a match made in heaven!
Planet Bee Honey Farm also brews a Winter Spice Mead, perfect for the holiday season. A bronze medal winner, this mead can be enjoyed hot or cold, much like mulled cider. Spiced with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and allspice, it’s the sweeter, spicier version of the “Ode to Odin,” minus the oak. At 15% ABV, it’s available in a 375ml bottle, but be quick—it’s a limited-time offering!
With bold notes of honey, fig, baking spices, and dried apricot, the Winter Spice Mead finishes with lingering hints of nutmeg, clove, and allspice—perfect for cozy winter nights.
So, if you’re feeling nostalgic for the “old world” or want to try something new this holiday season, head over to Planet Bee’s website. They offer much more than mead, including—you guessed it—honey!
Let’s get the buzz!
