Top Picks for Melomel

Dusty garnet color. Aromas of ripe cherry, red cassis, hints of milk chocolate, and buttery pound cake with a velvety, crisp, fruity sweet medium body and a graceful, engaging, medium-length violet and pepper finish. An exuberant, Beaujolais-like Melomel to pair with meats and cheeses.

Yellow straw color. Fruity, spicy, artificial aromas and flavors of baked peach, orange blossoms, ginger ale, and wintergreen with a soft, bright, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-long finish imparting nuances of spiced apple and pear, quince, floral honey on plantain, and lemon curd finish. A pure and flavorful, aperitif-style mead with a nice balance of delicate orange and traditional mead flavors.

Garnet color. Aroma and flavors of bing cherry with a velvety, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of cola, black tea with cream, mint, and cacao nib finish. A pinot noir lover’s mead with elegant cherry notes, memorable texture, and delicate earthiness.

Straw green color. Aromas and flavors of blueberry and peach cobblers and cinnamon-ginger gelato with a supple, soft, fruity sweet medium body and an intricate, medium-long finish displaying notes of lemon hibiscus whole herb tea and pink peppercorn. A very pleasant and peachy Mead with nicely balanced sweetness and herbal notes.

Awards: 2021 Best Mead

Ruby color. Aromas and flavors of watermelon cooler, raspberry, and graphite with a supple, crisp, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a sleek, brisk finish revealing notes of strawberry sorbet finish. A fruity, spritzy Melomel.

Pale coral salmon color. Aromas of lemon sorbet, crushed raspberries, wild strawberries, and lavender with a crisp, fruity light body and a smooth, easy ginger finish. Light and fragrant Mead with delicate flavors and easy drinking style.

Sunburst color. Aromas and flavors of pickled scallion, cranberry sauce, and elderflower with a supple, tangy, moderately sweet medium body and a smooth, delightful, medium-long finish with overtones of orange blossom honey, stone fruit gummies, white peppercorn, and hibiscus. A nice berry-kissed Mead that is sure to please after dinner.

Siam color. Fruity aromas of crushed ripe raspberry, cranberry, fresh crumpet, and tomato leaf with a satiny, crisp, off-dry medium body and a seamless, medium-length blackberry, anise, and black tea finish. Vibrant notes of ripe berries shine through this juicy melomel.

Brick red color. Aromas and flavors of cherry pie filling and white grape skins with a supple, soft, fruity medium body and a refreshing, medium finish with notes of cherry skin and pit and nuts. A pleasing berry laden Mead for sipping or cocktails.

Pale amber color. Aromas and flavors of blood orange, sweet almond, cherries, baklava, and apple pie with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, breezy finish. An easy-drinking Mead with good sessionability.