About Traditional Mead

About Traditional Mead
Traditional meads should incorporate only honey as a fermentable ingredient, along with water and of course yeast. They can range in character from dry to semi-sweet to sweet, and may be sparkling or still. While not necessarily “traditional”, they may also be fortified and/or barrel-aged. Whether the honey used is a single varietal or a mixture, it is important for a successful traditional mead to evidence the floral nature of the honey; indeed, it should be the defining characteristic. Some acidity is often desired to balance sweetness, but this is not necessary. Lighter versions may be analogous to white wines of corresponding sweetness/dryness, but should present distinctly honeyed emphasis.

Top Picks for Traditional Mead

Martin Brothers  Lucerne Blossom Mead
93 points
$27
An elegant, appealing mead for the connoisseur's table.
Philip Mead  Traditional Sweet Mead
92 points
$16
Best Buy
The orange and Eucalyptus honeys combine to create an entirely delightful experience that is floral, fruity, and fantastic.
Awards: 2022 Top 2 Traditional Mead
92 points $16 Best Buy
Martin Brothers  Wildflower Honey Mead
92 points
$27
A powerful and strong mead with tremendous floral notes; enjoy with maple glazed ham.
Awards: 2022 Top 2 Traditional Mead
Bee d’Vine NV Brut X Honey Wine
92 points
$77
A balanced, vinous and food-friendly mead with wide appeal.
Stolen Harvest 2020 Bochet Honey Wine
91 points
$30
A decadent and lengthy mead that offers an indulgent experience.
Bee d’Vine  Dolce X Dessert Honey Wine
90 points
$65
A fruity, effortlessly quaffable mead.
Martin Brothers  Orange Blossom Mead
89 points
$30
A bright and citrusy mead that enervates and delights.
Stolen Harvest  Birch Hills Traditional Mead
87 points
$30
Decadent without being cloying, a layered and thoughtful sipper.
Honeywood  Traditional Mead
87 points
$14
An curious mix of sweet and alliaceous notes keeps this interesting.
Meadow Vista  Cloud Horse Mead
86 points
$16
A finely balanced drinking mead that restrains the sugar to focus on the floral and intense character of the honey from which it came.