Mead is the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world, with evidence for its consumption dating back to the 7th millennium BCE in China. It is made by fermenting honey with water, and can be enjoyed dry or sweet, sparkling or still. Mead has a long and rich history and has been enjoyed by cultures all over the world.

The exact origins of mead are unknown, but it is thought to have originated in China. The earliest evidence of mead production comes from pottery vessels found in northern China that date back to 6500 BCE. These vessels contained residues of fermented honey, which suggests that mead was produced in this region at least 7000 years ago.

Mead quickly spread to other parts of the world, and was being produced in Europe, Africa, and Asia by the Bronze Age. The ancient Greeks and Romans were particularly fond of mead, and it was often served at banquets and other special occasions.

Mead has played an important role in the mythology of many cultures. In Norse mythology, for example, mead is the drink of the gods. The god Odin is said to have acquired the gift of poetry by drinking mead from the udder of a goat. In Celtic mythology, mead is associated with the goddess Rhiannon. Rhiannon was said to have a magical cauldron that could never be emptied. The cauldron was filled with mead, and anyone who drank from it would be granted eternal youth.

Mead continued to be popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was the drink of choice for the nobility and was often served at weddings and other feasts. Mead was also used as a medicine and was believed to have a number of health benefits.

Mead experienced a decline in popularity in the 19th century, as beer and wine became more popular. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in mead in recent years. This is due in part to the popularity of craft brewing and the growing interest in artisanal beverages. Mead is now available in many countries, and there are a number of meadmakers (Mazers) who are dedicated to producing high-quality mead.

There are many different types of mead, each with its own unique flavor profile. The sweetness of mead is determined by the amount of honey left in the beverage after fermentation. Dry mead is allowed to use all or nearly all of the honey, while sweet mead allows for a good portion of honey to remain or even be added back in after fermentation is complete. Mead can also be flavored with a variety of fruits, spices, and herbs.

Mead is a delicious and versatile alcoholic beverage with a long and rich history. The complexity and nuance of flavor from different sources of honey make even traditional meads a joy to explore, not to mention the many different types of fruit and spice infused meads to choose from. If you are looking for a unique and flavorful alcoholic beverage, mead is the perfect option.

The BDSM Team