National Mead Day

Grab your favorite mug and get ready to raise a toast because it's National Mead Day! This glorious day is dedicated to celebrating the ancient and delicious beverage known as mead. So, put on your drinking cap, gather your friends, and let's dive into the fascinating history of this honey-based elixir.

When is Mead Day?

It's national mead day on the 1st August.

The Origins of Mead

Let's travel back in time, way before the invention of breweries or distilleries. Picture this: our ancestors sitting around a crackling fire, sipping a sweet nectar. Yes, you guessed it right, they were drinking mead! Mead is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages known to humankind.

Mead is made by fermenting honey with water and often flavored with fruits, spices, grains, or hops. It has been enjoyed by various cultures throughout history, from ancient Greeks and Vikings to medieval Europeans. In fact, it was considered the drink of gods and often associated with celebrations and rituals.

The Rise and Fall

During the Middle Ages, mead was hugely popular across Europe. It was so beloved that it became the primary drink during many feasts and gatherings. However, as time went on, the art of making mead began to decline. The rise of beer and wine production took the spotlight, and mead took a back seat.

But fear not! Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, mead has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Craft meaderies have popped up all over the world, reintroducing this ancient libation to a new generation of adventurous drinkers.

Celebrating National Mead Day

Now that you know a bit about the rich history of mead, it's time to celebrate National Mead Day! Here are a few fun ways to honor this delightful beverage:

Visit a local meadery or brewery that specializes in mead. Take a tour, learn about the mead-making process, and, of course, sample their delicious concoctions.
Host a mead tasting party at home. Invite your friends and ask everyone to bring a different variety of mead. You'll get to try a wide range of flavors and find your new favorite.
Get creative in the kitchen by adding mead to your favorite recipes. From glazes to marinades, mead can add a unique flavor to your culinary creations.
Join online communities and forums dedicated to mead. Share your love for this ancient beverage with fellow enthusiasts and learn even more about the world of mead-making.

Did You Know?

Did you know that mead is often referred to as the "nectar of the gods"? In Norse mythology, it was believed that a magical mead called "Mead of Poetry" gave anyone who drank it the gift of poetic inspiration and wisdom. So, the next time you're feeling stuck, maybe a sip of mead will do the trick!

History behind the term 'Mead'

4000 BCE

Ancient Origins

Mead, a fermented honey beverage, has its roots in ancient times. The oldest evidence of mead production dates back to around 4000 BCE in what is now northern China. Ancient Chinese civilizations were known to make mead from a combination of honey and water.

1700 BCE

Legendary Nectar

In ancient Greek mythology, mead was referred to as the 'nectar of the gods.' It was believed to bestow immortality on those who drank it. Mead played a significant role in Greek culture and ceremonies, symbolizing abundance, fertility, and divine blessings.

5th Century CE

Anglo-Saxon Beverage

During the Middle Ages, mead gained popularity throughout Europe, especially among the Anglo-Saxons. It became a staple beverage in Anglo-Saxon culture, accompanying feasts and celebrations. The term 'mead' itself is derived from the Old English word 'meodu.'

12th Century CE

Mead Halls and Beowulf

Mead held a prominent place in Old English literature. It was closely associated with mead halls, large communal gathering places where people came together to socialize, share stories, and drink mead. The famous epic poem 'Beowulf' prominently features mead halls as central settings for important events.

17th Century CE

Decline and Revival

As beer production became more prevalent, mead gradually declined in popularity. It was considered an old-fashioned drink and lost its dominance in the beverage market. However, in recent years, there has been a revival of interest in mead, with craft meaderies popping up around the world, offering a wide variety of flavors and styles.