With ancient origins and a rich new variety of flavor profiles that include vibrant fruit infusions and warm spices like cinnamon, clove and ginger, mead is continuing its revival that began in the early 2000s alongside the craft beverage trend. The fermented brew, which dates back thousands of years across multiple civilizations, might evoke a scene from Game of Thrones and has been called a “nectar of the gods” Today, it is enjoyed by both seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers seeking unique and locally sourced drinks.
Known as one of the oldest alcoholic drinks, mead is made from a simple mixture of honey, water, and yeast and is fermented in a process similar to wine (with honey instead of grapes as the sugar source). It can be sweet, dry, or spicy, and crafted either still or sparkling.
Sometimes referred to as “honey wine” or “honey beer,” it is carefully created in small-batch breweries, where local producers add unique touches, such as hints of rosemary or passion fruit—a trend that is garnering raves from the millennial crowd and beyond.
Health benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, immune and digestive support, plus it is naturally gluten free. Depending on the level of fermentation, its alcohol content packs a punch of somewhere between 6 and 20 percent.
Slate Point Meadery (which opened in Poughkeepsie in 2020) is on a mission “to make mead mainstream,” according to owner Eric DeRise, who explains to the uninitiated that mead can be considered an equivalent to hard cider. “Mead is not a novelty or a gimmick—like wine or beer or cider, it is its own alcoholic beverage. It’s so versatile, with different ingredients creating endless varieties of flavor profiles—and it’s also mixed in cocktails. Really enjoyable and easy to drink.”
Where to Find Mead in Westchester
Half Time
139 Hoyt Ave. Mamaroneck; 914.341.1666
Tastings and Flights
Slate Point Meadery
184 Main St, Poughkeepsie; 845.310.4220
Related: Unleash Your Inner Artist at These Paint and Sip Nights in Westchester