Mead vs beer- the two beverages might sound similar, but they are a world apart. Like beer, mead is a beverage made using the process of fermentation. However, the key difference between these two drinks lies in the raw materials used to make them. Mead is made with a mix of honey and water. It has natural sweetness and complexity of honey, often infused with fruits, spices, or botanicals to create an exciting variety of flavours.
In recent years, India’s craft mead scene has taken off, with award-winning labels taking the centre stage with innovation and quality. And while beer is always a crowd favourite, mead is attracting many consumers as it offers a whole new drinking experience—lighter than wine, often more aromatic, and less bitter than beer. So what exactly sets mead apart, and which bottles should you try if you’re ready to explore this honeyed world? Let’s find out.
What’s the Difference Between Mead and Beer?
At its core, the biggest difference lies in the ingredients. Beer is brewed using malted barley or other grains such as wheat, rye, oats, corn, and rice, which are boiled with hops to add bitterness and aroma, then fermented. Mead, on the other hand, starts with a blend of honey and water. Yeast is added to convert the natural sugars into alcohol, and from there, meadmakers can get creative, adding fruits (melomel), spices (metheglin), or herbs to develop unique profiles.
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While beer tends to have a crisp, bitter edge due to hops, mead leans more toward sweet, semi-sweet, or floral tones depending on the honey used. And unlike beer, which is usually carbonated and has a short shelf life, mead is often still (though sparkling varieties exist) and can age gracefully like wine.
Why You Should Try Mead
Mead is incredibly versatile. You can drink it chilled like white wine, use it in cocktails, or pair it with food, from desserts and cheeses to Indian snacks and grilled meats. It’s also gluten-free (a big plus for those with dietary restrictions) and lower in bitterness, making it a crowd-pleaser even among those who typically don’t enjoy beer.
How To Enjoy Mead
Chill lighter meads: Serve light or sparkling meads cold to highlight their crisp, refreshing flavours.
Warm darker meads: Gently heat rich or spiced meads to enhance their deep, complex aromas.
Use proper glassware: Sip mead from a wine or tulip glass to concentrate its aromatic profile.
Pair with complementary foods: Enjoy mead alongside cheeses, roasted meats, or desserts that match its sweetness and body.
Experiment with cocktails: Mix mead with ingredients like ginger, citrus, or berries for a unique twist on classic drinks.
3 Award-Winning Meads to Try Right Now
HIK! BLUEBERRY MEAD
This fruit-forward mead combines the tartness of blueberries with the smooth sweetness of honey. It’s vibrant on the nose with ripe berry aromas, followed by a semi-sweet palate that makes it a great introduction to mead for first-timers. Whether served chilled on its own or alongside a cheese platter, this mead is an easy summer sipper that’s bound to impress.
Producer: Orrchid Brews Pvt. Ltd.
Price: ₹180
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Cerana Blue Pea Lavender Mead
This one’s for the floral fans. Cerana’s Blue Pea Lavender Mead is visually striking with its soft lavender hue and equally stunning on the palate. The calming notes of lavender pair beautifully with subtle honey undertones, while the blue pea flower adds a delicate earthiness. It’s refreshing yet layered, making it perfect for lazy brunches or meditative solo sips.
Producer: Cerana Meads
Price: ₹199
HIK! GUAVA MEAD
This tropical twist on mead is bright, juicy, and slightly tangy, capturing the essence of fresh guava with every sip. Balanced by the smooth base of honey, it’s an exciting alternative to ciders or fruit beers. This mead shines best when served chilled and makes a unique pairing with spicy Indian starters or coastal cuisine.
Producer: Orrchid Brews Pvt. Ltd.
Price: ₹180
Looking for amazing drink recommendations? Click here to check out the winners of the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024 edition.
