Mead: the oldest drink in the world

Mead is one of humanity's oldest drinks. Learn about its fascinating history and discover how it is produced and appreciated today. 

Mead is an alcoholic ferment that is simple to produce, transforming honey sugar into alcohol through a fruit fermentation process. It is believed that its first productions date back to 7 BC in China, but archaeological evidence points to earlier reports in civilizations such as Babylon, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Celts and India. Its delicate and unique flavor makes it a distant relative of beer.

Only three ingredients are essential for its production: water, honey and yeast. Over time, spices, fruits, peppers and herbs were added to create a diversity of flavors. Contrary to what many people imagine, mead is not just a sweet drink. Its production process can follow similar techniques to wine or beer, resulting in a variety of styles, including dry, smooth, demi-sec, sweet, sparkling or still. 

The history of mead

Studies prove that mead is the oldest alcoholic drink in the history of humanity, with production where rainwater came into contact with honey and wild yeast, starting a natural fermentation process. Ancient people considered this drink to be divine, often referring to it as the "Nectar of the Gods".

Mead played an important role in several cultures. In the Golden Age of Ancient Greece and other Nordic countries, it was considered sacred and capable of providing answers to questions. During the Middle Ages, there was a great rise in consumption among the Vikings, who consumed the drink in rituals and ceremonies. 

The drink is also present in several mythological legends, such as the belief that Odin, the powerful Norse god, acquired his powers after consuming it. Furthermore, the origin of the term "Honeymoon" is related to mead, as the bride's father used to offer the couple a batch of the drink to be consumed for 30 days, believing that this would increase fertility.

How do you drink mead?

To enjoy the drink, start with a sip and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds to activate your taste buds. The ideal consumption temperature varies from 4°C to 14°C, depending on the style. Meads with added fruits, spices, and other ingredients can have unique flavor profiles.

Mead pairs wonderfully with delicate dishes, such as sushi, soft white cheeses (such as burrata, chèvre and buffalo mozzarella), risottos with shiitake, white hake, seafood and pork or veal meat.

A notable feature of mead is its flexibility in alcohol content, ranging from 6% to around 20%. The most common meads on the Brazilian market tend to have an alcohol content between 10% and 14% by volume.