Craft Mead from the Columbia River Gorge!
Our meadery uses quality ingredients, providing you with a unique and flavorful tasting experience. Our mead, often referred to as “honey wine”, is crafted in small batches to ensure quality and consistency, while also giving you the perfect drink for any occasion.
Why mead?
Are you ready to embark on a journey through time, taste, and tradition? Step right into the world of mead, also known as honey wine, and be captivated by this ancient beverage that has captured palates for millennia.
What exactly is mead?
Fundamentally, mead is a fermented beverage crafted from the marriage of honey, water, and yeast. It is an alchemy of ingredients, blending different types of honey, and the addition of fruits, spices, or herbs to create a symphony of flavors.
Is mead beer or wine?
Actually, it is neither. Mead stands in a league of its own, a category distinct from both wine and beer. Its fermentation process sets it apart, resulting in a beverage that offers a drinking experience unique from any other. Mead's allure lies not only in its craftsmanship, but in its historical significance as the "nectar of the gods" in various cultures. One can explore the diverse flavor profiles of mead, ranging from sweet and floral to dry and complex, and embark on a sensory adventure that will transport you to another time.
Is mead stronger than beer?
Although the alcohol content of mead can vary depending on the recipe and fermentation techniques, it is often known to pack a stronger punch than its beer counterparts. But it is not just about strength; mead's richness offers a depth and complexity that makes it a truly unique drink. In summary, mead beckons with its versatility, intriguing history, and a vast array of flavors waiting to be discovered. Don't deny yourself the pleasure - delve into the world of mead here and let it weave its spell upon you
Why Drink Mead? A Sustainable & Healthy Choice
In the world of craft beverages, mead is making a significant comeback—and for good reasons. Often referred to as "honey wine," mead has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Today, it is celebrated not only for its unique taste but also for its sustainability and health benefits. Let's explore why drinking mead is a choice you can feel good about.
Mead as a Sustainable Beverage
Minimal Environmental Impact
Mead is typically made from three simple ingredients: honey, water, and yeast. This minimalist ingredient list means that the production process has a relatively low environmental impact. Compared to other alcoholic beverages like beer and wine, the resources required to produce mead are minimal, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, honey wine can be infused and fermented with a plethora of locally sourced ingredients to create countless combinations of flavor profiles.
Promoting Sustainable Beekeeping
Honey, the primary ingredient in mead, plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable beekeeping practices that are vital for our environment. Bees are essential pollinators, contributing significantly to the health of ecosystems and biodiversity. These remarkable insects help in the pollination of a vast array of plants, including many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that we rely on for a balanced diet. By choosing to enjoy mead, you not only treat yourself to a unique beverage but also actively support beekeepers who are dedicated to maintaining healthy bee colonies and preserving natural habitats.
Sustainable beekeeping practices are essential for ensuring the well-being of bee populations, and according to the National Honey Board, these practices play a pivotal role in helping to preserve these vital insects. Healthy bee colonies are indispensable for pollinating crops, which in turn sustains agricultural productivity and ecological balance. By opting for mead, you are making a conscious choice that supports the ecosystem, promotes biodiversity, and encourages a more sustainable approach to food production. Your choice can help foster a world where bees thrive, ensuring the continuation of their crucial work in our environment.
Health Benefits of Honey and Mead
Rich in Antioxidants and Polyphenols
Honey and mead are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are compounds known for their health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress. Studies have shown that honey contains various antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can contribute to heart health and overall well-being. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlighted that the antioxidant activity of honey varies with floral source and processing methods (Khalil et al., 2012). Additionally, research in the Journal of Food Science indicated that mead, like honey, can contain high levels of polyphenols depending on the ingredients used and the fermentation process (Harrington & Foltz, 2015). By incorporating mead into one's diet, individuals can enjoy these potential health benefits while supporting sustainable practices.
Antimicrobial Properties
Honey has well-documented antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its health benefits. Mead retains these beneficial properties, enhancing the wellness of your drink. Research published in the Journal of Food Science highlights that the fermentation process preserves the advantageous compounds present in honey while also introducing nutrients from the byproducts of fermentation.
Research highlighted by the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) program underscores the significant environmental benefits of mead production, particularly its minimal water usage and low ecological impact compared to other alcoholic beverages. Mead, requires fewer resources during its production process, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Such studies not only shed light on the sustainable nature of mead but also provide a robust foundation for understanding how it can be both a delicious and responsible choice for consumers. By choosing mead, individuals can enjoy a unique beverage while also supporting practices that are better for our planet.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing mead over other alcoholic beverages offers a host of benefits that extend beyond just enjoying a unique and flavorful drink. From promoting sustainable beekeeping practices to offering significant health benefits, mead stands out as a beverage you can feel good about.
Ready to make the switch? Discover the world of mead and join a community of craft beverage enthusiasts who care about sustainability and health.
Sources:
Khalil, M. I., & Sulaiman, S. A. (2012). Honey: A Biologically Active Food. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 60(36), 8778-8785.
Harrington, D., & Foltz, M. (2015). Health Benefits of Mead: Exploring the Impact of Ingredients on Bioactive Compounds. Journal of Food Science, 80(4), 797-804.
[Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE)](https://www.sare.org/)
