Meads
Mead - A Short History
Mead is the one of the oldest alcoholic beverages. The ancient Babylonians, Vikings and Mongols all consumed meads. Mead peaked in popularity during the Middle Ages. The art of making mead has been revived by the Trafalgar Brewing Company. In its most basic for, mead is simply fermented honey and wanter. The medieval method of making mead was to mix water and honey and allow air bourne yeasts to convert the sugar into alcohol.
Styles of Mead
Although not vary common, mead is brewed in many flavours, aromas and textures. Mead can also be sweet, dry or sparkling. Modern meads range from exceptionally sweet Ethiopian meads to the dry, fruity meads found in many different styles. When fruit juices are added to the mead, it is known as Melomel. If the juice is apple juice it is called Cyser and if grape juice it is called Pyment. When herbs are added the name of the mead becomes Metheglin.
Mead and the Honeymoon
As legend would have it, in ancient Babylon the father of the bride would provide the groom with all the mead he could drink during one lunar month. Thus was the origin of the term “honeymoon”
Our Meads
Trafalgar Ales and Meads makes Black Currant, Blueberry and Raspberry Melomel. Our meads have a unique twist - we add a small amount of barley malt to boost the flavour profile. They are dry and slightly carbonated, with the natural fruit flavors very apparent. And with an alcohol content around 9% alc/vol., the end result is a refreshing beverage that has often been compared to a fruit flavored champagne. Trafalgar’s meads should be enjoyed chilled or served over ice
Raspberry Mead: 9% alc/vol
The tart natural flavour and color of raspberries dominate this melomel style mead. Although high in alcohol, the mead flavour, texture and gentle carbonation is reminiscent of a champagne style. Raspberry mead surprises you with its dry and refreshing taste. Enjoy mead well chilled, or poured over ice.
Blueberry Mead: 9% alc/vol.
Blueberries, from the fields of PEI, are blended with fermented honey and water then cold aged to become unique melomel style mead. Blending the most “Canadian” of berries with the oldest style of beverage alcohol results in a drink that is surprising in its refreshing dryness. Blueberry mead is enjoyed over ice or well chilled.
Black Currant Mead: 9% alc/vol.
Fermented honey and water are combined with European black currant to make this traditional melomel style mead. The rich flavour of black currants is surprisingly apparent in this gently carbonated refreshing drink. Try it straight up or with ice. For a change of pace, try black currant mead poured over a frozen dessert such as ice cream or sherbert.
Trafalgar also offers a full line of permanent and seasonal beers, as well as Canada’s strongest beers.
