Honey wine, also known as mead wine, is a fermented beverage made from honey. It should not be confused with “honey wine,” which is simply a wine flavored with honey. The key distinction is that honey wine lacks grapes; it’s made solely from honey.
The History
The process involves fermenting honey and water together, resulting in a unique and vibrant flavor profile where the sweetness of honey meets the bitterness of wine. Its history dates back to ancient times, being considered one of humanity’s earliest alcoholic drinks. Referred to as the “Drink of the Gods” in mythology, it has been enjoyed across cultures – Vikings, Scots, and even King Midas poured it from his golden goblet.
The Making of Honey Wine
It can be crafted at home, with attention to quality ingredients. Selecting premium honey and wine is crucial for taste and quality. Precise proportions of honey to wine are essential to achieve the desired flavor profile. About half a kilogram of honey is used for one liter of quality drink. Various types of flower, sunflower, linden, or acacia honey can be used. The mixture is enriched with tartaric acid and citric acid. The solution is then fermented with wine yeast, and flavors are tailored with spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of good-quality wine (white, red, or rosé)
- 200-300 grams of high-quality honey
- 1 lemon or orange (optional, for refreshing flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of honey yeast or wine yeast (available in winemaking shops)
- Filter (cheesecloth or filter bag)
- Glass or plastic wine bottle
Process:
- Prepare ingredients: Wash and sterilize the bottle and filter by placing them in hot water or using sterilization solution.
- Add honey: Gently heat the honey on low heat or in a water bath to make it more liquid. Do not boil; warm it slightly to aid dissolution in wine.
- Add wine: Pour the warmed honey into the drink. Mix well to evenly distribute the honey throughout the wine.
- Add yeast: If using honey yeast or wine yeast, follow package instructions, then add it to the mixture.
- Add citrus: For a refreshing twist, cut a lemon or orange and squeeze its juice into the mixture. Thin slices of peel can also enhance the flavor.
- Mix and seal: Thoroughly mix the ingredients and tightly seal the bottle. Leave some space for gas to escape during fermentation.
- Fermentation: Place the bottle in a cool, dark place for the wine to ferment. Fermentation can take weeks or months, depending on factors like temperature and yeast type.
- Filter and bottle: After fermentation, the wine might become cloudy; filtration may be necessary. Use a sterilized filter to transfer the wine to a clean bottle.
- Aging: Allow bottled the wine to rest for a period, enhancing flavors. Longer aging often results in a more harmonious and rich taste profile.
- Enjoy: Once aging is complete, chill the beverage and serve at your preferred temperature. Savor your homemade creation!
During fermentation, yeast transforms the sugars in honey into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This alcoholic fermentation contributes to the beverage’s alcohol content and distinctive flavor. Alcoholic beverage comes in various variations depending on the types of honey and wine used. he end result can vary from dry to sweet, light to full-bodied, with aromas influenced by the origin of the ingredients.
In summary, this drink is a captivating fusion of honey and wine, resulting in a distinctive beverage suitable for any occasion due to its unique flavor profile.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey
Back to the articles in the category