When I first tried to track down mead, it felt like I was on a quest for some ancient, mythical elixir! You might be feeling the same way if you’re looking to buy mead for the first time or even if you’re a seasoned enthusiast looking for new sources. Luckily, the world of honey wine has seen a huge resurgence in popularity, making it much easier to find these days. The global mead beverages market was worth about $533.3 million in 2023 and is expected to hit $1,395.7 million by 2032, growing by over 11% annually. That’s a lot of honey fermenting! This growth is fueled by people looking for craft alcoholic beverages, the appeal of naturally gluten-free options, and all the cool flavor experiments happening in meaderies. So, if you’re ready to dive into this delicious drink, you’ve got more options than ever.

In this guide, we’re going to explore all the best places to buy mead, whether you prefer to grab a bottle near home, order online, or even try your hand at making your own. We’ll cover everything from local liquor stores to specialized online shops and even talk about the different kinds of mead you might stumble upon. By the end, you’ll be a pro at finding exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a sweet dessert mead or a dry, sparkling session mead. You’ll even find some helpful links to products that can kickstart your mead journey, like a Mead Making Kit or a selection of Honey for Brewing.

Table of Contents

Finding Mead Near You: Local Spots

When you’re craving mead and want it right away, finding a local spot is often the first thing that comes to mind. It’s a great way to support local businesses and sometimes even discover unique, regional brews.

Liquor Stores and Specialty Beverage Shops

Your best bet for finding mead locally is usually a well-stocked liquor store or a specialty wine and beer shop. Think places like Total Wine & More, if you have one nearby, or independent shops that pride themselves on a diverse selection. Many of these stores are starting to carry a variety of meads, from traditional to more modern flavors. You might even find some familiar brands like Chaucer’s Mead or Dansk Mjod.

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When you walk in, head over to the wine or craft beer section. mead is often shelved there. Don’t be shy about asking a staff member for help! They can usually point you in the right direction or, even better, recommend something based on your taste preferences. Sometimes, if they don’t have what you’re looking for, they might even be able to order a bottle for you. While the selection can definitely vary depending on your location, I’ve had some pleasant surprises just by exploring these local spots. Just remember, in some states, like New York, only liquor stores can sell mead, while grocery stores might only sell beer.

If you’re looking to explore a wider range of craft beverages, checking out a Specialty Beer and Wine Shop might be a good idea for finding local spots that focus on unique selections.

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Dedicated Meaderies and Breweries

This is where it gets really exciting! With the booming interest in craft beverages, dedicated meaderies are popping up all over the place. In North America, there’s been a 28% growth in craft mead licensing between 2020 and 2023. It’s a great time to be a mead lover! These places specialize in mead, meaning they’ll have the widest and often most unique selection you can find. Many meaderies, like Batch Mead or Drinking Horn Meadery, also have tasting rooms where you can sample different varieties before committing to a bottle. This is truly the best way to understand the range of flavors and styles available.

You can often find a “Find a Store” or “Locate Us” tool on a meadery’s website to see if they have a physical location or if their products are stocked in stores near you. Some even offer local pickup or delivery if you’re in their area, like the Philadelphia Mead Company. It’s an awesome experience to visit a meadery, learn about their process, and meet the passionate people behind the honey magic. You might even find some breweries or cideries that also dabble in mead production, so keep an eye out!

Farmers Markets and Craft Fairs

Believe it or not, farmers markets and local craft fairs can be hidden gems for finding mead. Many small-batch meaderies start out selling their products at these kinds of events. It’s a fantastic opportunity to talk directly with the mead makers, learn about their ingredients, and often taste some really unique, handcrafted meads that you won’t find anywhere else. These events often showcase products made with local honey and fruits, giving you a real taste of the region.

The key here is to keep an eye on local event listings or community boards. A quick search for “craft fairs near me” or “farmers markets with local vendors” might just lead you to your next favorite mead. It’s a more informal setting than a liquor store, which can be really fun and allow for a more personal connection to the product.

Buying Mead Online: A World of Options

If local options are limited, or you’re simply looking for the broadest selection available, buying mead online is your best friend. The internet has opened up a whole new world for mead enthusiasts, allowing you to access meaderies and retailers from across the country and sometimes even globally. Where to Buy Labubu Near Me

Major Online Retailers

Several large online platforms specialize in alcohol sales and carry a selection of mead. These can be great starting points because they often have user reviews and a decent variety.

Liquor Barn: They offer a curated selection of honey wines from around the world, including traditional, sparkling, session, and flavored meads. You can find brands ranging from local craft producers to award-winning meaderies, with fast U.S. shipping.
Total Wine & More: While they have physical stores, their online presence allows you to browse and often order for pickup or delivery where legal. Their selection includes various mead styles.
GotoLiquorStore: This platform allows you to get beer, wine, and liquor delivered from local stores, and they feature a range of mead brands and types, from traditional honey to fruit-infused options.

The advantage of these larger retailers is convenience and often competitive pricing. However, their selection might be more generalized compared to dedicated mead shops or individual meadery websites.

For a broader exploration of online alcohol options, consider searching for Online Liquor Store to see if other retailers in your area or state offer shipping.

Dedicated Mead Retailers and Marketplaces

For a truly extensive selection, look to online stores that focus specifically on mead or have a strong emphasis on craft beverages. Where to Buy Labubu Dolls

VinoShipper: This platform is a big player in online mead retail, partnering with numerous meaderies to ship directly to consumers. While the website can sometimes be a bit “clunky,” it offers a fantastic selection from various small batch meaderies.
Craft Shack: Known for its craft beer, Craft Shack also has a solid selection of meads, often featuring popular craft brands like B. Nektar’s Zombie Killer.
Individual Meadery Websites: Many meaderies, like Batch Mead, Drinking Horn Meadery, Hidden Legend Winery, Superstition Meadery, and Twisted Horn Mead & Cider, sell their products directly through their own websites. This is often the best way to get the freshest batches and support the mead makers directly. They can ship directly to your house in many states, though varieties might be limited on some larger retailer sites.

Important Note on Shipping: When buying alcohol online, shipping restrictions are a big deal. Laws vary significantly by state and even by country. Always check the retailer’s shipping policies to make sure they can deliver to your location. Some states have strict laws that prevent direct-to-consumer alcohol shipments.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Shopping

Benefits:

Wider Selection: You’ll find a far greater variety of mead styles and brands online than in most physical stores.
Convenience: Order from the comfort of your home and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Discovery: Easily explore new meaderies and unique flavors you might not find locally.
Reviews: Read customer reviews to help you decide what to try.

Drawbacks:

Shipping Costs & Time: Shipping can add to the cost, and delivery might take a few days or even weeks.
State Restrictions: Not all states allow direct-to-consumer alcohol shipments.
No Immediate Gratification: You can’t just pick it up and drink it right away.
Minimum Order Requirements: Some meaderies or retailers might have a 3-bottle minimum for online purchases to keep prices low.

To mitigate some of these, looking for a Local Delivery Alcohol Service in your area could be an option if you need something quicker and locally sourced through an online platform.

Understanding Mead Types to Guide Your Purchase

Before you hit “add to cart” or grab a bottle off the shelf, it helps to know a little about the different types of mead out there. Just like wine, mead comes in a huge range of styles, from dry to super sweet, and with all sorts of added flavors. Where to Snag Your Next Cuddly Jellycat Friend Near You

The basic ingredients for mead are simple: honey, water, and yeast. But it’s what you add to that base that creates the amazing diversity. Here are some of the popular types you’ll encounter:

Traditional Mead Show Mead: This is the purest form, made with just honey, water, and yeast. The flavor comes entirely from the honey itself. They can range from dry to sweet, often with an alcohol by volume ABV between 7.5% to 14%.
Melomel: Mead fermented with fruit. This category is huge because you can use almost any fruit! Common examples include:
- Cyser: Mead made with apples or apple juice.
- Pyment: Mead made with grapes or grape juice, essentially a honey-grape wine blend.
- Rubamel: Mead flavored with raspberries.
- Morat: Mead made with mulberries.
- You’ll find berry meads blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, stone fruit meads peach, cherry, and citrus meads. These are often vibrant and fruity.
Metheglin: Mead fermented with spices and herbs. These are fantastic, especially for cooler weather. You might find varieties with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, vanilla, or even chili peppers called Capsicumel.
Hydromel Session Mead: These are lighter, lower alcohol meads, typically less than 7.5% ABV. They’re often carbonated and refreshing, perfect for casual sipping, much like a craft beer or cider.
Sack Mead Great Mead: These are higher ABV meads, often 14% to 18%, and usually sweeter due to more honey being used. They can be quite rich and are often aged.
Bochet: A unique mead made from caramelized honey, giving it rich, sometimes chocolate or marshmallow-like flavors.
Braggot: A hybrid, blending mead with malted grain, making it somewhat like a beer.
Sparkling Mead: Carbonated meads, offering a bubbly, refreshing experience.

When you’re shopping, pay attention to the labels for clues about the flavor profile sweet, semi-sweet, dry and any added ingredients. Reviews can also be super helpful in guiding your choice, as they often describe the taste experience.

If you’re still exploring different flavors and types, a Mead Sampler Pack could be a great way to try a variety without committing to a full bottle of one style.

Homebrewing Mead: Make Your Own Nectar

If you’re really getting into mead, you might start thinking, “Hey, I could make this myself!” And you absolutely can! Homebrewing mead is a rewarding hobby, and it’s often simpler to get started than brewing beer. Plus, it gives you complete control over the ingredients and flavors. The global market for mead ingredients and equipment is quite accessible. Where to Buy Ice Near Me: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Cool

Essential Ingredients

You only need three core ingredients for traditional mead:

Honey: This is the star of the show. Different types of honey wildflower, orange blossom, clover, buckwheat will impart different flavors to your finished mead. You can buy bulk honey from local beekeepers, grocery stores like Costco or local co-ops, or online from homebrewing suppliers. For a good quality start, check out Brewing Honey.
Water: Good quality water is important. If your tap water tastes good, it’s probably fine, but some homebrewers use filtered or spring water.
Yeast: This is what turns the honey sugars into alcohol. While some folks use bread yeast in a pinch, using specialized mead yeast or wine yeast is highly recommended for better flavor and more reliable fermentation. Popular strains include Lalvin D47, EC-1118, or K1-V1116. You can find these at homebrewing stores or online. Look for Mead Yeast to get started.

Beyond these basics, you might also want:

Yeast Nutrients: Honey isn’t always rich in all the nutrients yeast needs for a healthy fermentation, so adding nutrients like Fermaid K or Fermaid O can help.
Acids Acid Blend, Tartaric Acid, Malic Acid: These can help balance the flavors, especially in sweeter meads.
Stabilizers Campden Tablets, Potassium Sorbate: Used to prevent re-fermentation if you want a sweet, still mead.

You can often buy complete Mead Ingredient Kits that include everything you need, sometimes even specific honey varietals or fruit additions for melomels.

Essential Equipment

To get started with homebrewing, you’ll need some basic equipment. Many online retailers and local homebrew shops offer starter kits that bundle these items. Where to Buy Ice: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Cool

Fermentation Vessel: A food-grade bucket, a glass carboy, or a “Fermonster” are common choices. Sizes range from 1-gallon great for beginners to 5- or 6-gallon batches. You can find Fermentation Vessels in various sizes.
Airlock and Stopper: This allows carbon dioxide to escape during fermentation without letting outside air and contaminants in.
Hydrometer and Test Tube: Essential for measuring the sugar content before and after fermentation, which helps you calculate the alcohol content and track progress. A Hydrometer Kit is a must-have.
Sanitizer: Keeping everything clean is crucial to prevent spoilage. StarSan is a popular choice.
Siphon or Auto-Siphon and Tubing: For transferring the mead from the fermentation vessel to bottles without disturbing the sediment.
Bottles: You’ll need bottles with airtight seals swing-top or bottles requiring caps to store your finished mead.

You can buy a comprehensive Mead Brewing Starter Kit to get all these together. Websites like Northern Brewer, Adventures in Homebrewing, Austin Homebrew Supply, and Midwest Supplies are excellent resources for all your homebrewing needs, and they often have great guides too. Local homebrew stores are also fantastic for advice and supplies.

Considerations When Buying Mead

Alright, you’ve got your options, you know the types – now, how do you pick the right mead for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get a bottle you’ll genuinely enjoy.

Alcohol By Volume ABV

Mead can range widely in its alcohol content, from a low of 3.5% to a high of 23% ABV.

Session Meads Hydromels are typically lighter, under 7.5% ABV, and very refreshing. They’re great for casual sipping or if you’re looking for a lower-alcohol option.
Traditional Meads usually fall between 7.5% to 14% ABV.
Sack Meads Great Meads are the stronger ones, often 14% to 18% ABV, and can be quite potent.

Check the label to match the ABV with what you’re in the mood for.

Sweetness Level

This is a big one for many people. Mead’s sweetness can vary greatly: Where to Find Your Perfect Pink Himalayan Salt: A Complete Guide

Dry Meads: Less residual sugar, often crisp and refreshing, sometimes compared to champagne.
Semi-Sweet/Medium Meads: A balanced sweetness, a good middle-ground.
Sweet Meads: Rich and honey-forward, often enjoyed as a dessert drink.

Most labels will indicate the sweetness level, and online descriptions will almost always specify it. If you’re new to mead, a semi-sweet melomel fruit mead is often a great starting point, as the fruit can balance the honey flavor.

Flavor Profile and Ingredients

As we discussed, mead can be flavored with fruits melomels, spices metheglins, or even grapes pyments. Consider what flavors you generally enjoy in other beverages:

Fruity: If you like ciders or fruity wines, a melomel with berries, apples, or peaches might be a hit.
Spicy/Herbal: For fans of mulled wine or spiced teas, a metheglin could be a delightful experience.
Pure Honey: If you want to experience the unadulterated taste of fermented honey, a traditional mead show mead is the way to go. Pay attention to the type of honey used e.g., wildflower, orange blossom as this will greatly influence the subtle flavors.

Some brands like Dansk Mjød use unique combinations, like hibiscus and hops, which can create distinct profiles.

Reviews and Recommendations

Before buying, especially if you’re trying a new brand or a more expensive bottle, take a few minutes to read reviews online. Websites like Untappd for craft beverages, specific meadery sites like Batch Mead, which has over 1,497 reviews with a 4.78 out of 5 rating, or even general alcohol review sites can give you a good idea of what to expect. Personal recommendations from friends or staff at a specialty shop are also invaluable.

Packaging

While it might seem minor, how mead is packaged can also be a factor. Most mead comes in bottles, which are seen as classic and often help preserve the delicate flavors. However, cans are becoming increasingly popular, especially for session meads, and are projected to grow at a 12.56% CAGR through 2030. Canned meads are great for portability and can offer a different drinking experience. Where to Buy Hoka Shoes: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Pair

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mead exactly?

Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water, and sometimes with added fruits, spices, or grains. It’s often referred to as “honey wine” but it’s actually its own distinct category of alcoholic beverage, separate from beer or grape wine because its primary fermentable sugar comes from honey. It’s one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world, with a history stretching back over 10,000 years.

Is mead difficult to find?

Not anymore! While it used to be a niche product, mead has seen a significant rise in popularity. You can often find it in well-stocked liquor stores, specialty wine and beer shops, dedicated meaderies, and a wide range of online retailers. Its availability varies by region, but it’s becoming much easier to discover.

Can I buy mead at regular grocery stores or supermarkets?

It’s less common to find mead at standard grocery stores compared to liquor stores. Some larger grocery chains with extensive beverage sections, or specialty grocers like Whole Foods or World Market, might carry a limited selection. However, don’t expect to find it on every supermarket shelf just yet. The perceived lack of demand and higher production costs compared to beer and wine are often cited reasons for its limited presence in supermarkets.

What’s the difference between mead and honey wine?

The terms “mead” and “honey wine” are often used interchangeably, and for most practical purposes, they refer to the same thing: an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey. However, some purists might argue that “wine” implies a fruit base usually grapes, so “mead” specifically refers to the honey-based drink. But generally, if you see “honey wine,” you’re looking at mead.

How much does mead usually cost?

The price of mead can vary widely depending on the brand, style, age, and where you buy it. You might find smaller, session meads for around the price of a craft beer, while higher-ABV, aged, or specialty meads can be comparable to fine wines, sometimes even more. For example, some brands might range from $15-$30 for a 750ml bottle, but rare or premium options can go much higher. Where to Buy Gift Cards: Your Ultimate Guide

Can I order mead online and have it shipped to my home?

Yes, you can! Many meaderies and online alcohol retailers ship mead directly to consumers. However, you need to be aware that alcohol shipping laws vary significantly by state and country. Always check the retailer’s website for their shipping policies and ensure they can legally deliver to your address before placing an order.

What are some popular mead brands to look for?

There are many fantastic mead brands out there, and new ones are always emerging. Some often-mentioned names include B. Nektar, Moonlight Meadery, Dansk Mjød, Schramm’s Mead, Lost Cause Meadery, and Chaucer’s Mead. Many smaller, local meaderies also produce exceptional meads, so don’t be afraid to explore regional options too!

How should I drink mead?

Mead is incredibly versatile! It can be enjoyed chilled, at cellar temperature, or sometimes even warmed especially spiced metheglins. It can be sipped on its own, paired with food like cheese, roasted meats, or desserts, or even used as a base in cocktails. The best way to drink it really depends on the specific style and your personal preference. Try a few different ways to see what you like best!

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