Being the premiere mead retailer in Portland has its perks, our favorite being that we get to try a lot of different meads. Our ever-expanding mead library inspires a lot of adjectives. You may see a staff member take a sip and follow with, "light citrusy body, mild viscosity, and is that finish reminiscent of cotton candy?"
We decided to catalog these taste observations for some of our favorite meads whose meaderies will be pouring in our new space this weekend in celebration of Tour de Hives. Tour de Hives is a self-guided tour for bee-curious Portlandians of backyard apiaries and bee trees, a Portland tradition celebrating backyard pollinators.
Stop into our new, evolving SE Hawthorne space for a refreshing sip of mead between tour sites or to end your day. You'll be able to enter to win a Mead Market branded growler when you do!
Why we love them:
Former lawyer Brooks Cooper wanted to bring a new take on mead to the people of Portland and beyond. We're grateful he did! Stung's meads are reminiscent of beer, but still showcase the honey base that distinguish them as mead.
Varietal:
Standard (red cap)
Notes:
Yeasty and hoppy with a pilsner or pale ale aroma. Earthy flavor and high carbonation. Light viscosity. Pairs well with a lamb burger and truffle fries.
Meadery:
Nectar Creek
Why we love them:
Nectar Creek is a leader in session style meads using Oregon honey. These refreshing session meads are perfect for a warm day’s picnic or a backyard barbeque. Nectar Creek also offers delicious single varietals once a year; each one a special testament to their commitment to craft.
Varietal:
Cluster (cran-straw)
Notes:
A berry nose, sweet-tart candy flavor, mild cranberry tartness up front and a lingering strawberry finish. Pairs well with roasted turkey, pesto pasta and goat cheese.
Meadery:
Ethereal
Why we love them:
Ethereal’s meads come from a deep love of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Drawing on inspiration from the land, Gary Gross, Ethereal’s founder and meadmaker, uses local honey and fruits to make meads that remind him, and us, of what it’s like to stroll in the woods of this beautiful part of the world.
Varietal:
Sunset (honey-strawberry)
Notes:
The nose is reminiscent of overripe berries, freezer jam or berry syrup. Carries through to palate with slight acidity and faint honey finish.
Meadery:
Fringe
Why we love them:
Holding a Masters in Vinology from UC Davis, Nathan comes from many years of experience making wine, transferring his fermentation skills to mead to create complex varietal meads with a dry finish, alongside well-crafted, non-traditional session varieties.
Varietal:
Orange Blossom
Notes:
Tart, limey, and oaky undertones on the nose that carry through to the palate. Lots of acidity and very, very dry.
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