Mead, also known as honey wine, is a beverage made by fermenting the sugars in various forms of honey. It was one of the earliest alcoholic beverages and can be traced back to 7000 BC. Among the many herbs and spices added to Mead over time for flavoring, there are some unexpected ingredients such as; lavender leaves, thyme, chamomile, and even ginger.
Mead can go bad. Mead that has been kept sealed in a bottle can remain consumable for several decades. However, once mead has been opened, its shelf life decreases considerably, and it needs to be refrigerated or else it will go bad after a few weeks. Chilled mead may last for a few months.
Mead is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed by all, from those who enjoy the complexities of wine to those who prefer the sweetness of a fruity cider. Mead also has a lower alcohol content than wine or beer, making it a great choice for those looking for an alternative to heavily alcoholic drinks.
How long can Mead be kept?
For quality purposes, Mead should be consumed within two years of bottling. After this time, the flavor will start to change, and it may begin to taste vinegary. Mead that has been aged for longer periods of time can still be consumed, but it will have lost some of its original flavor profile and character.
Can you drink Mead after 2 weeks?
Mead is a fermented beverage and, as such, will continue to age and change even after it has been bottled. Generally speaking, Mead is at its best within the first two years of bottling. However, Mead can be consumed after two weeks, but it may not taste as good as Mead that has been allowed to mature for a longer period of time.
How to Tell if Mead is Bad?
Mead is very similar to other fermented beverages such as beer, wine, and cider. If it smells or looks off, then the chances are high that it has gone bad. There are various ways in which you can tell if your Mead has gone bad:
1. It may smell vinegary or ‘off’ – This is perhaps the easiest way to tell if your Mead has turned. While some aged meads develop a vinegar-like flavor, unopened bottles of Mead should not be acidic or vinegary tasting. A bottle of Mead that tastes like vinegar likely means that the fermentation process was interrupted prematurely, leaving it exposed to air and turning it into an alcoholic beverage for bacteria to consume instead of yeast. This exposes you to the risk of food poisoning.
2. It may have a cloudy or ‘milky’ appearance – Mead that has gone bad is likely to develop a cloudy or milky appearance. This is due to bacteria and yeast cells that have died and are now floating in the drink.
3. The taste may be sour or metallic – Mead that has gone bad will often taste sour or metallic. This is another indication that something has gone wrong during the fermentation process and that the drink is not safe to consume.
4. The Mead may have a slimy texture – If your Mead has developed a slimy texture, likely bacteria are growing in the beverage. This can be another sign that the drink is not safe to consume.
5. The cork may be damp or moldy – If the cork to your mead bottle is damp or moldy, the drink has likely spoiled. In this case, it is best to discard the bottle and do not consume the Mead.
6. The Mead may form a crust over the surface – When Mead turns bad, it will often form a crust-like layer on top of the liquid. This is another indication that your drink has spoiled and should not be consumed.
7. The color may be off – Mead that has gone bad may have a different color than when it was first bottled. It is not a reliable way to tell if Mead has gone bad, but it can be another indicator that something is wrong.
8. The taste may be off or unpleasant – The final way in which you can tell if your Mead has gone bad is to take a sip and see how it tastes. Mead that has gone bad will often have an unpleasant, sour, or metallic taste. This is why it’s always a good idea to store your Mead in a dark place with a consistent temperature, as this will slow down the aging process and give you time to consume it before it goes bad.
How to Can you Store Mead?
As mentioned earlier, Mead is a fermented beverage, and as such, it will continue to age and change even after it has been bottled. This means that Mead should not be stored in direct sunlight or in a place that experiences wide temperature fluctuations. A cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry is ideal for storing Mead.
Mead that has not yet been opened should be stored upright. If the bottle is corked, store it in an area free from vibration or shaking. This will help to preserve the carbonation of the Mead. Once opened, store your Mead in the refrigerator to prevent further fermentation and spoilage.
Mead can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Can you Drink Mead after 2 Weeks?
While Mead will continue to age and change even after it has been bottled, it is generally safe to drink Mead that has been refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. If you do not plan to drink all of the Mead you have stored in the fridge, then it is best to pour it into a smaller container so that the drink is not exposed to air. This will help to prevent it from going bad.
Does Mead Get Better with Age?
Mead does not necessarily get better with age. A mead that has been aged for an extended period of time may start to develop disagreeable flavors. This is why it’s important to store your Mead in a cool, dark place and drink it within a reasonable timeframe.
Does Mead need refrigeration?
No, Mead does not need to be refrigerated. Storing Mead in a fridge can slow down the aging process, which is why most meads are bottled in a way that allows them to develop over time. Mead can be stored in a cool, dark place and will not have any problems as long as the bottle is allowed to breathe by opening it for short periods of time from time to time, even if it has been aged for many years.
Conclusion
Mead is a versatile drink with a unique history and tradition behind it. With so many different types of Mead available, there is something to suit all tastes. Mead should be consumed within two years of bottling or around one year after fermentation has ceased in order to achieve the best flavor possible.
You can safely consume Mead that has been stored past this point, but you’ll start to notice changes in its taste and quality over time. Mead does not require refrigeration but can be stored in a cool, dark place for longer periods of time without any problems.
Mead is a delicious and refreshing alcoholic beverage that can be enjoyed by all. However, like all alcoholic drinks, Mead should be consumed in moderation. Mead is best within the first two years of bottling but can be consumed after two weeks if needed.
Mead that has gone bad will often smell vinegary or ‘off,’ have a cloudy or milky appearance, taste sour or metallic, and have a slimy texture. If you experience any of these signs, it is best to discard the bottle and not consume the Mead.
