The choice of mead vessel is important to any true mead aficionado. Your choice reflects something of the inner viking! Learn more about the different types of mead vessels for the modern drinker that range from traditional vessels, like the mead horn, to modern drinkware.

Buy Mead in Southern California

Have you ever visited a Renaissance fair and wondered about the origins of mead vessels? The vessels are of ancient origin, just as mead itself, which is considered by many to be one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in history. And did you know that you can buy this anciently regarded beverage and even drink from a historically fashioned mead vessel right here in Southern California?

In case you need a refresher on how we create mead, it is an alcoholic beverage created with a combination of honey and water. It is fermented with yeast and sometimes flavoured with fruits or spices . Mead contains alcoholic content that ranges from 3% ABV to about 20%. The fermented sugar in mead is derived from honey and it bears similar characteristics to beer and wine. Mead is found in vast quantities and can be crafted into multiple flavors.

Different Types of Mead

With many options to choose from, maybe you need a little reminder of the different types of mead you may want to drink from your mead vessel.

Acerglyn is made with maple syrup and honey
Braggot is technically a beer made using honey and malted barley. Bochet is made of caramelized honey

Mead is currently gaining popularity for its distinctive flavor and taste, especially in the Western States. Because of its sweet and unique taste, mead is often referred to as God's Elixir.

Many people enjoy drinking mead from traditional vessels, as a way to honor mead’s storied history. These traditional mead vessels are in high demand amongst people who prefer the authentic ways of drinking mead because they amplify the natural flavors of the mead by allowing it to breathe, making it more full and well-rounded. These vessels range from more traditional vessels like horns, tankards, and bowls to more modern glassware.

The most common mead vessels that are available in the market are:

Mead Horns

Mead horns have been in existence since the ancient period. These drinking vessels were crafted by hollowing out the horns of a bovid. Mead horns hold a ceremonial value that marks special occasions. If you are a mead enthusiast, you should have mead horns in your collection. They are unique looking and would make an excellent addition to your glassware.

According to popular Norse mythology, Loki (the God of Mischief) once tricked his brother Thor into a drinking contest, and they were required to drink from a traditional mead horn.

Tankards

A tankard is traditional (13th century) drinkware crafted from wood. It is a large, cylindrical drinking cup with a single handle. It is widely recognized for its shape and gained popularity due to its pop-culture appearances in shows such as Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. They are bulky in appearance and resemble a medieval beer mug. Tankards are available in many materials like silver, wood, ceramic, or leather.

Mazers

Mazers are wooden or metal drinking vessels that are large and often found in the shape of a bowl. In olden Germanic culture, they were the most popular and commonly used drinking vessel. They ranged from simple wooden ones to elaborate metal ones.

Mead served in mazers often shows a sign of friendship at a welcoming party or ceremony. People drink from the same cup to show their respect for the growth of a new friendship.

Modern Glass Vessels

Many modern pubs, tasting rooms and breweries serve mead in glassware similar to wine glasses. These glasses are often delicate looking, showcasing the rich colors of mead, and are used for formal drinking parties. Glassware is great for serving mead beverages that are sweet or crisp because it also enhances the flavors of the mead by capturing its aroma.

Berele Glassware

This unique mead vessel originates from the African continent, composed of a type of glass primarily used by the elite of the Roman, Ethiopian, and Egyptian civilizations. African mead is traditionally served in a Berele that has a long, thin neck and a round body. The mead is rich and has robust notes because of the local Ethiopian honey infused in it.

Fun Facts About Mead :

Mead usually tastes different when served or poured in different kinds of glassware. To have an authentic experience, remember to purchase the proper vessel for your mead.
Mead flavors change with the temperature of the mead. Allow it to warm as you savor it.
Mead is stronger than the average American beer.

It is the oldest alcoholic beverage. Its production dates back to 7000 BC in northern China.
Finland substitutes honey with brown sugar to make mead.

Mead is known for its distinctive taste and can be defined by a bee's diet of nectar and pollen.
It is available in both sparkling and still versions.
It is considered healthier than beer and wine.
You can ferment mead at home.
The first Saturday of August is celebrated as National Mead Day!

When you drink mead, you have choices regarding your mead vessel ranging from a more traditional vessel to a modern vessel. So prepare your collection of vessels, gather friends and enjoy the best meads in Vista, or maybe the conquered world!

Where to Buy Mead?

If you’re looking for mead in Escondido or the greater San Diego area, you’re in luck! You can buy mead in Southern California in our lively, Norse-themed mead hall, now open for in-person fun and socializing. Join our rank of Vikings and enjoy drinking the best mead in Vista from traditional mead vessels. Come drink from the horn!
However, if you live further afield, you are now able to acquire our mead and cider almost everywhere in the USA! Consult our list of places we ship online orders and prepare for an unmatched mead experience in the comfort of your home. Order online now!

4 Traditional Mead Drinking Vessels for the Modern Drinker