Welsh Mead — The Honeyed Elixir of the Celts

Long before wine graced British tables or ale became the drink of the people, there was mead — a fermented drink made from honey, water, and time. 

In Wales, mead (medd in Welsh) is not just a beverage; it’s a golden thread woven through folklore, poetry, and celebration.

Revered by Celtic warriors and medieval bards alike, Welsh mead is making a well-deserved comeback — and with every sip, it tells the story of ancient feasts, sacred rituals, and wildflower meadows.

A Drink of Myth and Ceremony

Mead is believed to be one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world, and in Wales, it was traditionally enjoyed at weddings, festivals, and seasonal feasts. It was once thought to enhance vitality, fertility, and even poetic inspiration.

The term "honeymoon" is often linked to the custom of newlyweds drinking mead for a full moon cycle after their wedding — a sweet start to married life said to bring luck and love.

Medieval Wales and Mead Halls

Historical texts from the Mabinogion and early Welsh law mention mead frequently. It flowed freely in the halls of Welsh princes and chieftains, where bards recited verses and warriors toasted victories.

Brewing was often overseen by women, using wild honey and herbs to infuse their creations with flavour and symbolism — thyme for courage, meadowsweet for joy, and elderflower for protection.

Modern Welsh Mead

Today, mead is undergoing a renaissance in Wales, thanks to artisan producers like:

Afon Mêl in mid-Wales https://www.afonmel.com/

Wye Valley Meadery in Monmouthshire https://hivemindmead.com

Celtic Country Wines in Ceredigion https://celticwines.co.uk/

Available in both traditional and sparkling styles, modern Welsh meads range from dry and floral to rich, spiced and festive.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Chilled sparkling mead: perfect for celebrations or summer sipping

Traditional mead: pairs beautifully with roast pork, cheese boards, and fruity puddings

Hot spiced mead: a Welsh winter warmer, ideal for Christmas or Dydd Santes Dwynwen

You can also use mead to glaze meats, sweeten sauces, or in cocktails as a sophisticated twist.

Want to Try Your Own Brew?

Mead-making at home is simpler than you might think. All you need is:

Raw honey (local Welsh honey if possible)

Filtered water

Mead yeast (available from brewing shops, although you can use wine yeast if this is all that's available.

Combine, ferment for a few weeks, and age. While the process takes patience, the reward is a truly personal taste of history.

I have made mead before. Please treat it with respect as it can be very, very strong!

An Ancient Spirit, Still Alive Today

Whether sipped from a medieval-style goblet or enjoyed in a sparkling glass flute, Welsh mead connects us to a time when hospitality was sacred, and the land gave up its sweetness with the help of the humble bee.

Coming next: Tatws Popty — North Wales' Roasted Potato Delight