October 26 offers yet another milestone in the wider Hive Mind Mead story with its Dark Cherry Mead (melomel) winning Great British Food Gold, not simply for the proud fruited creation, but its wider sustainability vision, in addition to being a recognised as a regional champion (Wales).
According to the judges: “The dark cherry flavour comes through beautifully, rich and fruity without overwhelming the natural honeyed base of the mead. It strikes a lovely balance between sweetness and depth, making it smooth and enjoyable to drink.
Beyond the taste, there’s real reassurance in knowing this has been produced with sustainability in mind, adding an extra layer of appeal for anyone conscious of where their drink comes from. A well-crafted mead that manages to be both indulgent and responsible. Definitely one worth seeking out!”
Hive Mind’s Dark Cherry mead seeks to reimagine a drink whose origins hark back to Norse times, an age when mead was often infused with foraged fruit to produce a giddy blend of rich fruit, honey and a little tannin to create a rich well-rounded beverage with a discreet tart sharpness.
From the outset the business committed to making mead the authentic way with 100% British honey yeast and water, tapping in two brothers (Kit & Matt) shared love of beekeeping and brewing, whilst supporting the rural economy with a clear sustainable agenda geared around reversing dwindling pollinator numbers in Wales, supporting the wider beekeeper community (supplying the 50% of honey Hive Mind’s own hives can’t provide) and 100% fully recyclable packaging.
Hive Mind deliberately promotes mead in a modern, artisanal style, distancing itself from the plethora of novelty medieval offerings and their lower grade ingredients (base wine, flavourings…); which is why the business’s can count M&S, The Co-op, The National Trust and a nationwide net of Michelin-star restaurants amongst its many prestige listings.
According to co-founder Kit Newell, “Today our expanding offer accommodates classic meads, melomels, lower ABV sparkling meads and even an introductory Tavern mead that appeals to an inquisitive, healthier living younger demographic who place greater emphasis on discovery, authenticity and real ingredients than alcoholic strength.”
Although this is a Welsh family business that has won many prestigious taste & sustainability themed awards in the past (e.g. Great Taste’s top Gold Fork award), these particular awards feel timely as they represent a more everyday inquisitive yet discerning audience.
Source: Hive Mind Mead
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