Mead & Honey Liqueur

Mead: the golden drink of the gods

The history of mead, also known as honey wine, is as old as civilisation itself. Even in the earliest civilisations of Europe, Asia and Africa, mead was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Vikings drank it at festivals and ceremonies, often consecrating it to the gods. In Norse mythology, mead was regarded as the drink of the gods, bestowing wisdom and poetry. According to legend, Odin, the highest of the Norse gods, possessed a cauldron of inexhaustible mead, which gave intelligence and inspiration.

The quality of the honey is crucial 

Mead is made by fermenting honey with water, sometimes enriched with fruit, spices, herbs or flowers. This simple but versatile production process allows for a wide range of flavours - from sweet to dry, from fruity to spicy. The quality of the mead depends heavily on the quality of the honey used, which in turn is influenced by the flowers and the environment in which the bees collect nectar. In modern mead production, producers experiment with different types of honey and additives to create unique honey-wine flavour profiles.

The modern interpretation of mead is diverse

Long forgotten, mead is now experiencing a renaissance. Mead can be enjoyed neat or used as a base for cocktails. Its versatility makes it interesting for connoisseurs and true mead fans as well as newcomers. The flavour palette ranges from sweet, fruity notes to complex, spicy and even tart aromas. Mead is often served at room temperature to develop its full flavour, but can also be enjoyed chilled as a refreshing summer drink. In winter, warmed mead is a welcome change from the usual hot drinks such as mulled wine, punch and grog. Hot or cold, a mead punch is the highlight of any get-together and is certainly as attractive as a campfire around which guests gather. Whether at home with like-minded people over a drink or a cosy games evening, at a medieval market or a rock concert: mead is the perfect companion for many occasions.

In Germany, where the tradition of drinking mead is deeply rooted, BEHN offers an exclusive selection of mead varieties. These range from traditional recipes to modern interpretations. Original Viking Mead is the only mead brand from the core Viking region around the historic Viking village of Haithabu in the far north of Germany. While the honey-coloured Original Wikinger Met enchants with classic blossom honey notes, Roter Wikinger Met also stimulates the senses with a fine cherry aroma. Hanf Wikinger Met combines the natural flavour of honey with the subtle tart aroma of hemp. Wikinger Legende  is a premium mead that is harmoniously rounded off with a fine smoky oak flavour. Wikinger Nydam is not a classic mead, but an exquisite honey liqueur (30% vol.) of the highest quality inspired by it. Wikinger Noorgaard Gin gets its unique flavour from Nordic berries and herbs. A subtle sweetness combines it with the famous drink of the Vikings, creating a harmonious bridge to this legendary drink of the gods.

At BEHN, we have made it our mission to preserve honey wine as a cultural heritage and at the same time reinterpret it. Viking drinks as they once were. The best mead, inspired by the myths and legends of the ancient Norsemen.