Make delicious meads in many varieties and flavor profiles with this completely updated edition of the definitive companion book for home mead-making.

Some stories suggest that mead was originally discovered when one of our not-yet-upright forebears stuck their hand in a fermenting bee hive and came away with a honeycomb containing a little more than they bargained for. Whatever the truth, brewers have brought this beverage into the twenty-first century, and you can rest assured that The Complete Guide to Making Mead is a thoroughly up-to-date, modern, and authoritative guide to homemade mead.

Best of all, it has something for everyone, from the stone-cold beginner to the seasoned veteran. Written by award-winning mead-maker Steve Piatz, the book features:

• A brief history of the fermented beverage and a rundown of the various types of mead


• Dozens of recipes for basic meads (honey only), melomels (honey and fruit), metheglins (honey and spices), and braggots (honey and malt)


• A discussion of the many types of honey that are available, their characteristics, and where to source them


• Information on yeast and special ingredients, as well as what equipment is necessary and recommended


• An illustrated and detailed look at the basic process


• Advanced techniques, such as oaking, clarifying, aging, spicing, and blending


• Guidance on developing recipes and troubleshooting problems with the brewing process


• More than 100 color photos

Make your own mead, and make a toast to this ancient alcoholic drink, with this comprehensive guide.