For those of us who grew up in Delaware (both owners), fall meant three things: Class field trips to that one apple orchard that’s still open, the gradual transition from soups to chowders, and having to listen to the damn Punkin’ Chunkin’ Anthem (link here).

You may think you’re initiated into the world of Punkin’ Chunkin’ because you’ve seen a thing or two about it on the Science Channel. To a Delawarean that’s the equivalent of saying you’re Jewish because you watched Eight Crazy Nights by Adam Sandler. Nope. That's not the way it works.

Back before the Science Channel decided that a bunch of crazy people shooting pumpkins into the heavens was worthy of primetime broadcast, there was a VHS tape of the history of Punkin’ Chunkin’ played in classrooms all across the tiny state of Delaware. As we remember, it was played as if it somehow represented a fine opportunity to give growing minds science education without the nuisance of having to teach them anything. And, in this video, was the Punkin Chunkin’ Anthem (linked again here).

The lyrics to the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Anthem are as follows:

Last week we wrote an article listing our favorite Fall Drinking Songs. In a way, this week is about our least favorite fall drinking song: The Punkin’ Chunkin’ Anthem (linked again here). It plays through our heads from October 1st until Thanksgiving like a warbly, pseudo-educational cassette from Hell.

Now, it is true that pumpkins are a part of our national heritage. Pumpkins originated in North America [1], and they are one of the more popular American crops [2]. They are used in everything from pies to soups to beers. Furthermore, Punkin’ Chunkin’ itself represents perhaps the best example of what ingenious, directionless Americans with too much time on their hands can achieve. It’s really just the song that we can’t handle.

So, in conclusion, this is the very, very long way of answering a question we’ve been asked three times this week, “Do you make a Pumpkin Mead?”

No. No we do not. Not because we think it would be bad or because we don't know how, but because it would make us think about the goddam Punkin’ Chunkin’ Anthem (linked for a final time here). 

It's time for your Thursday Fun Fact!

This is no joke. You can look it up here: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2000/acts/act015.htm

With everything in full swing here at Groennfell Meadery, we're proud to announce that we're extending our open hours and now offering complimentary tastings and tours!

Hours:
Click here for current open hours.

Tastings:
When you visit Groennfell Meadery, you'll be able to sample our meads. (We often have something special that's available for tasting in-store only!) We also have tasty non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and non-drinkers. Samples are always free of charge.

Tours:
We'll walk you through our process--from honey and water on one end to delicious bottled mead on the other. 

What else?
After the tour, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and explore our shop. You can purchase Groennfell swag and take home a complimentary Groennfell bumper sticker.

Our tasting room is open today from 10 AM to 5 PM. Come by and try some mead! Samples are free.

It's time for your weekly Thursday Fun Fact!

Well, it’s that time of the year. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere the days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisper, and it is definitely time to drink some mead. And if you’re anything like the staff of Groennfell Meadery you want the full experience. You want flannel shirts, changing leaves, a bottle of Mannaz, and… theme music.

Sure, there are plenty of fall music lists going around the internet. There are also plenty of lists of drinking songs. But what if you need a Fall Drinking Playlist? Well, fellow meadiac, we’ve got your back. The following is our humble list of ten songs to get you started.

“Poems, Prayers & Promises” by John Denver
Call us crazy, but doesn’t listening to John Denver’s voice feel like curling up under a genuine fleece blanket while mulled mead warms on the stove?

“There Is an Inn, a Merry Old Inn…” by the Tolkien Ensemble
This group of audacious Danes set out to record every single song and poem from the Lord of the Rings and they did. Once you get through the four hours of Elvish singing, there are some real pieces of gold like their version of a Hobbit drinking song. Nothing says autumnal comfort like Hobbits and good brew.

“New Coat of Paint” by Tom Waits
Just listen to this song. No further explanation needed. This number also wins the Swankiest Song award for this list.

“Walking Man” by James Taylor
Even though Taylor no longer drinks, we’re sure he wouldn’t mind you enjoying a bottle of mead on his behalf and settling into this great song which he described as “A song about the coming of winter and the fall of the year.” While you’re at it, just listen to the whole album.

“Old Friends” by Simon and Garfunkel
While you’re still in the mellow Walking Man vibe, why don’t you listen to some Simon and Garfunkel? This song really makes you want to bundle up (even though it’s still sixty degrees) and drink a bracer.

“Where Everybody Knows Your Name” by Gary Potnoy
If “The Theme from Cheers” doesn’t put you in the fall drinking spirit, what will?

“The Piano Has Been Drinking” by Tom Waits
This is the second of three Waits songs on this list. Something about Tom Waits’ music just makes it perfect for a Fall Drinking Playlist. Could it be that it’s creepy, usually focuses on alcohol, and Waits sings like he already caught this year’s Flu?

“The Frozen Logger” by Cisco Houston
This song contains such classic lines as “Well, if you poured whiskey on it/ he’d eat a bale of hay.” It also reminds us that the crisp fall air will soon turn to artic gales here in Vermont.

“November” by Tom Waits
This is undoubtedly the creepiest song on the list. Black Rider is a challenging album to listen to by itself, but it makes great background music at Halloween party.

“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon
One of our favorite Halloween drinking songs, and one of the boss’s favorite songs period. 

Listen to our list using the player below or follow us on Spotify!

Here's your weekly Thursday Fun Fact:

Ever wonder what happened at Groennfell Meadery before we started making mead? Well, one time this happened: