In which Ricky the Meadmaker answers questions about the Paleolithic Diet, distilled mead, aging mead, making braggots, and announces the Midwinter Fest on December 13, 2014 at Groennfell Meadery.

Further Reading:
Aging Mead
Midwinter Fest
Caledonia Spirits

Did you know that we sell mead by the bucket? You didn't know that? Well, we do!

Follow up question: Do you know why we sell mead by the bucket?

Answer: For Brining Turkeys! (Or for cooking anything, really.)

Basically, here's the deal. If you want a bunch of mead for the purposes of cooking, you can call ahead and tell us how much and what kind you want, up to 5 gallons. We will tell you the price and when to pick it up.

For those of you who were thinking that this is way better than buying it by the bottle, there's a catch...

When you buy mead by the bucket, all (or nearly all) of the CO2 is removed, and you have to give us your word that it's for cooking and not for drinking.

So, now you know! Next week we'll be posting photos of all of the foods made with Groennfell Mead; make sure to send us your pics before Monday!

Contact us now to request your bucket o' mead. Check out our Cooking with Mead recipes for more inspiration!

This Friday is Black Friday (America's third favorite trampling-based holiday), and we have have a bunch of treats for you! 

1. If you're a Meadiac trying to get out of post-Thanksgiving-forced-family-fun, chances are your family won't be at the meadery.
   
2. We're releasing our 2014  Limited Edition Tankards!
3. For a limited time, we're going to be offering a special Winter Warmer Bundle (shown below.)
4. If you get either the mug or the Winter Warmer Bundle you'll be given a voucher for a pint of our Winter Wassail a full week before its release party!
5. All weekend, cases of Factory Seconds will be on sale at 50% off the regular price.

Now you're probably thinking, "Hey, I like my family. Can they come too?"

Of course! As always, Groennfell Meadery is family friendly, complete with non-alcoholic offerings for the non-drinkers in your clan.  

So, skip the mall, bring the family (or don't), and join us this Black Friday (and Saturday) for a relaxing, non-trampling take on this Great American Holiday.

Hours:
Friday, November 28, 2:00 - 7:00 and
Saturday, November 29, 10:00 - 5:00

Happy, Happy Life Day! In the words of Princess Leia, “I hope that this day will always be a day of joy in which we can reconfirm our dedication and our courage, and – more than anything else – our love for one another.”

From the first whiff of your Wookiee-ookiees in the oven to the decorating of the Life Day Tree; from our remembrances of the departed to our songs for the young ones who have chosen to bring new life into the world; whether you are watching the Star Wars Holiday special alone or surrounded by your Honor Family, on Earth or on Kashyyyk, we celebrate with you.

Obviously, Life Day is very important in the lives of the staff of Groennfell Meadery.[1] Every year, The Meadmaker makes a special batch of Wookiee Brew for his family and friends; it is a drink of his own devising. Today, we would like to share his Top Secret Recipe:

Ingredients:
4 Bottles Valkyrie’s Choice
1 Bottle Fenberry Draught
1 Bottle British Hard Cider or Can of Unified Press
2 Cups Brandy
1 Cup Orange Juice
1 Pound Frozen Strawberries
1 Pound Frozen Blueberries

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients in your Silver Life Day Bowl at least three days but not more than one week before Life Day. (Can be made day of, but better if the fruit gets a little bubbly.)
   
2. Serve it by the mug with a spoon for the fruit throughout the day but especially with Bantha Rump (or meal of your choice).
   

Now go; and again in the words of Princess Leia, “This holiday is yours, but we all share with you the hope that this day brings us closer to freedom, and to harmony, and to peace. No matter how different we appear, we're all the same in our struggle against the powers of evil and darkness.”


[1] Not true. It is just so important to Ricky that it seems like the whole staff cares.

In which Ricky the Meadmaker answers questions about the craziest ingredient he's ever used in mead, whether mead kills houseplants, whether we got you anything special for the holidays, and more!

Stay up-to-date on all the awesome things we're doing for the holidays: #MidwinterMead

Further Reading:
Honey Tasting Results

Last Saturday was Groennfell Meadery’s official Honey Tasting, and we got a great turn out!

Right off the bat there are three great findings from the tasting notes:

1. People had never really thought about the profile of honey besides “sweet.” To quote one taster, “I never knew honey could have such complex aromas and flavors, or that some of them even existed as a category.”
   
2. Almost everyone thinks they’re bad at tasting honey.

3.       People are NOT bad at tasting honey. There was an astounding consistency in the tasting notes; each term below, in fact, appeared on over 60% of the sheets.

A whole bunch of new places in Vermont have picked up Groennfell Mead in the last couple months! If you haven't checked our Mead Finder in a while, now would be the time to see if you can quench your thirst for mead closer to home.

Below are a few of the places that started carrying Groennfell Mead in the last few months!