What is Mead?
Mead, often referred to as “honey wine,” is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with various fruits, spices, grains, or hops. Its origins are ancient, with historical evidence suggesting its consumption dates back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest known alcoholic beverages. There is no one doing Mead better in Ireland today that Kinsale Mead.
Although its primary ingredient is honey but also incredibly diverse – it can range from bone dry to very sweet, which may surprise you when you think of pure honey as its main ingredient. Kinsale Mead are proud to say their meads are judged as among the best in the world, full of delicious flavours, embodying the modern, refined style of mead making, refreshingly different and versatile. They are made from authentic recipes, pure raw, unfiltered honey and carefully selected berries. Their world-class meads are handcrafted from pure honey and carefully sourced ingredients in Kinsale, Co Cork.
All about Kinsale Mead Company and its Founders
Kinsale Mead Company, known for its innovative and world-class meads, was founded by husband-and-wife duo, Kate and Denis Dempsey. Their journey into mead-making began with a shared passion for revitalizing this ancient beverage and a desire to create something truly unique in Ireland.
Kate Dempsey
Kate Dempsey, with a background in science and a love for food and drink, brought a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the creation of Kinsale Mead. Her keen interest in sustainable practices and local produce plays a significant role in the company’s philosophy. Kate is often involved in the creative aspects of mead making, from developing new recipes to ensuring the quality and consistency of each batch.
Denis Dempsey
Denis Dempsey, on the other hand, complements Kate’s expertise with his experience in business and technology. His strategic vision and innovative thinking have been crucial in establishing Kinsale Mead as a leading name in the industry. Denis handles the operational and technical aspects of the meadery, ensuring that the production process aligns with their high standards of quality and sustainability.
The Vision
Together, Kate and Denis embarked on this venture to not only produce exceptional mead but also to educate others about its rich history and versatility. Their commitment to using high-quality ingredients and authentic recipes reflects their passion for craftsmanship and excellence.
By blending tradition with modern techniques, the Dempseys have succeeded in breathing new life into mead, making it accessible to a contemporary audience. Their efforts have not only contributed to the resurgence of mead in Ireland but have also gained international recognition, placing Kinsale Mead on the global map for craft beverages.
Sourcing the Ingredients
The honey used in Kinsale Mead comes mainly from Spain, as Ireland is a very low producer of honey, the fourth lowest honey producing country in the EU after only Malta, Luxembourg and Finland.
They discovered that most reputable honey suppliers sell their product by the jar, while our mead production requires large 300 kg barrels. Filling one barrel typically requires 8 to 10 hives. They collaborate directly with a honey cooperative in Spain that has been in operation for over a century, sourcing honey from approximately 400 beekeepers throughout the country.
Through their exploration of honey sourcing, they discovered that EU regulations ensure a higher reliability of honey compared to that sourced from outside the EU. They advise consumers to seek out honey produced within the EU rather than those labeled as “a blend of EU and non-EU honeys.” Research has revealed questionable practices, such as adulterating honey with sugar, corn, or rice syrup. Therefore, the closer you can purchase honey to the beekeeper, the better the quality is likely to be.
There exists a remarkable terroir linked to honey. The local nectar sources vary from fields to forests and, naturally, shift with the seasons. As a result, each batch of honey will differ, featuring unique pollens and aromatics, which gives every batch of mead we create its own distinct flavor. This is what makes the art of mead-making so captivating and thrilling; it all depends on where the bees are foraging.
Which Kinsale Mead you should try?
With a wonderful selection of mead with all different flavours and finishes, you might need a bit of guidance with picking a bottle of mead. Here is a selection of some of our favourites from Kinsale Mead.
Atlantic Dry Mead
This classic mead, produced from raw Spanish orange blossom honey, is fermented and matured to reach an ABV of 12%. It features an off-dry profile with delightful floral and citrus aromas, complemented by a long-lasting hint of honey and minimal sweetness.
Kinsale Mead’s inaugural creation in 2017, this mead offers a unique tasting experience with each batch, as the flavour can vary slightly based on the honey used. Since bees are not directed in their foraging, while most gather nectar from orange groves, some may also collect from other nearby flowers in fields and hedges. Remarkably, bees can travel up to four miles in search of quality nectar sources.
Wildflower Mead
Made from 100% Irish honey, their Wildflower Mead is the first Irish Mead made from Irish Honey in 200 years! They can only get enough to make a small batch so this is a limited release each year. You can pick up your bottle today!
A delightful representation of the aromas and flavours of West Cork during the summer months. With just one sip, it will whisk you away to our picturesque countryside. This pale gold beverage has a gentle finish and is best enjoyed on its own, lightly chilled, allowing the subtle honeyed notes to unfold beautifully.
Hazy Summer Mead
A refreshing, fruity melomel-style mead, this is a delightful celebration of long summer days, featuring six luscious berries. The honey is blended with a variety of ripe summer fruits, offering enticing aromas of strawberry and raspberry, all wrapped in a stunning rich pink hue.
On the palate, you’ll experience the bold flavours of blackberries, blackcurrants, and cherries, complemented by a finish of blueberries and forest honey. It’s like sipping a glass full of summer! For an extra treat, add some frozen berries; they’ll keep your drink chilled without watering down your mead, and you can enjoy the berries afterward too.
Today, mead is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with craft meaderies such a Kinsale Mead popping up globally. Enthusiasts appreciate its diverse range of flavors and the artisanal craftsmanship involved in its production. It’s often enjoyed on its own, as part of a tasting flight, or paired with a variety of foods, from cheeses to desserts.
Whether you’re a history buff, a craft beverage enthusiast, or simply curious about trying something new, mead offers a unique and flavorful experience steeped in tradition and creativity.