Melomels, a captivating subset of the mead family, have gained immense popularity. These delightful concoctions combine honey with a variety of fruits, creating a symphony of flavors that can satisfy any palate. In 2024, some standouts have taken the limelight, earning prestigious awards for their exceptional taste and craftsmanship.
This listicle introduces you to these top-rated melomels, explores current production trends, and provides tips for making your own and pairing them with food.
Top 5 Award-Winning Melomels of 2024
1. Silver Hand Meadery’s Blackberry Parade
Silver Hand Meadery dazzled the judges at the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup, securing gold medals for their Blackberry Parade. Bursting with the rich, juicy essence of blackberries, this brew is perfectly balanced with honey’s natural sweetness. Its deep, complex flavor profile makes it an ideal companion for both casual sipping and gourmet meals.
2. Dancing Bee Winery’s Blackberry Melomel
This award-winner from Dancing Bee Winery is celebrated for its rich and luscious flavor. The blend of blackberries and honey creates a delicious beverage that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and cigars. Awarded a bronze medal at the Lone Star International Wine Competition, it’s a must-try for any enthusiast.
3. Treehive Inc.’s It’s Getting Tart In Here
This uniquely named melomel by Treehive Inc. snagged a top spot in the sweet category at Valkyrie’s Horn 2024. The tartness, balanced with the natural sweetness from the honey, provides an exciting twist, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
4. Miodosytnia Lucjan’s Banan
Miodosytnia Lucjan’s Banan melomel captured the attention of judges with its exotic banana flavor. This sweet creation offers a refreshing change from more traditional fruit choices, and its unique flavor profile has earned it a well-deserved second place at Valkyrie’s Horn 2024.
5. Etowah Meadery’s Mead-Ahh-Rita
Etowah Meadery’s Mead-Ahh-Rita combines the tropical flavors of a margarita with the natural sweetness of honey, making it a standout at this year’s competitions. This is perfect for summer parties and has captured third place in the sweet melomel category at Valkyrie’s Horn 2024.
Melomel Trends in 2024
The landscape in 2024 is as vibrant as ever, with producers experimenting boldly with flavors and ingredients. The following trends have been prevalent among this year’s award-winners:
- Exotic Fruits: Makers are increasingly incorporating exotic fruits like bananas, tangerines, and tropical blends into their creations.
- Balancing Tart and Sweet: A significant trend is the balance between tart and sweet flavors, providing a refreshing twist to traditional sweet brews.
- Artisanal Crafting: There is a considerable focus on small-batch production methods, ensuring each bottle captures the full essence of the fruit and honey used.
How to Make Your Own Melomel
Ingredients
- 3 lbs honey
- 1-2 lbs fresh fruit (berries, peaches, bananas, etc.)
- 3-4 quarts water
- 1 packet of wine yeast
- Campden tablets (optional, for sterilization)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Sterilize Equipment: Ensure all your brewing equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
- Prepare Fruit: Mash the fruit and place it into a fermentation container.
- Mix Honey and Water: In a large pot, warm the water gently and dissolve the honey, stirring continuously.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the honey-water mixture over the mashed fruit in the fermentation container.
- Add Yeast: Once the mixture cools to room temperature, add the yeast and stir well.
- Fermentation: Cover the container loosely and let it ferment in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks, stirring daily.
- Secondary Fermentation: Strain the mixture into a carboy, leaving the sediment behind, and attach an airlock. Ferment for an additional 4-6 weeks.
- Bottling: Once fermentation is complete, bottle carefully and let it age for at least 3 months.
Experimentation Tips
- Fruits: Experiment with different fruits to find your perfect flavor.
- Spices: Add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for unique twists.
- Aging: Longer aging times can develop deeper, more complex flavors.
Pairing Melomels with Food
Food Pairings
- Cheese: Soft cheeses like brie or sharp cheeses like blue cheese pair well.
- Desserts: Fruit-based desserts, tarts, and dark chocolate enhance flavors.
- Meats: Pair sweet melomels with roasted pork or chicken for a delightful culinary experience.
Tasting Menu Suggestions
Create a tasting menu that highlights the complex flavors of different brews alongside complementary dishes. Start with lighter fruits like berries and work up to richer, more intense flavors.
Hosting a Pairing Party
Invite friends over for a party. Provide a variety and pair them with cheeses, fruits, and desserts. This engaging activity can be a fantastic way to introduce others to the world of mead.
Melomel Festivals and Events in 2024
Notable Events
- Drink Seoul 2024: Booze & Buzz Meadery unveiled a range of award-winning meads, showcasing unique flavor profiles. This event is a treasure trove for enthusiasts.
- Virginia Governor’s Cup: Celebrates top regional meaderies like Silver Hand Meadery, known for their outstanding melomels.
Tips for Attending
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water between tastings.
- Take Notes: Keep a tasting journal to remember your favorites.
- Ask Questions: Engage with the mead makers to learn about their processes and inspirations.
Conclusion
The award-winning melomels of 2024 showcase the innovative spirit and craftsmanship of today’s mead makers. From the tantalizing tartness of Treehive Inc.’s creations to the exotic flair of Miodosytnia Lucjan’s Banan, these creations promise to excite your taste buds. Explore these phenomenal drinks, try making your own, and don’t forget to pair them with your favorite foods. As the scene continues to evolve, there’s never been a better time to indulge in this delightful beverage.
