At the recent 20th Annual San Diego Food + Wine Festival, attendees embarked on a sensory journey, discovering a diverse array of beverages. Among these, Wild West Mead Company, based in Vista, California, captivated festival-goers with its creative and flavorful meads, showcasing the unique and exciting world of this ancient beverage. Let’s delve into their story, explore the art of mead-making, and discover the different types of mead that are enchanting a new generation of enthusiasts.

The Journey of Wild West Mead Company

Michael and Keith’s journey into the world of mead began unexpectedly. While growing up in Lubbock, Texas, their bond as brothers evolved into a shared love for adventure and craftsmanship. By trade, they are skilled electricians, but their path diverged when Michael, captivated by the complex flavors and ancient tradition of mead, began experimenting with homebrewing around 2000.

This sparked a passion that eventually ignited Keith’s interest in 2015. They honed their craft through years of experimentation, collaborating with friends and even trading electrical work for brewing lessons from local breweries. This hands-on experience, combined with a desire to share their creations, led to the founding of Wild West Mead Company in 2017.

After years of brewing and self-distribution, they achieved a significant milestone in 2023 with the opening of their tasting room and production facility in Vista, California. Here, they specialize in crafting bold, innovative meads, particularly those infused with tea, while also honoring traditional styles. This adventurous spirit, reflecting their Texan roots and embracing the California spirit, is evident in their commitment to pushing creative boundaries and introducing new and exciting flavors to the world of mead.

What Is Mead, and How Is It Made?

Mead, often called the “drink of the gods,” is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world, made primarily from honey, water, and yeast. Here’s how it’s crafted:

  1. The Base: Honey is mixed with water to create a fermentable sugar solution.

 

  1. Fermentation: Yeast is added, converting the sugars into alcohol over weeks or months.

 

  1. Flavor Additions: Depending on the desired style, fruits, spices, grains, or teas may be added for unique flavors.

 

  1. Aging: After fermentation, the mead is typically aged in bottles or barrels to allow the flavors to mellow and develop complexity.This aging process can last from a few months to several years, depending on the desired style.

The Many Styles of Mead

Mead comes in a variety of styles, each offering a unique flavor profile:

  • Traditional Mead: Made with just honey, water, and yeast, showcasing the natural character of the honey.

  • Metheglin: Infused with spices and teas, such as Wild West Mead Company’s collaborations with local tea artisans, like Pannikin Coffee & Tea.

  • Melomel: Incorporates fruits like berries, apples, or citrus for added sweetness and tartness.

  • Capsicumel: Features peppers, offering a balance of heat and honey sweetness, like Wild West’s jalapeño cornbread mead.

  • Pyment: Combines wine grapes with honey, such as their Pinot Noir collaboration, “In the Middle of Noir.”

  • Braggot: A blend of mead and beer (though this requires a brewery license).

  • Experimental Creations: Wild West Mead Company excels in this category, with bold creations like Thai basil curry and Bananas Foster-inspired meads.

The Cultural and Historical Significance of Mead

Mead, the ‘drink of the gods,’ boasts a history as old as civilization itself. Revered in ancient Greece, Norse, and Celtic cultures, it was often intertwined with mythology and ritual. Norse legends claimed mead bestowed wisdom and poetic inspiration, while the Greeks associated it with ambrosia, the nectar of the immortals. Across Europe, mead was the lifeblood of celebrations, most notably weddings. In fact, the term ‘honeymoon’ may have originated from the custom of newlyweds enjoying mead for a lunar cycle (a month) after their nuptials. Though often associated with European traditions, evidence suggests mead’s origins may lie even further back, with the oldest known traces of fermented honey discovered in ancient China and potentially even earlier in Africa.

The Wild West of Mead

At the recent San Diego Food + Wine Festival, the Wild West Mead Company opened the eyes (and taste buds!) of countless attendees to the world of mead. For many, it was a revelation. These seasoned connoisseurs of beer and wine found themselves captivated by the unique and unexpected flavors of this ancient beverage. The company’s ability to surprise and delight with its creative meads – from classic styles to bold, innovative concoctions – quickly converted curious first-timers into enthusiastic mead lovers.

We sat down with Kristen Weidemann, a member of the family behind this dynamic meadery, to learn more about their story. As Kristen eloquently stated, “With a name like Wild West Mead Company, we’re bringing our history to our present and building on our future.” Their journey is a testament to the power of family, creativity, and a shared passion for crafting exceptional meads.

Experience Wild West Mead

If you’re looking to expand your palate and explore the world of mead, visit Wild West Mead Company’s tasting room in Vista. Whether you’re a seasoned mead enthusiast or a curious newcomer, their diverse selection offers something for every palate. From classic honey-driven meads to adventurous, spice-infused creations, you’re sure to find a new favorite.

Author: San Diego Food + Wine Festival