Midus: A Traditional Lithuanian Mead

Abstract

Old Lithuanian mead was made from a solution of honey and water simmered with various spices, such as thyme, lemon, cinnamon, cherries, linden blossoms, juniper berries, and hops. The solution was then strained and fermented with beer or wine yeast. These methods are still used in homemade mead making. The modern industrial Lithuanian mead technology uses three mead-making methods: basic mead, some art of metheglin, and some art of melomel, which are described in this chapter. The honey mash for production of industrial mead can be obtained from a mixture of honey and water (a ratio of 1:1 to 1:4) or a mixture of honey, fruit juice, and water (a ratio of 1:1:3). Mead can be amber to a shade of brown. Its taste and aroma can be characterized as honey, with a sour and sweet flavor, and hops aroma.