Over the next few weeks we’ll be taking a rather deep dive into the meads on offer from the glorious Lancashire Mead Company, pagan meadmakers and creators of some incredibly distinctive, pure and powerful beverages. When druidic inspiration and artisanal prowess combine like this, the result is inevitably one for the sagas themselves. Each of their meads are a dedication to the gods of Norse cosmology, which sets a rather high bar for them to clear, especially given the significance of mead both to the myths themselves and practicing pagans today.
Presented in magnificent squared bottles which suspend the mead itself in a glass embrace, catching the light at every angle, it’s inescapable from first glance. This is a quality product with absolutely nothing to hide. Aegir’s Mead in particular has this almost golden red hue, still possessing exceptional clarity. The bottles themselves are a form of reverence to the drink, showcasing it in an almost sacred, ritual state.
As we all know, looks aren’t everything. A lovely bottle with Nordic inspired branding has sold me a subpar mead many a time, and I’m sure many of you will know the feeling. Does Lancashire Mead Company‘s product live up to their titanic namesakes and stunning presentation?
In this case, yes.
Aegir’s Mead: The majesty of the sea in a bottle of mead?
It’s said that Ægir, god of the seas, knew how to throw a party. Though ale was said to be his forte, I’m willing to bet he would have had a few bottles of this on hand for the guests he really liked.
The scent is a subtle, muted hint of what’s to come. Light citrus and some other sweet, subtle fruit notes you might to attribute to the nose on a good brandy. As you take your first sip, you’ll be met with an astonishing citrus burst across the palate, a bright splash of flavour akin to biting into a tart, zingy wedge of actual fruit. The taste slowly deepens and expands into mellow orange notes accentuated delicately by a touch of sweetness from the honey.
The real genius comes in the finishing touch. As soon as that crashing citrus wave recedes, there’s a masterfully crafted dose of palate-cleansing astringence from the tannins, rounding out the initial peak with a soft dryness and a lingering, nearly buttery note in the mouth. Pleasant without being overpowering, which is a key victory when balancing the components of a good mead. This ensures that your second taste will be every bit as potent as the first, making Aegir’s Mead akin to a rolling tide that delivers the same deeply refreshing mouthful every time.
Pair with: The orange notes in Aegir’s Mead make it a natural bedfellow for spicy food – we enjoyed it alongside crackers topped with thin slices of cheese and a healthy adornment of spicy, sweet brinjal pickle. It would go beautifully with a good curry or a rich dessert.
Aegir’s Mead – 5/5
This is a full-bodied, captivating mead. As much as the taste impressed me – simple in theory but deep in practice – I think it was that beautiful loop of fresh citrus ‘zing’ and astringent finish that kept me coming back to this bottle all evening. All of this flavour is accomplished via natural ingredients. This mead is made of honey, yeast, pure orange juice concentrate and a bit of strong tea during fermentation. That’s it.
The ritual of uncorking a weighty bottle, filled with anticipation just by the look of the nectar within. Drawing in your first impressions by the nose, and that first eager sip… it has rarely felt as satisfying as it did with Aegir’s Mead, and I’m left eagerly anticipating just what else this selection of meads might have in store for me.
If you’d like to grab your own bottle of Aegir’s Mead and experience this excellent traditional mead for yourself, you can find it on their website.