 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Jun 6, 2007
My first mead, and quite an opening act! Hailed as one of the finest examples I was both excited and intimidated. My expectations were high, yet what exactly I expected, I did not know. Its orangy rose hue appeared bright and clear hinting at its mellifluous nature. No head was present but prominent legs lined the glass in an almost mathematical arrangement. Upon the nose, alcohol strikes with great vigor, the waxy properties of honey are present, but almost sugar free. Efflorescent aromas of lilac, honeysuckle and lily of the valley add to the subtle complexity, further accreting with cream, maple and a white wine tonality. The abundance of sugar only becomes apparent on the palate and lends texture to the heavy alcohol notes. The viscous liquid is far more satisfying to the taste as it dissolves on the tongue in an almost crystalline fashion. Honeysuckle is omnipresent, as if the nectar of a hundred flowers was dripped into my glass. The complex amalgam of light honey flavors reminds of blueberry blossom, clover and acacia varieties, an ultimately soothing sensation, and a reminder of how remarkable nature really is. With time, delicate accents are revealed, peach and apricot, hints of orange and Charentais melon, add to the fruity sensation. Almond extract, clove and licorice are also noticeable with effort. The smooth and uncarbonated syrup seeps deep into the veins, warming on its way to the tips of your fingers. Though I don’t doubt the eminence of this mead, I can hardly see an appropriate time to drink it, and even on that rare occasion I find that a good tawny port would provide greater fulfillment.
lb4lb (1546), Austin, Texas, USA
Nov 29, 2008 Thanks to thickfreakness for sharing some of this stuff!
Pours an unassuming clear amber with no carbonation or head. Smell is extremely honey like with light notes of pear and fruitiness wafting out as well. Taste was incredibly sweet and cloying and was like chugging thinned out honey with a light fruitiness attached to it. Syrupy body and smooth despite the 16% ABV, which was well hidden. Still, it was incredibly difficult to drink 1 ounce over 20 minutes and was just incredibly cloying and unbalanced. I don’t understand how somebody can complain any beer is too sweet and not claim the same for this. Nice to try, but I can’t say I would ever want it again.
thickfreakness (125), Austin, Texas, USA
Nov 18, 2008 Many thanks to SoLan for the bottle. Pours clear with a pinkish amber color. Sweet floral honey with pears, raisins, and alcohol also in the nose. Flavors of rum soaked raisins, floral honey, pears, ripe apples, and booze. Very much like a dessert wine. Thick huge viscous mouthfeel. Awesome stuff. I will be savoring this bottle over quite a few nights.
Miksu (1357), Jyväskylä, Finland
Nov 1, 2008 0.75 l bottle. Copper to amber color. Very sweet flowery aroma with hints of butter. Very sweet and honeyish flavor with dark sugar, raspberries and butter. Soft very warming palate, a bit too warming for me. This is very sweet but warming alcohol balances quite nicely.
smartlung (154), Valrico, Florida, USA
Oct 16, 2008 thank you for sharing Deepak! Never had mead before but if they all taste like this one then i’m sold! Honey and port like - just delicious!
Rciesla (1136), Brick City, New Jersey, USA
Oct 16, 2008 Bottle from a trade long ago. What can i say the best mead i’ve ever had. Orange amber brown body with no head. Apple, honey, caramel apple. The honey is lightly viscous, very sweet and dry with a mild oakiness. Incredible.
|
