Mead - Varietal Honey Traditional Mead

BJCP 25-B

AROMA

Honey aroma should dominate, which may be sweet and may express the aroma of flower nectar. Aromas produced during fermentation, such as fruity esters and alcohol, may also be present. The particular Varietal honey aroma (such as orange blossoms for orange blossom honey) should be evident.

APPEARANCE

Clarity may be good to brilliant. Carbonated examples will show active evidence of dissolved gas but no head is expected. Color may range from pale straw to deep amber.

FLAVOR

The flavor of honey should be featured and may include residual sweetness. The distinctive taste of the Varietal honey should be showcased. Any additives, such as acidity or tannin, should enhance the honey flavor and lend balance to the overall character of the mead.

MOUTH FEEL

Smooth texture. Most will be wine-like, with the warming presence of alcohol and sense of medium body. Sensations of a cloying or astringent character should be avoided.

COMMENTS

Mead made from honey from a particular flower source. The brewer must name the varietal honey. Note that the character of a varietal honey will be identifiable as distinct to the source, but may not resemble the source. Orange-blossom honey has the character of orange blossoms, not oranges. Blackberry honey is only distantly like blackberries, although it is an identifiable character. While some oxidation of mead is OK and can actually lend useful complexity to the mead, over oxidation as exhibited by sherry-like aroma and/or taste should be avoided. Phenols produced by high temperature fermentation are also to be avoided. Entrants must specify whether the entry is still or sparkling mead. Entrants must also specify whether the entry is dry, semi-sweet or sweet.

VITAL

Effective OG: 1.070-1.120+ IBUs: N/A FG: 0.995-1.025 SRM: 1-16 ABV: 7.5-15+