Mead is often described as the world’s oldest alcoholic drink—a simple yet remarkable

fermentation of honey and water that dates back thousands of years. Today, it is enjoying a

resurgence in Ireland and across Europe as consumers rediscover traditional, natural, and craft

beverages.

But as interest in mead grows, so too does a quieter issue within the category: not everything

labeled as “mead” is actually authentic. At Wild Atlantic Honey & Mead, we believe it is time to

clearly define what real mead is, why it matters, and how consumers can make informed choices.

What Is Real Mead?

At its core, real mead is beautifully simple. It is made by fermenting honey with water and yeast,

allowing the natural sugars in honey to convert into alcohol over time. The quality, flavor, and

character of the final product depend heavily on the honey used—its floral source, origin, and

purity.

Traditional mead relies on honey as the primary fermentable ingredient, not as a flavoring or

additive. This distinction is crucial. In today’s market, some products marketed as “mead” may use

only small quantities of honey, rely on added sugars or syrups, or introduce honey late in the

process purely for taste. Real mead begins with real honey and respects the integrity of that

ingredient throughout the entire process.

Ireland’s Mead-Making Tradition

Ireland has a long and often overlooked tradition of mead making, with honey-based drinks

featuring in early Irish society, storytelling, and hospitality. Mead was associated with gatherings,

feasting, and the culture of welcome.

Today, modern production and global supply chains have made it harder to distinguish authenticity.

Over 90% of honey in Ireland is imported, making transparency and origin critically important.

Certification helps restore the trust that was once inherent in local production.Why We Joined EMMA

We recently joined the European Mead Makers Association (EMMA) to align with producers

committed to authenticity, transparency, and quality. Supporting the integrity of mead as a category

is vital to its future growth.

THE REAL MEAD™ CERTIFICATION

To further this commitment, we are working towards Real Mead™ Certification. This standard

ensures authenticity and traceability. It guarantees that the mead is made from genuine honey and

that its origin is known, protecting consumers from imitation products that use cheap sugars or

treat honey as a flavoring rather than the base.

From Native Irish Hives to Glass

Our approach focuses on small-batch production, quality honey, and full traceability, supported by

our Native Irish Honey Bee Sanctuary. Certification gives consumers confidence that they are

buying authentic mead crafted with care and respect for tradition.