Mead & Cider

Discovering mead and cider

Mead and cider offer a different world of flavors beyond beer. The foundation is different: mead is made by fermenting honey with water, while cider is made by fermenting apple juice. The ingredients used and the choices made by the producer determine the final character.

Both drinks can be dry or sweet, light or strong, still or sparkling. Therefore, the name alone does not tell you exactly what to expect.

What is mead?

Mead, also known as honey wine, is an alcoholic beverage based on fermented honey and water. The type of honey can contribute to the aroma, for instance with floral, fruity, or spicy nuances.

Producers may also use fruit, herbs, or spices. As a result, mead varies from subtle and refined to full-bodied and bold. The alcohol content and the amount of residual sweetness also vary per variant.

So, mead does not have to taste sweet. During fermentation, many of the honey sugars can be converted, creating a drier drink.

What is cider?

Cider is made from fermented apple juice. The apple varieties used play an important role: they can contribute sweetness, acidity, tannins, and aroma. Tannins can provide a slightly astringent or dry sensation in the mouth.

Some ciders are fresh and fruity, while others are drier, earthier, or have a more pronounced flavor. Carbonation also makes a difference. A sparkling cider can come across as lively, while a still variant offers a different drinking experience.

What is the difference between mead and cider?

Mead is centered on honey and cider on apples. That gives each their own foundation, but does not automatically indicate which one is sweeter or stronger.

With mead, for example, you may encounter floral honey aromas or flavors from added fruit. With cider, the apple character, freshness, and sometimes tannins are central. Within both drinks, the differences are significant, so check the flavor description and alcohol percentage.

Which direction suits you?

Do you like fresh, dry drinks? Then a dry cider can be a great starting point. If you are looking for rounded flavors and honey aromas, explore mead. Even if you prefer to drink something less sweet, there are interesting variants within mead.

Does added fruit appeal to you? Then look at the types of fruit used as well as the balance between sweetness and acidity. A fruity scent does not always mean the drink tastes sweet.

View our separate collections for meadand ciderto continue your targeted exploration. There, you can read more about the drinks and find the available selection.

Buying mead and cider at De Biersalon

At De Biersalon, you can discover mead and cider alongside beer. A great opportunity to explore a different drink, with the same attention to flavor and personal advice.

Are you looking for an introduction or do you already know which direction you enjoy? Tell us if you like dry, fresh, fruity, or sweet. We are happy to help you choose, in the shop or via a message.