Mead is considered a traditional drink, likely even older than wine, and is a purely natural product. Mead is made by fermenting honey diluted with water, sometimes with fruit juice, and it can also be flavored with various herbs or spices. It has beneficial effects on the digestive system and can be enjoyed chilled or warm, especially during colds, making it a versatile beverage.
Mead has been considered a source of life, courage, and strength since ancient times, and it was primarily served to heroes. The Celts, Dacians, Germans, Vikings, Slavs, Jews, Huns, and others regarded mead as their tribal beverage. Travelers and merchants Ibn Rusta and Gardizi from Persia similarly mention the use of mead in the Great Moravian Empire. Mead was the fundamental and most widespread fermented drink. Emperor and King Charles IV introduced winemaking, creating fierce competition for mead. Wine could not match the taste of mead, but unfortunately, mead could not compete with wine in production costs. Mead matures over a certain period; generally, the higher the honey content in the mead, the longer it takes to mature. Over time, mead becomes smoother and more delightful in flavor.