Spotlight on the National Mead Crafters Competition
In the world of craft beverage innovation, the National Honey Board’s annual Mead Crafters Competition provides a stage for showcasing the exceptional diversity found in mead-making across the United States. This celebrated event invites mead artisans to present their finest creations, encompassing a broad spectrum from traditional and dessert meads to innovative blends and eye-catching packaging. Judged by seasoned experts and admired by enthusiasts, this competition shines a light on the skill and passion driving America’s finest mead producers.
As the excitement builds for the seventh annual competition, the National Honey Board has opened online registration, with entries accepted through Friday, October 31. The event serves as a tribute to the nation’s best meads, setting the stage for a showcase of creativity and excellence in honey-based beverages.
Celebrating Mead Artistry During the Festive Season
With the holiday season approaching, the Mead Crafters Competition emphasizes the unique artistry that mead makers bring to the table. Catherine Barry, VP of Marketing at the National Honey Board, highlights this by stating, “There’s no better time than the holiday season to celebrate the craftsmanship of mead.” She adds that the competition not only honors those who turn honey into exceptional festive beverages but also celebrates mead as a favored drink well into the future.
The competition categories are extensive, including dessert meads, metheglin, pyment, varietal meads, braggots, cysers, and traditional meads, alongside a design and packaging category. This variety ensures that both traditional and experimental meads have their moment in the spotlight, appealing to a wide range of palate preferences.
Previous Winners and Inspiring Creations
In the prior year’s competition, an innovative dry mead crafted with wildflower honey and aged in bourbon barrels seized the top prize, showcasing the creative possibilities within mead-making. Fortitude by Bears Bluff Meadery of Wadmalaw Island, SC, led the pack, triumphing over more than 200 entries. The silver medal went to Treehive’s B.U.Z.Z. Cake from Brocton, Illinois, while Superstition Meadery’s Ma Petite Chouchen from Prescott, Arizona, earned bronze, illustrating the geographical diversity and distinctiveness within American mead.
With this year’s submission deadline looming on October 31, meaderies across the nation are encouraged to submit multiple entries per category, provided each mead is unique to its selected category. The competition is capped at 300 entries, making each submission a valued component of this highly esteemed event.
Looking Ahead to Mead Innovation
The Mead Crafters Competition continues to illuminate the innovation and dedication of mead producers, providing aficionados and newcomers alike with the opportunity to explore the rich flavors and intricate craftsmanship of honey-based beverages. Whether you’re a seasoned mead lover or new to the scene, this competition is a celebration of creativity, flavor, and artisan skills. Mead makers eager to join this esteemed showcase can submit their entries now, sharing their innovative creations with judges and fans across the country.
For further details on the Mead Crafters Competition, please reach out to Jasmyne Harris at [email protected].
About The National Honey Board
The National Honey Board (NHB) is an agriculturally funded organization dedicated to imparting knowledge about the advantages and diverse uses of honey and its products. Through targeted research and comprehensive marketing initiatives, the Board enhances honey’s visibility and adaptability among consumers, the foodservice sector, and food manufacturers. A 10-member board, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, represents the interests of beekeepers, packers, importers, and a marketing cooperative, underpinning the hard work and contributions of the honey industry.
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