You can use supermarket honey for making mead, but there are a few factors to consider. Supermarket honey is typically filtered and pasteurized, which means it has undergone a heating process to remove impurities and extend its shelf life. While this makes it safe to consume, it also removes some of the natural flavors and aromas present in raw honey.
The flavor and aroma of honey can greatly impact the final taste of your mead. Using a raw, varietal honey, such as sage or raspberry, can add complexity and depth to your brew. These types of honey have distinct characteristics that can complement or enhance the flavors of your mead.
When using supermarket honey, you may find that the mead lacks the depth and complexity that raw honey can provide. However, this doesn't mean your mead won't turn out delicious. It just means that the flavor profile may be more straightforward and less nuanced.
If you decide to use supermarket honey, there are a few things you can do to enhance the flavor. First, consider adding additional ingredients, such as fruits, spices, or herbs, to create more complexity in your mead. These additions can help mask any potential blandness from the honey.
Second, you can experiment with different yeast strains to bring out different flavors and aromas in your mead. Yeast can greatly impact the final taste of your brew, and choosing a yeast that complements the honey can help enhance its flavors.
Consider aging your mead for a longer period of time. This can allow the flavors to develop and mellow, resulting in a more complex and flavorful end product.
In my personal experience, I have used both raw varietal honey and supermarket honey for making mead. While the mead made with raw honey had a more pronounced and enjoyable flavor, the mead made with supermarket honey was still enjoyable and drinkable. It all comes down to personal preference and what you are looking to achieve with your mead.
To summarize, yes, you can use supermarket honey for making mead. However, if you are looking to create a mead with a more desirable flavor and aroma, I would recommend considering using raw, varietal honey. It may cost a bit more, but the difference in taste can be well worth it.