As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that mead falls more in line with beer than wine, although it does have its own unique characteristics. When it comes to the brewing and fermentation process, mead is more similar to beer than wine. Both beer and mead are brewed using grains or honey, while wine is made from fermented grapes.
One of the main similarities between mead and beer is the fermentation process. Both mead and beer require yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol. This fermentation process produces carbonation, giving them a bubbly and effervescent quality that is not typically found in wine. This carbonation is one of the factors that make mead more akin to beer.
Furthermore, the consistency and habits of mead also align more closely with beer. Mead tends to have a similar mouthfeel and body to beer, with a range of flavors and aromas that can be light and crisp or rich and full-bodied. Wine, on the other hand, often has a thinner consistency and a more limited range of flavors.
Another aspect that distinguishes mead from wine is its versatility in terms of ingredients and flavors. Mead can be made with various fruits, herbs, spices, and even hops, allowing for a wide range of flavors and styles. This diversity is reminiscent of the creative possibilities found in the world of beer brewing.
Personally, I have had the opportunity to explore the world of mead brewing and have found it to be a fascinating and rewarding experience. The process of making mead involves carefully selecting and balancing the ingredients to create a harmonious and delicious beverage. It requires a similar level of precision and attention to detail as brewing beer, which further supports the argument that mead is more like beer than wine.
While mead does have some similarities to wine, such as being fermented and alcoholic, it is more closely related to beer in terms of its brewing process, consistency, habits, and versatility. The carbonation, range of flavors, and ingredients used in mead are reminiscent of beer, making it a unique and exciting category of its own.