Should Mead be Refrigerated After Opening?
As a sommelier and brewer with a passion for mead, I can offer some insights into the best practices for storing and serving this delightful beverage. One common question that often arises is whether mead should be refrigerated after opening. The answer, as with many things related to mead, depends on a few factors.
Firstly, it's important to consider the alcohol content of the mead in question. Light meads with an alcohol content of less than 13% are best stored in a refrigerator after opening. This is because these meads have a lower alcohol content and are more prone to spoilage or oxidation. By refrigerating them, you can slow down the oxidation process and extend the shelf life of the mead.
On the other hand, meads with a higher alcohol content can be tightly re-sealed and stored in a cool pantry or wine cellar. These meads, often referred to as “strong” or “fortified,” have a higher alcohol content that acts as a preservative. They are less susceptible to spoilage and can be stored at room temperature without significant degradation in quality. However, it's still important to keep them away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Once a bottle of mead is opened, it begins to interact with oxygen, much like wine. This interaction can lead to oxidation, which can negatively impact the flavor and aroma of the mead. To minimize oxidation, it's crucial to reseal the bottle tightly after each use. This will help to prevent excessive exposure to oxygen and preserve the mead's quality.
Personal experience has taught me that storing opened mead in the refrigerator can help to slow down the oxidation process even further. I have found that refrigerated mead retains its flavors and aromas for a longer period compared to mead stored at room temperature. However, it's important to note that refrigeration alone cannot completely halt oxidation, and the mead will eventually start to degrade in quality, even when stored in the refrigerator.
Light meads with an alcohol content of less than 13% should be resealed and stored in a refrigerator after opening. This will help to slow down the oxidation process and extend the shelf life of the mead. Meads with a higher alcohol content can be stored in a cool pantry or wine cellar, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Regardless of the alcohol content, it's crucial to reseal the bottle tightly after each use to minimize oxidation. Remember, mead, like wine, is a delicate beverage that can be influenced by storage conditions, so it's always best to take care in preserving its quality and flavor.