As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on the current labeling of mead. Due to a rather perplexing decision by the federal government, mead is now categorized as a type of wine. you heard that right – mead, a beverage made primarily from honey, is now lumped into the same category as grape wine.
But that's not all. In addition to being labeled as a wine, mead producers are required to call it “honey wine” on the bottle. So, essentially, mead cannot be called mead because apparently, calling it by its rightful name would confuse consumers. It's a bit ironic and frustrating, to say the least.
This decision by the government has caused confusion and frustration within the mead community. Mead has a rich history and unique production process that sets it apart from wine. It has its own distinct flavors, aromas, and characteristics that differ greatly from grape-based wines. By labeling it as “honey wine,” it undermines the uniqueness and individuality of mead.
To make matters worse, the term “honey wine” can be misleading to consumers who may assume it is simply a sweetened or flavored wine. Mead is its own category of alcohol, and it deserves to be recognized as such.
Personally, as a sommelier and brewer, I find this decision to be a disservice to the mead industry. Mead has a long and storied history dating back thousands of years, and it deserves to have its own distinct category, separate from wine. It has its own dedicated community of enthusiasts and producers who are passionate about crafting this ancient beverage.
In my experiences, I have seen the confusion firsthand when customers come to me asking for recommendations on mead. They expect to find it in the wine section, but often struggle to locate it due to the labeling discrepancy. It's frustrating for both me and the consumer.
While mead is currently labeled as “honey wine” due to its inclusion in the wine category by the federal government, it is important to recognize that mead is a unique and distinct beverage in its own right. It should be given the respect and recognition it deserves as a separate category of alcohol.