Nectar of the Gods
The immortal beverAgeIn Greek mythology, mead was seen as the beverage of the gods, particularly on Mount Olympus, and was believed to grant immortality to those who drank it. Around 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed mead (hydromel) as a therapeutic remedy for chest and throat ailments.
Mead is being rediscovered by people who enjoy premium craft alcohol. All the natural goodness of honey, brewed with the subtlety of a good whiskey, gin, or port.
Our Kānuka mead nods in respect to these ancient stories: single origin, no added flavours or chemicals - batch crafted using what the forests of Aotearoa offers.
A Hidden Treasure of New Zealand’s Forests.
Kānuka honey is the lesser-known sibling of mānuka, but in many ways, it’s just as special. Mānuka gets the fame, but kānuka grows wild and strong, its honey lighter but deeply complex. It’s a hidden treasure—and in our Kānuka Mead, we let it shine.
This mead is less sweet than the others, with a crispness that reminds us of a fine whisky but with a gentler, more inviting character. Kānuka thrives in New Zealand’s native forests, and by sourcing from beekeepers who take their hives deep into the bush, we help support the regeneration of these vital ecosystems.
TASTING NOTESCitrus zest, caramel, hints of summer fruit, and a dry, structured finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONSBest sipped neat or with a single ice cube to open up the flavors.
Pairs well with roasted meats, soft cheeses, and spiced dishes.
A refined choice for those who love whisky but want something lighter, fresher, and uniquely New Zealand.
500ml | 13% abv | Approx. 5 standard drinks.
Gluten-free. No cane sugar. Low sulphite. Single origin.
Free shipping on orders of 3 or more bottles.
IMMORTALITYIt is said that the goddess Demeter lost her divine powers after she stopped consuming nectar and ambrosia. They were brought to Olympus by doves and served at the gods' feasts by Hebe or Ganymede
Recipes & ReferencesWho is to say how much basis in fact these legends have, but it is known that Pliny the Elder [~77CE] authored mead recipes in writing.
Not only the Greeks, but many ancient cultures linked honey and mead with the divine—from Roman and Indian texts to Maya ritual drink traditions. The oldest archaeological, chemical evidence of a fermented drink with honey comes from China, dated to 9,000 years ago.
Mead may well be humanity’s oldest alcoholic beverage—and its most universal.
Contemporary MeadMead is experiencing a revival in recent times, as drinkers desire more organic, healthy - yet decadent - tastes.
Out premium meads honour the history of mead making, while adapting to make use of world class New Zealand honey.
Sustainably sourced to ensure the environment, and your conscience, remains undisturbed.
Mead rangeExplore our mead range, small-batch crafted in New Zealand.
Sourced from the Forest, not farmed.
In the forests of Aotearoa, bees collect honeydew straight from the trunks of the beech trees. No forest clearing, no irrigation, no bulldozers. Just trees, bees and time.
The hives are placed for the season by a legendary local beekeeper who genuinely cares for his bees and the forest they roam, helping keep wasps in check, boosting pollination, and leaving the land just as it was found. Each mouthful of Forest Goon helps the bees, supports the bush, and leaves the land - and your conscience - undisturbed.
TASTING NOTESFermented pure honeydew and nothing else, tastes soft and sweet while being low in sugar. Easy drinking.
SERVING SUGGESTIONSBest serviced chilled.
Made ready-to-drink.
Available in a sustainable 2L goon (bag) for taking on adventures
500ml | 9% abv | Approx. 3.6 standard drinks.
Gluten-free. No cane sugar. Low sulphite.
Free shipping on orders of 3 or more bottles. Order a case of 9 bottles and save 10%
A refreshingly smooth, balanced mead crafted with local clover honey - infused with rhubarb during fermentation.
Our mead maker grew up in Southland, where rhubarb thrived in his backyard ending up in dessert crumbles or over weet-bix. Inspired by those memories, we chose the tang of rhubarb to balance the sweetness of honey - their contrast creates perfect harmony, making this our most popular variety.
TASTING NOTESBright rhubarb tang, soft floral honey, and a crisp, smooth finish. Mouth-feel of a rosé, as its colour suggests.
SERVING SUGGESTIONSBest serviced chilled.
Enjoy straight from the fridge, like a rosé - perfect alongside dinner, aiding digestion.
A standout in a Rhubarb Martini—shake with gin and a hint of citrus for a vibrant, refined cocktail.
Mix with bubbly for a Rhubarb Mimosa
500ml | 13% abv | Approx. 5 standard drinks.
Gluten-free. No cane sugar. Low sulphite.
Free shipping on orders of 3 or more bottles.
The essence of New Zealand, bottled.
Mānuka honey is New Zealand’s most famous honey - maybe even the world's most famous. When we first experimented with it, we were blown away. Nothing is added - just Mānuka honey - and the complexity of flavours is unlike anything you’ve tried before.
Mānuka mead is deep, rich, and layered, with flavours that shift as you sip. The weight of it on the palate is reminiscent of port, but it’s more moreish, more nuanced. It carries the land it comes from in every drop - earthy, spicy, and sweet.
TASTING NOTESVanilla, warm spices, subtle woodiness, and the unmistakable richness of mānuka honey.
500ml | 13% abv | Approx. 5 standard drinks.
Gluten-free. No cane sugar. Low sulphite.
Free shipping on orders of 3 or more bottles.