What is Mead? 

Mead is one of the world’s oldest alcoholic drinks, created by fermenting honey and water with yeast. While often associated with ancient cultures and mythology, modern mead is incredibly diverse - ranging from dry and sparkling to rich, sweet, fruit-forward, or deeply floral depending on the honey and production style used.

At Undisturbed, we focus on showcasing the flavour of New Zealand’s unique flora through mead. Different honeys create entirely different drinking experiences - from the earthy depth of mānuka to the lighter, aromatic character of kānuka and forest honey.

This guide explores the fundamentals of mead - what it is, how it’s made, how it tastes, and the many styles that exist today. Whether you’re completely new to mead or looking to deepen your understanding, this page is designed as a starting point for exploring one of the fastest-growing craft beverage categories in the world.