[Elspode]

I am blessed to live in a community which has several *very* talented mead-makers, all of whom I am even more blessed to call friends (meaning that they share freely and sell at reasonable prices - don't tell anyone, though, 'cause that's illegal). The variety and palatability of meads is as wide as any other fermented beverage, and much depends on the individual's tastes, likes and dislikes as anything else.

My wife, for example, prefers the sweeter meads, favoring a lower alcohol content and a higher sugar content. She is in particular rather fond of straight honey mead without any gussying-up with fruits or other components. I, however, am a huge fan of the drier, harder meads. Fortunately, my good friend, the legendary Shaggyman, makes a Garnet mead that rivals any of the driest red varietal grape wines around. Delightful, and I look forward to each new batch with great anticipation.

I don't know about your part of the country, but around here, mead making has declined as honey prices have soared. Damn it.