Ruche
It is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world. Mead, a product produced by the fermentation of an assemblage of water and honey, has been renowned for various virtues since the beginning of time. Strenght, in particular. Talk to the druid Panoramix... the mead is one of the ingredients of his famous magic potion! We also attribute to this drink aphrodisiac properties: in the lnar month following the wedding, it was also advisable for young couples to consume mead... hence the expression "honeymoon"!
Beliefs apart, mead is today elaborated by professionals passionate about the apicultural world. We produce from all styles, for all tastes. A bit like in the world of wine, where each grape variety gives different aromas and properties, the mead is influenced by the different types of honey. And as in wine, mead can also be grown in oak barrels, or not. It is a very complex product, which deserves to be known more.
If the mead has a reputation for being sweet, the Desrochers apiary farm in Ferme-Neuve is distinguished by the production of several cuvées low in residual sugar. As such, the "Envolée" cuvée is one of the driest mead available on the market, and certified organic in addition. It fits very well with a chicken in butter, a pave of salmon sauce Hollandaise, or even a cheese fondue of Quebec. L'Envolée is available at the SAQ for $14.45.
L'Envolée
In terms of mead, the reputation of Intermiel is no longer to be done. This other Laurentian producer, based in Saint-Benoit, develops a wide range of mead. Its "Bouquet Printanier" cuvée, a half dry that fits perfectly with seafood, especially with Asian stir-fries, offers one of the best quality-price ratios at $11.05 per bottle.
Bouquet Printanier
Intermiel is especially distinguished by its "Medieval", an amber mead from buckwheat honey and aged in oak barrels. Powerful and very complex, it is especially aimed at sweet teeth! This does not detract from its great finesse, and it will cause sparks when you marry it to your cake of kings. You could even book it for the digestive, and so surprise your friends amateurs of old rum or cognac. The "Medieval" is available at the SAQ for $25.60.
Médiéval
And by Toutatis! ... To appreciate the mead at their true value, do not forget to serve them as fresh as white wines, around 10° c.