Mad about Mead: Nectar of the Gods

I refer to this book every time I make mead. Cheers!

Sure there are alot of Pagan overtones to this book, but I don't mind that at all. This author does a good job of explaining many historical things about Mead. She has experience harvesting her own honey, and offers several tips on how to make mead. Although I wouldn't recommend this book for someone who is a beginner, it is a good book to round out your mead making library.

I like this book and found the recipes and technical details useful; readers fearing to be put off by jargon will find comfort with the writer's cheerful folksy style.But it pains me to find a reference to "King Arthur and his Knights Templar" (an anachronism of no more than 1600 years) on the first page (xiii, actually) and a statement that "honey ferments naturally" on p. 3. She does go on later to say that honey must be diluted to allow the yeast to work; I know these are trifling details, but for me they cast a dubious light on the rest of the ritual and traditional material. I really want a word with the editor; I like the book and I am happy to refer to it when I start brewing.

We were new to brewing mead and picked up this book to give us some insight into where to start. Not only have we had success with every recipe from this book that we have tried, her hints on fixing problems helped us save several batches of recipes from other sources. Like the reviewer above, cleanliness isn't pushed here... but as in all cooking, it is necessary and common sense. In the last two years we and our friends have brewed up over 200 gallons of various kinds of mead and malomels and enjoyed them all thanks to this book.

If you are the type of person who turns their nose up at the idea of a wine cooler do not buy this book. After deciding to make mead I purchased several books on the subject. Many of these were written by wine makers who seemed apologetic for meads "inferior" quality to grape wines. I found this book refreshing and different. It encouraged me to have fun and make mead that would appeal to my individual taste rather than making a brew to meet someone else's expectations. The methods taught were sanitary and consistent with other books I've read. I was not encouraged to do anything illegal or unsafe. Buy this book. You will enjoy it.