We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels for useful news, daily local champions | |
![]() | 072 350 2062 |
![]() | Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point |
![]() | www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe |
![]() | now@capetownmagazine.com |
![]() | CapeTownMag |
![]() | CapeTownMagazine.com |
![]() | capetownmag |
Last updated: Friday, 5 May 2023
Did you know that mead originated in Southern Africa, not with the Vikings? Or that the Khoi San fermented mead twice as fast as the Europeans?
At Cape Town Meadery, you can learn about the history of mead while tasting this ancient African beverage with a modern twist (like sparkling mead and mead lager).
Meet the meadmaker, Dr Ernst Thompson, during a tasting. Image: Cape Town Meadery
Mead is the oldest fermented beverage in the world, and the only alcoholic beverage that can occur in nature. It’s simply made from honey, water and yeast.
Thanks to TV-sensation Game of Thrones, it’s become more well-known in popular culture over the past couple of years: So much so that it is the fastest-growing alcoholic industry in the United States.
Cape Town Meadery uses organic sustainable honey. Image: Art Rachen/Unsplash
When you hear the word “mead”, you might associate it with the Vikings and mediaeval Europe. You wouldn’t be wrong – mead has been made for centuries across the world. However, it was the Khoi San who first discovered it (and brewed it in half the time of their Northern counterparts, who took 40 years to ferment mead).
Drink slowly: Alcohol percentage varies from 6 - 20%. Image: Cape Town Meadery
Cape Town Meadery was started in 2016 by Dr Ernst Thompson. He is full of knowledge about this fermented beverage and talks you through the entire tasting (which lasts about two hours).
The tasting room is small, and since tastings are limited to 10 people, the experience feels intimate.
Cape Town Meadery offers everything from traditional mead to mead gin and lager. Image: Cape Town Meadery
You’ll learn about the history of mead, the different production methods and their sustainability mission. Cape Town Meadery uses organic Zambian honey, and by doing so, uplifts small rural communities and protects the natural forests and woodlands.
Mead also has a much lower carbon footprint than other alcoholic beverages. Only 5L of water is used to make 1L of mead (in comparison, 1740L of water is used to make 1L of gin).
The tastings are small and guests will learn a lot. Image: Cape Town Meadery
Sparkling mead, mead gin, mead lager… you’ll try meads that vary from the traditional.
The tasting includes 10 different kinds of mead. Melaurea Mead Methode Traditionnelle is a sparkling mead, with fine delicate bubbles and a very dry taste (with hints of lemon and buchu).
The Braggot Lager is a winner for beer-lovers. It’s easy-drinking with Pale Ale hops that give it a slightly citrus taste.
There are also more traditional meads to try, like the sweet mead which has a thick syrupy mouthfeel (similar to a dessert wine). The dry mead, on the other hand, is light and crisp. Comparable to a chenin blanc, it’s the type of drink that you’d sip at a summer picnic.
You’ll also be able to taste sweet and cloudy Viking-style mead, straight from the fermentation tank.
Visit in the chilly months and mead gluhwein will warm you up. Image: Cape Town Meadery
Cape Town Meadery offers limited tasting experiences throughout the year. It’s currently being offered every second Saturday until 24 June 2023. Make a booking via Quicket.
It can be a bit tricky to find. From Voortrekker Rd/R102, turn left onto 7th Avenue. Enter The Old Timber Yard on the left. Drive straight until you see Cape Town Meadery (Unit 27). Get the directions.
You can also buy mead via the website. Image: Cape Town Meadery
Book a tasting: Until 24 June 2023 (11am - 1pm; 2.30pm - 4.30pm)
Cost: R120pp
Find Cape Town Meadery: Unit 27 | The Old Timber Yard | 7th Avenue | Maitland
Book: via Quicket
Contact them on: Via the website; @cape_town_meadery
By Julia Rowley
---
Discover Cape Town’s must-try wine tastings.
Taste beers named after sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll at Woodstock Brewery.
Find something to do on a rainy day.
Learn what you can do this weekend (updated weekly!)
---
Loved discovering this? Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
Sumptuous Indian set menu for two
10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie
5 ways to transform your hair (with ...
Give your locks some love or change them completely
Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?
Taste beer, gin and more made from mead (until June)
Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
Go for a drive to this apple farm in ...
From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings
A brewery with food specials for every ...
Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery
How healthy is your hair, really?
How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit
Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...
It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed
Local craft beer tasting even ...
Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners
8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...
Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns
Introducing the Whiskey Lounge
Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador
Meat appreciation platter at a ...
3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience
Spirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...
Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts
Holistic food + drink at this healthy ...
Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view
Unconventional vegan dishes at this ...
From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts
5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...
Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...
Our team’s top picks at the Waffle ...
Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike
A 2-storey artistic experience with ...
Limited edition Bearbricks, couture from Off-White + more at Rare Gallery
Girls night out at this Sunset Beach ...
Sip on gin cocktails and free tequila this girls night at Fancy Franks
Book out this distillery for your next ...
Make your own at Distillers Union + get craft beer and pizza
Jiva Spa Special: 3 massages x 30 mins ...
Select 3 treatments from 7 options, from head massage to deluxe pedicure
Kids Party Idea: Take a ride on the ...
BOOK Now and let the outdoor adventure begin!
3+ ways to get your breath back and ...
Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...
Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails