Beverage style guidelines are used with the permission of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). BJCP Style Guidelines Copyright © BJCP, Inc. The most current guidelines are available at www.bjcp.org.
Overall impression
Like a semi-sweet (medium-dry) white wine in balance and intensity, with noticeable honey character, light sweetness, soft esters, and clean alcohol. Harmony and balance are essential.
Aroma
Honey aroma noticeable, sometimes lightly sweet and nectar-like. Varietal honey (if declared) may range from subtle to very noticeable.
Appearance
Standard mead appearance: clear to brilliant; color varies with honey.
Flavor
Subtle to moderate honey character; varietal notes (if declared) subtle to noticeable. Residual sweetness subtle to moderate; finish medium-dry to lightly sweet. No sulfury, harsh, or yeasty notes.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium-full body; stronger meads can feel fuller. Body should not exceed moderate residual sweetness impression.
Comments
Tannin can make a sweeter mead seem medium-dry; balance of sweetness, acidity, and alcohol is crucial.
Characteristic ingredients
Traditional, varietal, or show mead honey selections.
Style comparison
Sweeter and fuller than Dry Mead but not as rich as Sweet Mead; akin to semi-sweet white wine.
Entry instructions
Specify carbonation level and strength. Sweetness is assumed SEMI-SWEET. May specify honey varieties.
Commercial examples
Lurgashall English Mead, Redstone Traditional Mountain Honey Wine, Sky River Semi-Sweet Mead, Intermiel Verge d’Or, Intermiel Mélilot