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
Fruit(s) not covered in other fruit subcategories (or combinations across subcategories) integrated with honey; wide variation across fruits; balance with acidity/tannin is key.
Aroma
Subtle to distinct honey and fruit depending on sweetness/strength; fruit should be pleasant and supportive, not artificial/raw/overpowering. In blends, not all fruits must be individually identifiable.
Appearance
Very wide color range reflecting fruits/honey; lighter melomels should still show fruit color; head may tint.
Flavor
Fruit and honey intensities variable; finish dry to sweet as declared. Fruit acidity/tannins expected and should balance sweetness/honey/alcohol. Avoid artificial/raw fruit character.
Mouthfeel
Wine-like; some acidity/tannin possible; astringency not excessive.
Comments
Includes citrus, dried fruits, pears, figs, pomegranate, prickly pear, bananas, pineapples, tropical fruits, and multi-fruit blends. Cyser/Pyment go in their specific subcategories unless other fruits are also used.
Characteristic ingredients
Honey plus any fruit(s) not reserved for other subcategories; blends allowed.
Style comparison
Broad umbrella for fruit meads; expression should remain mead-like with fruit integrated rather than dominant.
Entry instructions
Specify carbonation, strength, sweetness. May specify honey varieties. Must specify fruit varieties used. Spiced → Fruit and Spice Mead. Other additions → Experimental Mead. If only apples or only grapes, enter Cyser or Pyment; if apples/grapes plus other fruit, enter here.
Commercial examples
Moonlight Desire, Moonlight Paramour, Moonlight Iniquity