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
Historical or indigenous meads (e.g., tej, Polish meads) not fitting other subcategories; should show ingredient character and balanced integration, remaining recognizably honey-based.
Aroma
Varies with tradition; generally follows standard mead descriptors adjusted for declared historical style.
Appearance
Varies with tradition; clarity/color depends on style.
Flavor
Varies with tradition; balance and integration of components should reflect the historical example while remaining mead-like.
Mouthfeel
Varies; follows the declared historical style while aligning with mead expectations.
Comments
Submit writeups for unlisted historical/indigenous styles. If a combination of existing mead categories, reference constituent styles.
Characteristic ingredients
Depends on historical style (e.g., gesho for tej, specific Polish strength/sweetness conventions, etc.).
Style comparison
Defined by the referenced tradition rather than modern subcategories; must remain clearly mead.
Entry instructions
Specify carbonation, strength, sweetness. May specify honey varieties. Must specify the special nature of the mead and provide a description if not covered by BJCP.
Commercial examples
Jadwiga, Saba Tej