220: How to Make Traditional Delicious Mead with DnD Meadery

Ask Flora Funga Podcast anything OR Leave a ReviewKK sits down with Derek of D&D Meadery to explore the ancient, flavorful, and surprisingly approachable world of mead-making. Derek shares how mead, often considered the oldest fermented beverage, begins with the simple combination of honey, water, and yeast, but becomes deeply complex through fermentation, yeast selection, local honey sources, seasonal variation, and careful quality control. Together, KK and Derek discuss the history of mead, from its ritual and celebratory roots to its reputation as a drink once reserved for nobility, while also breaking down the modern process of creating traditional honey wine.Derek walks through the importance of using high-quality raw honey, clean water, sanitation, and thoughtful fermentation practices, while explaining how different ingredients can shape the final flavor. The conversation touches on fruit meads, maple meads, dry and sweet styles, back-sweetening, stabilizing, and the creative possibilities of pairing honey with ingredients like coffee, cacao, and buckwheat honey. Derek also shares the story behind D&D Meadery’s German family crest, their award-winning traditional mead, and their growing wholesale presence across Northeast Ohio. From ancient fermentation to modern meadery expansion, this episode is a warm and educational introduction to the craft, culture, and creativity behind making mead--------------------------------------------------Today’s episode is supported by Schedule 35. As always, please do your own research, know your local laws, and make informed choices that are right for you. This is adult-oriented content, and nothing we share here is medical advice or a recommendation to use any substance. Schedule 35 is part of the larger conversation happening around mushrooms, plant medicine, and changing cultural perspectives. For listeners in places where their products are legal and appropriate, you can learn more through Schedule 35 and use code FLORAFUNGA for 15% off.Thank you for supporting the sponsors that help keep Flora Funga growing.I got a new phone number to text in with any questions, comments, or photos!727-477-5974 Support the showText (727) 477-5974 Flora Funga Phone with your questions, comments, concerns, and IDs Flora Funga: Calm & Collected Tincture — Flora Funga PodcastGoFundMEIf you like the podcast please think of donating to Keep the show happening  $keenie19 on Cash AppFollow my other social media sites to interact and engage with me:Email me to be on the podcast or inperson Interview: floraandfungapodcast@gmail.comFacebookInstagramTwitterTikTokYouTubePatreon---------------------------------------------------------------------------Zbiotics: "FLORA10"Drink ZBiotics before drinking alcohol-Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a byproduct that your next day...