Is There a Standard Name for Distilled Mead?

Yes, distilled mead is commonly referred to as mead brandy. However, the naming conventions can vary based on regional preferences and historical traditions.

Unique Naming Conventions

While the original product is honey, a sugar-dense liquid, the naming of a distilled mead can be quite unique. Inspired by other common spirits, such as maple syrup and sorghum leading to rum, and corn syrup leading to whiskey, we can consider an alternative naming convention.

Since the original product was honey, a sugar, I will say that just like maple syrup or sorghum, distilled mead would be a rum and not a brandy. Although it would not be rum that is made from molasses, as rum is a more generalized term.

However, in the United States, the government often refers to this product as “Mead Brandy,” whereas the term “honeyjack” is casually used in certain parts of the country. I've had distilled mead a few times, and I always heard it called honeyjack, but its usage remains uncommon.

How Honeyjack is Made

Honeyjack is made by partly freezing a quantity of mead and straining the ice out of the liquid, a process known as freeze distillation. This method is similar to how applejack is made from cider. The reason it may not be more popular is that once it's distilled, honey does not retain any of the beautiful characteristics found in its fermented or fresh iterations. Instead, it tastes like moonshine, and there are much less expensive ingredients to use for making moonshine.

Still, it's cool, and perhaps its flavor can be enhanced through some back-sweetening or blending with mead. Although it may be challenging to make honeyjack taste delicious, there's certainly an opportunity for experimentation.

No Standard Name for Distilled Wine Equivalents

It's worth noting that distilled mead doesn’t have a specific name equivalent to “Brandwein” for distilled wine. This is likely due to the relative rarity of the practice in modern times. Distilled mead is not common enough to have a name in modern English.

If concentrated by freezing, I would call it “mead jack” because “apple jack” is apple cider or wine concentrated in ice. The mead jack tastes awesome. If distilled, I would call it “mead brandy.”

Additionally, there might be an Old Saxon word for distilled mead. Since the culture that invented distillation might have had a specific term, it's not surprising to find that there could be a nomenclature used in historical contexts.

Honeyjack: Commonly used in certain regions of the United States. Mead Brandy: Official name recognized by the US government. Mead Jack: Named after the freeze distillation process similar to applejack. Rum or Whiskey: Alternative naming inspired by other sugar-based spirits. Old Saxon: Possible term in historical contexts where distillation was invented.

While the naming conventions for distilled mead vary, understanding the process of distillation and the potential for innovation in taste and production offers a fascinating insight into the world of mead. Whether you prefer to call it honeyjack, mead brandy, or something else, the essence of distilled mead remains a spirit with a rich flavor profile and a unique cultural heritage.

Conclusion

As distilled mead continues to evolve, the naming conventions may also develop, reflecting changing tastes and traditions. Whether you are a purist or an innovator, the world of distilled mead is open to exploration and experimentation. So, which term will you use to describe this fascinating spirit?