From Battlefield to Boudoir: The Unexpected Rebirth of a Mead

Every brew tells a story, but some, it seems, prefer to write their own. Here at Elysium Meadery, we embarked on a journey to craft a mead fit for the God of War himself. We envisioned Ares: a bold, commanding brew, deep with the raw power of smoke and the defiance of the battlefield. Our recipe was laid out, a formidable blend of teas like smoky Lapsang Souchong and robust Assam, along with herbaceous rosemary and the earthy grounding of beetroot. The stage was set for a truly formidable drink.

The initial fermentation was a success. Our numbers confirmed the process was flawless: a bone-dry finish yielding a potent 12.34% ABV. But then came the first tasting, and with it, a revelation. This was no Ares. Instead of the dark, defiant warrior we anticipated, the liquid in the glass was a beautiful, almost ethereal, light red with hints of pink. The dominant smokiness had softened to an intriguing undertone, while bright notes of hibiscus and juicy raspberry sang beautifully. This mead wasn't about war; it was about allure. It spoke of an enchanting power that draws you in rather than challenges you head-on. There was only one name that could possibly fit this unexpected, captivating spirit. We welcomed Aphrodite.

The Quest for Perfection: A Fortification Journey

Even with its newfound grace and captivating color, a stark realization set in: the mead, despite its gorgeous looks and refreshing aroma, was extremely bland on the palate. The delicate notes we hoped for were almost imperceptible. This beautiful goddess deserved a deeper, more profound soul.

We sought a spirit that could infuse Aphrodite with a unique character, combatting the blandness without sacrificing her allure. We embarked on a series of experimental fortifications, trying a range of spirits in small tasting batches:

• Cognac: While elegant in theory, our tests revealed it to be surprisingly subtle. It added warmth but not the distinctive flavor punch we sought. Honestly, it was just... boring.

• Amaretto: This was a revelation! Its rich, sweet almond notes were perfect on the palate, transforming the mead into an utterly delightful experience. However, its sugar content posed a significant challenge, risking dangerous re-fermentation in the bottle.

• Absinthe: This was the wild card. The first taste was intensely strange and utterly overwhelming. But as we sat with it, pondering the very essence of Aphrodite—her powerful, sometimes intoxicating, and always unconventional allure—a new realization dawned. This strange, adventurous spirit, with its complex herbal core, was, in a very unexpected way, a perfect, daring fit for the goddess. It was raw, it was intense, it was... uniquely Aphrodite.

The Unveiling: Aphrodite's True Form

The decision was bold. We chose Absinthe to fortify our mead, embracing its adventurous spirit and accepting its powerful signature. The mead now rests at 14.4% ABV, a testament to its refined potency and unique character. This is Aphrodite, reborn through a journey of discovery and daring, now ready to unveil her true, enigmatic self.

Aphrodite | Anise Metheglin | 15% Abv | August 2025

Unveil a mead of breathtaking crimson, its refreshing aroma hinting at citrus. Aphrodite delivers a bold, complex taste journey: a vibrant burst of tart raspberry and cherry fruit leads to the unmistakable, warm embrace of anise. Deep, earthy undertones from black tea and beetroot mingle with herbaceous rosemary, all underpinned by a whisper of smoke. An intensely unique and alluring experience, crafted to captivate every sense.

Tasting Notes: Raspberry, Cherry, Hibiscus, Anise, Rosemary, Black Tea, Subtle Smoke, Wild Honey.

Stay tuned to our social media for more updates and the official release date! Prepare to experience Aphrodite.