Cross Country

Spring 2026 Release

15%

Description:

This mead is actually the first solo creation Michael ever made. Thanks to the patient guidance from Jeff, Michael felt confident enough to brew a batch all by himself. What’s special about this particular batch is that it was made during a meaningful time for him. He was getting ready for a big trip out West — a cross-country drive with the goal of visiting his daughter in Washington State. Along the way, he planned to make multiple stops to take in the incredible sights and destinations. One recurring highlight was the gorgeous wildflowers he kept seeing everywhere. The best part? The honey used in this mead was from wildflowers! The story of this mead kind of mirrors the journey itself — full of adventure, discovery, and beautiful surprises.

This mead was approximately 10 months old before bottling. 

The yeast we used was BCS103.

Karl’s Tasting Notes:

Up to bat is a simple and easy one, a classic wildflower traditional mead! While it’s always enjoyable to have some “classic” meads available with our lineup, this one is extra special! Made solo by one of our long-term fans, supporters, helpers and now Co-Owner and Mead Team mazer, Michael! This is his first solo run batch, lovingly made here at Maniacal Mead Co.. 

Let’s see what he has for us!

First impression of the nose is that of a semi-sweet honey with some robust undertones. Good start and needs a deeper analysis! As I get deeper into the opened up nose I can get some really deep notes of almost a fruit-like and floral nectar variety. With wildflowers, one never know’s what you’ll get. The nose is a deep sweet fruit or fruit skin note with sweet honey florals indeed, but as I get deeper focus on the profile I’m getting a betrayal of tannic notes. Let’s find out what they are!

My first sip revealed a very tasty wave of complexity. Sweet, but indeed not too sweet honey with that -for now- indeterminate “fruit” and floral. As I go in for more this mead reveals fruit notes that are almost savory as well as sweet; like sweet peppers and stone fruits. Its very tasty as well as fascinating! Its a very deep tasting profile that washes over with a balanced flavor. Even the tannic notes from the fermentation are well balanced into the overall sensation of this mead’s quality. Its smooth, full bodied, complex enough and still an easy drinker. Well done, Michael!!