Screaming Tree

Early Fall 2025

16%

Mead Details

We used local cider from Nemeth Orchards in Ypsilanti, MI. And Mexican Wildflower Honey. We added about a pound per gallon of fresh pureed ginger. We then pureed and added 2lbs of Thai Chilies. The yeast we used was QA23. This mead was about 10/11 months old before bottling. 

Karl’s tasting notes

It’s known to a handful of the Maniacal Mead Co. Tasting Room regulars of the small faction “Spicelords”. The Spicelords, myself included, are a band of tasteful spice enjoyers that have been begging for spicy meads for eons. Regulars in our Tasting Room know of the scarce spicy meads that we’ve developed in-house. Now, however, it’s my genuine pleasure to introduce the “Screaming” Tree. A take on our classic apple-ginger mead “Dreaming Tree”. In this version, we added Thai Chili Peppers for a kick. A few of the Spicelords drafted this idea, and it’s been a long time coming. Be not afraid! 

The nose is the unmistakable sweet-pepper heat of the chili peppers, letting you know right away what you’re in for. Under that delightful, savory-sweet spice is the ginger, followed by the subtle note of apple. This scent is a delicious experience for pepper enjoyers and honey appreciators alike. It doesn’t smell dangerously spicy, but spicy all the same. Let’s begin!

The flavor profile eases over your tongue with a prickly honey, followed by a wave of chili spice. This spice wave ends with the earthy crisp spice of ginger root, whilst balanced by the honey and apple. If you can handle your spice, that is your profile. This wonderful flavor profile scratches that itch for spice without overdoing it. While I could imagine spice-sensitive folks might be averse, it’s worth the risk, so to speak, and is a sublime and non-gimmicky flavor experience. Enjoy!