220: How to Make Traditional Delicious Mead with DnD Meadery

KK 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

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