Cape Town Meadery: Pioneering sustainability and storytelling in mead, gin, and beer

In a world where ancient traditions intersect with modern innovation, Cape Town Meadery emerges as an exemplar, reshaping the mead crafting narrative. Mead, often hailed as the "nectar of the gods," is an age-old fermented beverage fashioned by combining honey, water, and sometimes fruits, herbs, or spices. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability, storytelling, and a tribute to Africa's rich history, Cape Town Meadery introduces a range of exceptional mead beverages, offering a distinctive and eco-conscious experience.

At the core of Cape Town Meadery's narrative lies the legend of a golden elixir known as !Karri, with roots stretching back over 20,000 years to the Khoisan people. The convergence of rain, honey, and water within a tree hollow ignited the creation of this extraordinary elixir, leaving an indelible mark on Africa's heritage. Today, Cape Town Meadery honours this legacy by crafting remarkable Mead Gin and Braggot Lager, beverages that encapsulate Africa's past while catering to contemporary tastes.

In an era where wine and beer have taken centre stage, Cape Town Meadery has taken on the task of rejuvenating mead—an elixir that predates them all. Guided by two fundamental principles—sustainability and storytelling—the Meadery embraces its role as a custodian of ancient African tales, safeguarding a cultural heritage that might otherwise fade into obscurity.

A significant hallmark of Cape Town Meadery's approach is its resolute commitment to sustainability. Their meads have been created with a remarkable 95% reduction in ecological footprint compared to conventional wines, championing an eco-friendly and community-centric vision for the future. By uniting environmental consciousness with exquisite flavour, Cape Town Meadery paves the way for a more sustainable and flavourful world.

Dr. Ernst Thompson, CEO and Mazer at Cape Town Meadery, stated, "Our mission is not solely to craft exceptional beverages but to serve as a bridge between the past and the present, offering a taste of history and culture with each sip. Through our diverse product range, including Alvearium Gin and Braggot Lager, we aim to redefine the way people experience both sustainability and indulgence."

Cape Town Meadery's flagship mead, Melaurea Méthode Traditionnelle, an 18-month secondary distilled sparkling mead, has garnered widespread acclaim. The Meadery's creations, such as Alvearium Gin—a double-distilled mead—and Braggot Lager—a refreshing honey-infused beer—have taken the tourism industry by storm, captivating enthusiasts far and wide.

As the tourism sector embraces their offerings, Cape Town Meadery sets its sights on enhancing the tourism experience, offering a seamless blend of responsible and sustainable travel with sheer enjoyment. Their journey is not merely about tantalising the senses; it's about immersing oneself in the stories that have shaped Africa's heart and soul for millennia. The enchanting narratives interwoven with mead culture add an extra layer of depth to the tourism experience.

The origins of mead, the symbiotic relationship with the Greater Honeyguide, and the tales of the Khoisan all contribute to an expedition that is as enlightening as it is enjoyable.

Cape Town Meadery invites you to embark on a journey that transcends time, cultures, and flavours. Join them in raising a glass to history, sustainability, and the art of storytelling.