In an army of varied spirits, there exists a timeless elixir often overlooked by modern tipplers. With time, mead has become a favourite of many. This ancient fermented beverage crafted from honey, water, and yeast with a complex flavour profile has enchanted modern drinkers. Nashik-based mead brand, Cerana is another one to look out for, bringing out different variants.
Enter Cerana
Cerana is from Nashik’s Sinnar region and specialises in Indian flavours. Co-founders Dr Yoginee Budhkar and Ashwini Deore source jamuns, pomegranates, and grapes locally for their hallmark meads. At its essence, mead is a simple concoction, crafted from just three primary ingredients: honey, water, and yeast. Their variants are packed with at least 80% sealed comb honey and preservative-free fruits as raw materials, prepared naturally, with no synthetic flavours or colours.
Moreover, Cerana Meads offers a wide variety of flavours that enrich the mead-drinking experience, from classic meads to unique combinations. Currently, the brand has 6 variants. Here they are:
- Pinot Noir Pyment: This offers a unique experience with its modest sweetness and fresh fruity fragrance
- Yule Spice Mead: It is made using jamun honey and aged on oak wood with spices like cinnamon and ginger.
- Pomegranate Mead: It is prepared from lychee honey from the north (produced by bees from lychee blooms) and pomegranate from Sangamner in Maharashtra.
- Blue Pea Lavender Mead: It presents a soothing aroma from lavender and sweet mustard honey.
- Jamun Mead: The combination of zesty tartness from the fruit and spicy-sweet jamun honey creates a pleasant and balanced flavour.
- Chenin Blanc Mead: It is a pleasant, honeyed alternative to sparkling wine with a grape-forward scent.
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Celebrating Ancient Drinks!
Often referred to as “the drink of the gods” in various mythologies, mead holds a revered status in cultures spanning the globe. The ancient Greeks celebrated mead as the ambrosia of the gods. Across Europe, Africa, and Asia, mead found its place in rituals, celebrations, and daily life.
While mead may have faded from prominence, it is experiencing a renaissance in the 21st century. Along with celebrating tradition, Cerana Meads embodies heritage, innovation, and a green approach. They practice sustainable beekeeping. From small-batch artisanal producers to green production, these mead makers are reintroducing the world to the magic of mead, one bottle at a time.
So, what is it about mead that captivates the senses and stirs the soul?
Cover image credits: Instagram/Cerana