(2026) The mead pours a very pale, almost transparent pale green colour with only a gentle, spritzy effervescence. There is a little honey character, but it is also quite wine like in the aromatic profile. In the mouth the dryness is instantly reminiscent of wine too - this has only around 1/9th the carbohydrates of a typical 6% beer or cider. The flavour is clean and refreshing, perhaps a little echo of yellow plum and citrus, but it is refined and gastronomic. Amazon is the only current UK retailer of both meads, at around £25 for six at time of review.
(2026) Flavoured with star anise and orange peel, the spiced version of this Indian mead has a similar, perhaps very slightly deeper but still translucent colour and low level of carbonation. The spicing is quite subtle aromatically, the the anise flavour is more obvious on the palate, adding just a little caraway seed/aniseed component, the honey and gentle spiciness coming through a little later to again finish bone dry and with good refreshment value. I slightly prefer the clean and crisp 'Original' version, but enjoyed this.
