Ale vs Mead

Ale vs. mead. These are some of the oldest drinks in the world, with a rivalry that dates back centuries. Due to this, there’s much debate over which is better and how these drinks differ. Any beer lover should be able to note the differences and similarities between the two.

Ale vs Mead

Beer is of the utmost importance in many cultures around the world. It can be argued that without beer, civilization may not have even existed. Beer has played a role in religion, politics, and even war leading to its nickname “liquid bread.” That is why it is no surprise that there are so many different types of beer, each with its unique flavor.

Two of the oldest and most popular types of beer are ale and mead. While both are brewed with water, hops, and yeast, several key differences set them apart. Most beer lovers will tell you that they prefer one over the other. This preference is often simply due to taste and the type of beer they are used to drinking.

However, before deciding which you like better, it’s important to understand what distinguishes ale from mead, especially if you’re new to beer. You don’t want to order the wrong drink at the bar and face ridicule from your friends. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Ale Beer

Ale is a type of beer that is brewed by fast fermentation at warmer temperatures. This process results in a full-bodied and fruity taste often described as sweet. Ale is also characterized by its dark color, resulting from the use of darker malts during brewing.

When brewing ale, brewers often use top-fermenting yeast. This type of yeast ferments quickly at warmer temperatures, typically between 68-73 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmer temperatures cause the yeast to produce more esters and phenols, resulting in a fruity taste.

Ales also come in different styles that allow for a variety of flavors. For example, stouts are a type of ale known for its dark color and rich flavor. This flavor is often described as coffee-like or chocolatey. On the other hand, pale ales are much lighter in color and have a more crisp flavor. The alcohol content of ales ranges from 4-7% ABV.

Advantages

• Ale has a shorter brewing time than mead, which is ideal for those who want to enjoy their drink sooner.
• The beer comes in different styles and has a variety of flavors. This makes it easy to find an ale that you like.
• The warmer fermentation temperature results in a fuller-bodied taste that some people prefer.
• The fruitier and more aromatic taste of ale makes it a good choice to drink with food.
• Ales can be served at room temperature; hence no need for special storage.
• It does not require aging and can be consumed immediately.

Disadvantages

• The warmer fermentation temperature also causes ale to spoil more quickly than mead. This means that it has a shorter shelf life and must be consumed within a few months of brewing.
• Ales are also susceptible to infection, which can ruin the batch.

Mead

Sometimes referred to as “honey wine,” mead is a fermented drink made with water, honey, and yeast. It is one of the oldest drinks in the world, with a history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed that mead was first created in Africa and then spread to Europe and Asia.

Mead is typically sweeter and stronger than beer, with an alcohol content that ranges from 9-20% ABV. The sweetness of mead comes from the high concentration of sugar in honey. This also makes mead heavier and thicker than beer. The color of mead can range from light to dark, depending on the honey used.

Brewers sometimes infuse mead with spices or fruits to give it additional flavor. This is known as “spiced mead” or “fruit mead.” Spiced mead is made by adding spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg. Fruit mead is made by adding fruits such as berries, cherries, or peaches.

Advantages

• Mead has a longer shelf life than ale and can be stored for years. This is because the high concentration of sugar acts as a preservative.
• The sweeter taste of mead makes it a good choice for dessert or to drink with a meal.
• Mead is less likely to spoil than ale and is not as susceptible to infection.
• The alcohol content of mead is higher than ale, which some people prefer.

Disadvantages

• Mead takes longer to brew than ale, disadvantaging those who want to drink their mead sooner.
• The high sugar content makes mead heavier and thicker than beer.
• The sweeter taste of mead is not to everyone’s liking. Some people like the fuller-bodied taste of ale.
• Mead can be expensive to make, as honey is a costly ingredient, and the fermentation process takes longer.

Comparison Between the Two

With full information on both the drinks, it is now possible to see how they compare. If you are a beer lover, you may want to understand the similarities and differences between the two before trying mead. Here is a quick comparison between the two:

Similarities

• Both are fermented drinks made with water, yeast, and sugar.
• The brewing process for both drinks takes place at warm temperatures.
• Both drinks come in various styles and flavors, making it easy to find one you like.
• Both drinks can be served at room temperature.
• Both can be infused with spices or fruits to give them additional flavor.

Differences

• Mead is made using honey, while ale is made using malt.
• The fermentation process for mead takes longer than the fermentation process for ale.
• Mead has a higher alcohol content compared to ale.
• Mead is sweeter and heavier than ale.
• Ale spoils more quickly than mead and has a shorter shelf life.

Major Distinguishing Factor

The major distinguishing factor between ale and mead is the sugar used in each drink. Ale is made with malt, while mead is made with honey. This difference in sugar affects each drink’s taste, alcohol content, and brewing process.

Malt is a less sweet sugar than honey, which is why ale is less sweet than mead. The fermentation process for mead takes longer than for ale because honey is a more difficult sugar to ferment.

When to Use Mead

The best time to use mead is when you want a sweeter, stronger drink. Mead is also a good choice if you want a drink with higher alcohol content. Mead is also a good choice for those who want a drink with a longer shelf life. The high concentration of sugar in mead makes it less likely to spoil.

When to Use Ale

You can use ale when you want a less sweet, lighter drink. Ale is also a good choice if you want a shorter fermentation process. The fermentation process takes less time compared to mead. Ale is also a good choice for those who want a cheaper drink, as malt is less expensive than honey.

Which Is Better: Ale or Mead?

The better choice is mead if you want a sweeter, stronger drink with a longer shelf life. Mead also has a higher alcohol content than some people prefer. It also has a long shelf life because honey is a preservative.

Conclusion

Ale and mead are fermented drinks with water, yeast, and sugar. The major difference between the two is the sugar used in each glass. However, both drinks come in various styles and flavors, making it easy to find one you like. Find the perfect drink for you and enjoy!