Mead and Honey Tasting Experience

Mead and Honey Tasting Experience: A Unique Flavor Journey in Broke

Imagine stepping into a cozy, home-based shop in Broke, NSW, with a glass in hand and the chance to taste a selection of Australia’s only meadery in the Hunter Region. For just $19.01 per person, you’ll spend about an hour exploring the ancient art of mead-making, guided by the passionate owner and mead-maker himself. This tour offers a rare peek into an almost-secret world of honey-based fermented drinks, with a tasting that combines tradition and creativity.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to sample six different meads from a carefully curated list—each with its own distinctive personality. Plus, the honey tasting allows you to compare a variety of real, raw honey flavors, adding extra depth to your understanding of how honey can vary from sweet vanilla to spicy chilli. Another highlight: you get a $20 store credit to take home your favorites, making this not just a tasting but a chance to bring a piece of the experience home.

A potential consideration is that the tour lasts around an hour, so if you’re looking for a longer, more immersive activity, this might feel somewhat brief. Also, since it’s a small, intimate group capped at 12 travelers, it’s best suited for those who enjoy personal, guided experiences rather than large-group tours.

This experience is especially ideal if you’re a foodie or drink enthusiast, curious about lesser-known beverages, or simply eager to enjoy a relaxed, authentic taste of Australia’s burgeoning craft beverage scene. Families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a friendly, engaging introduction to mead will find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Authentic and Unique: Australia’s only meadery in Hunter Region offers a rare chance to taste mead directly from the maker.
• Variety of Flavors: Sample six different meads, from traditional to adventurous flavors like cherry and chilli.
• Honey Tasting: Includes a selection of honey types, enhancing understanding of the honey flavor spectrum.
• Personalized Guide: Guided by the owner, offering insights and stories behind each flavor.
• Affordable & Value-Added: Priced at just over $19, with a $20 store credit for products.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a friendly, personalized atmosphere.

A Closer Look at the Mead and Honey Tasting Experience

When you arrive at 72 Wollombi St, Broke, you’re greeted by a warm, inviting setting—part of a home-based shop that feels more like visiting a friend’s cozy kitchen than a commercial tasting room. That’s part of the charm; this is not a sterile, corporate tasting room but a genuine, small-scale operation. The guide, likely the owner himself, is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, eager to share the story of mead’s ancient origins and the meticulous craft involved in every batch.

The Tasting: Six Meads on a Paddle

The core of the experience involves sampling six 30ml servings of mead, presented on a paddle board. Each shot glass offers a different flavor, allowing you to compare and appreciate the subtle nuances. Among the usual suspects are Traditional (plain), Turkish Delight, and Lemon and Ginger, but the list also includes more inventive variations such as Cherry and Coconut, Ginger and Chocolate, and Maple Syrup. This variety ensures there’s something for every palate, whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or more complex profiles.

The quality and craftsmanship are evident. The flavors are well-balanced, with none overpowering the others—an indication of a skilled mead-maker. As the reviewer noted, “We had an excellent visit. We enjoyed the many different flavors of mead and honey,” reflecting the general enthusiasm and appreciation for the selection offered.

Honey Tasting: An Extra Layer of Complexity

Complementing the mead tasting is a honey sampler, featuring styles like raw honey, vanilla honey, creamed honey, cinnamon honey, and even a spicy chilli honey sauce. This part of the tour helps you understand how honey’s flavor can vary widely depending on its source and processing. It’s particularly fascinating to see how the honey’s profile influences the taste of the mead, adding depth to each sip.

The Guided Experience

What sets this apart from other tastings is the personal guidance. The owner gives stories behind each flavor, explains how the mead is crafted, and shares insights into honey varieties. This personal touch helps turn a simple tasting into an educational experience, making it more memorable and meaningful.

The Price and Value

At $19.01 per person, the tour is remarkably affordable, especially considering the guided experience and the six samples. The $20 store credit encourages you to purchase your favorites, making it a practical addition. Given the rarity of mead in Australia—fewer than 30 meaderies nationwide—the opportunity to taste locally made mead and buy directly from the producer is a true value.

Accessibility and Logistics

Meeting at the shop in Broke, the experience is straightforward to find and easily accessible for those exploring the Hunter Valley. It’s a short, manageable activity, perfect for a quick afternoon stop or as part of a broader wine and craft beverage tour.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This experience appeals most to those open to discovering something different. It’s perfect for food and drink lovers eager to explore beyond wine and beer. It would suit couples seeking a romantic, relaxed outing or solo travelers interested in learning a new craft. Families with older children might also find it engaging, especially if they’re curious about honey and locally produced foods.

It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and personalized guides. The small group size enhances the opportunity for questions and stories, making the experience feel genuine and tailored.

The Sum Up

In our view, the Mead and Honey Tasting Experience in Broke offers a friendly, authentic taste of a rare craft. The combination of expertly guided tastings, a cozy atmosphere, and the chance to learn about both mead and honey makes it stand out among typical tourist activities. For a modest price, you gain access to a craft that’s still relatively under the radar in Australia, making it a wonderful find for those seeking something different.

If you’re curious about the world of fermented honey drinks or want to support local artisans, this tour delivers both education and enjoyment. It’s especially suited for those who value small-scale, personal experiences that offer genuine insight into a lesser-known beverage. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a memorable, off-the-beaten-path activity, you’ll likely find this tasting both fun and enlightening.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive a paddle board of six 30ml mead samples and a guided honey-tasting, plus a $20 store credit toward any mead purchases.

How long does the experience last?
The tasting lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a perfect quick activity or part of a broader day exploring the Hunter Valley.

Can I buy the mead after the tasting?
Yes, the shop offers mead and honey for sale, and your $20 store credit can be used toward your purchases.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s best suited for older children or adults interested in tasting and learning.

How many people are in a group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a friendly, personal experience.

What flavors of mead can I expect?
Sample options usually include traditional, Turkish Delight, Lemon and Ginger, Cherry and Coconut, Ginger and Chocolate, Maple Syrup, and more.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility info isn’t specified, the tour takes place in a cozy shop setting, so it’s likely manageable for most.

What’s the best time to book?
Since tours need to be booked in advance with confirmation, it’s wise to reserve early, especially during busy weekends.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

How do I contact the provider for more info?
You can reach Honey Wines Australia at +61413351775 or via email at [email protected].

In all, this Mead and Honey Tasting Experience offers a delightful, approachable way to explore a little-known aspect of craft beverages in Australia. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a honey lover, or simply looking for a quiet, authentic activity, this tour provides genuine value wrapped in a friendly, informative package.