The Prof has finally gotten around to brewing his first mead... something that he has wanted to do for some time... The wort, if you will, went into the fermenter tonite. Specific gravity was within spec. Unfortunately, it may take until February 2002 to determine if this brew makes the grade... And more unfortunately, a year of bottle aging is normally necessary for the mead to properly mature.

For those who might not be familiar with mead, it is a fermented honey and water beverage. It was likely one of the first fermented beverages ever concocted by man.

Plato stated the ancient Greeks drank mead before they had wine.

Interestingly, drinking mead has been held responsible for fertility and the birth of sons. If the bride were to consume mead for one month (one moon) following her wedding, she would conceive a son. This is where the tradition of "honeymoon" started.

The making of mead fell out of favor due to the fact it takes so long to produce. Brewing beer takes much less time to do.