Vintage Lindisfarne Mead

lindisfarne70 15 years ago

I recently discovered a vintage bottle of 25% proof 1970 Lindisfarne Mead from the back of the drinks cabinet. It states that there were only 7500 bottles made and is individually numbered and signed by the maker. Its also 25% proof, which is far stronger than the 14% proof stuff available today.

As I've just saved this from being thrown out to clear space; does anybody know if this is worth something or should I just (attempt to) drink it assuming that it is still drinkable.

##-----------------------------------------------## Delivered via

formatting link

Beer and Wine Community Web, RSS and Twitter access to your favorite newsgroup - alt.food.wine - 31506 messages and counting! ##-----------------------------------------------##

Vote

cwdjrxyz 15 years ago

If you are talking about US alcohol content, it is either 25 proof or

25% by volume, but only proof or % can be used with one number, since US proof is twice the % alcohol by volume. It would take a super yeast indeed to ferment to 25 % by volume, if at all possible, so this is highly unlikely. Perhaps the mead is somewhat fortified. Proof has been used in a different context in the UK in the past and is not the same as US proof.

I have no idea how well this would have kept, but my guess is, that like most beer, most mead would not last well for over 40 years and would not now be worth much. However it is just possible that the mead still is good, just as a very few strong beers are designed for aging well. If you have the time, perhaps a Google search will turn up something.

Vote

cwdjrxyz 15 years ago

See

formatting link

Lindisfarne mead is a variation of classic honey mead and uses both honey and grapes and is fortified. To be very technical, it should be called melomel rather than mead. The added spirits might help it keep better than classic mead, but I still think the chances of it improving for over 40 years are slight. If it were mine, I likely would open it. If the aroma is not too rank, I then would taste a small amount. It likely will not harm you, even if it does not smell or taste very good.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required