As autumn's crisp air settles over Smyrna, there's no better time to explore the warm, inviting world of mead at The Viking Alchemist Meadery. This family-owned gem, Georgia's largest meadery, has been captivating local palates with its modern twist on an ancient beverage.
Mead, often called honey wine, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The Viking Alchemist's journey began with a fascination for medieval history and a chance encounter at a Society for Creative Anachronism event. "We learned to fight, make glass, and work with leather and metal using authentic tools and methods," shares one of the founders. This immersive experience led to their first taste of mead, igniting a passion that would soon become their livelihood.
What started as a hobby quickly blossomed into a thriving business. "When a stranger offered to pay for a steady supply of our homemade mead, we realized we had a product worth marketing," they recall. Today, The Viking Alchemist brings this storied drink to the heart of Smyrna, using only natural ingredients—from honey to spices and fruits—in every bottle.
Their flagship mead, Bliss, has been crowned Best Mead in Georgia five times. Inspired by a frangipane tart, Bliss offers an intoxicating aroma of Amoretto and a silky, slightly sweet flavor that lives up to its name. "The name was inspired by the look on the faces of our early tasters," they explain, highlighting the mead's irresistible charm.
With 48 taps in their Smyrna taproom, The Viking Alchemist is constantly innovating, blending old-world charm with fresh, exciting flavors. From traditional meads to their own ciders and upcoming craft beers, there's something for every palate. Non-drinkers needn't feel left out either, with a line of craft sodas on the horizon.
Introducing mead to the local community has been an adventure. "We still run into situations where people assume we're saying 'meatery' instead of 'meadery,'" they laugh. "They want to know where we keep the meat!" But once people taste the mead, they're invariably intrigued and delighted by this "new" ancient beverage.
Beyond the beverages, The Viking Alchemist has become a vibrant community hub. Their taproom hosts an eclectic mix of events, from crochet sessions to puppy yoga. The space is perfect for hanging out with friends, enjoying board games on Sundays, or participating in unique experiences like puppy adoptions.
As the leaves turn and thoughts drift to cozy evenings, why not gather some friends and explore the magical world of mead? The Viking Alchemist's knowledgeable staff will guide you through a tasting flight, helping you discover your perfect autumn sip. Don't miss their Mead and Mischief Halloween costume party in October – a perfect opportunity to embrace the season's festive spirit.
Visit The Viking Alchemist at their Smyrna taproom or look for their products in over 300 stores throughout Georgia, including Total Wine and Whole Foods. Raise a glass to fall and discover why mead, once the drink of ancient kings and newlyweds, is making a delicious comeback in our community!
Viking Alchemist Meadery
3080 Jonquil Dr #B, Smyrna, GA 30080
(678) 858-2813
vikingalchemist.com