If you're looking for a place as sweet as honey and as crisp as a fall apple, look no further than Batch Mead in Temecula, California. This family-owned meadery and hard cider producer is making waves in the world of fermented beverages, and they're doing it with a healthy dose of humor and creativity.
A Taste of Something Different
Batch Mead isn't your typical orchard or cider mill. You won't find rows of apple trees or massive presses churning gallons of juice. Instead, you'll discover a cozy tasting room where the magic happens. Located at 42225 Remington Ave # A25 in Temecula, this little spot is where apples and honey come together in perfect harmony.
Now, you might wonder, "What in the world is mead?" Well, my friend, mead is honey wine. It's what happens when honey and water get together and decide to party with some yeast. The result? It's a delicious drink that's been around since ancient times. Think of it as the hipster cousin of beer and wine.
Not Your Grandma's Cider
But Batch Mead isn't just about the honey. They're also whipping up some seriously good hard cider. Think again if you thought apple cider was just for kids and autumn hayrides. These folks are taking apples to new heights, fermenting them into grown-up drinks that'll make you forget all about that juice box you had in elementary school.
Their ciders range from dry to sweet, so whether you like your apples with a kick or a kiss, they've got you covered. And at $12 a bottle, you can afford to try a few different varieties. Who knows? You might discover your new favorite drink.
Mead: The Comeback Kid
Now, let's talk more about mead. This ancient drink is making a serious comeback, and Batch Mead is leading the charge in Temecula. Their meads are light and refreshing, perfect for sipping on a warm California day. At $18 a bottle (or $26 for the fancy barrel-aged stuff), it's an affordable way to drink like a Viking... or at least pretend you're one.
A Family Affair
Batch Mead isn't run by some faceless corporation. Nope, this place is all about family. Danielle and Derek Busch are the masterminds behind these delightful drinks. They're not just business partners; they're a husband-and-wife team who decided to turn their passion for fermentation into a full-time gig.
Imagine working with your spouse every day, surrounded by the smell of apples and honey. Sounds pretty sweet, right? Well, for the Busches, it's just another day at the office. And their enthusiasm for what they do shines through in every bottle they produce.
Come for the Drinks, Stay for the Laughs
One of the best things about Batch Mead is their sense of humor. They don't take themselves too seriously, and that's refreshing in a world where some beverage producers act like they're crafting liquid gold. These folks know how to have fun with their products.
For example, they might joke about how their mead is the perfect drink for pretending you're a medieval king or queen. Or they could quip that their hard cider is so good, it'll make you forget when you tried to make apple juice in your college dorm room (spoiler alert: it didn't end well).
Visit and Taste
If you're in Temecula and looking for something fun, why not swing by Batch Mead? They're open Friday from 3-9 p.m., Saturday from 3-9 p.m., and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. It's the perfect spot for a weekend outing with friends or a unique date night.
You'll get to taste their various meads and ciders when you visit. And who knows? You might even catch Danielle or Derek behind the bar, ready to regale you with tales of fermentation gone wrong or their latest crazy flavor experiment.
More Than Just Drinks
Batch Mead isn't just about selling bottles. They're creating an experience. When you enter their tasting room, you enter a world where apples and honey reign supreme. It's a place to learn about the ancient art of mead-making while sipping some seriously good cider.
And let's not forget about the community they're building. Batch Mead has become a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. It's a place to meet new friends, debate the merits of different apple varieties, or relax and enjoy a well-crafted drink.
The Future Looks Bright (and Bubbly)
As Batch Mead grows, who knows what they'll come up with next? Maybe they'll create a mead-cider hybrid that'll blow our minds. Or perhaps they'll start infusing their drinks with exotic fruits worldwide. Whatever they do, one thing's certain: it'll be done with passion, creativity, and a healthy dose of humor.
So, next time you're in Temecula, skip the wine tasting (just this once) and head over to Batch Mead. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just discover your new favorite drink. Just remember: drink responsibly, and never operate a time machine under the influence of mead. Those Vikings can be a rowdy bunch!
Source: batchmead.com
Header Image Source: batchmead.com
