Jack Ratt Traditional Mead is a classic English mead crafted by Lyme Bay Winery in Devon using premium blossom honey. Rich, smooth and beautifully balanced, it showcases the timeless appeal of one of the world’s oldest fermented drinks, offering delicate floral aromas, natural honey sweetness and a long, warming finish.
Whether enjoyed lightly chilled as an aperitif, served alongside cheese, or gently warmed during the colder months, Jack Ratt Traditional Mead is a wonderfully versatile drink that combines centuries of tradition with Lyme Bay Winery’s modern winemaking expertise. Ideal for lovers of honey-based drinks, dessert wines and traditional English beverages, it is a fantastic introduction to authentic English mead.
Jack Ratt Traditional Mead is made by Lyme Bay Winery, which is based at Shute, near Axminster, in Dorset. Lyme Bay Cider was founded 20 years ago in 1994 and has grown from a small shop selling cider to a large winery producing ciders, wines, meads, liqueurs and has, more recently, expanded greatly into English Wines.
Mead is thought to be one of the oldest alcoholic drinks produced. There is evidence of its production found in artefacts from cultures around the world, including ancient Greece, China and Northern Europe. In many early societies, mead was considered a drink of the Gods and was used in religious ceremonies and celebrations. It was thought to be an elixir of health, fertility and longevity. It is also mentioned in both Beowulf and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. After declining in popularity for many years, it has seen a resurgence, which many people put down to the “Game of Thrones” effect.
Jack Ratt meads are named after a famous 18th-century local smuggler called Jack Rattenbury, who was known as the “Rob Roy of the West”. In 1837, after a life at sea as a fisherman, pilot, seaman and smuggler, Rattenbury wrote the book Memoirs of a Smuggler, compiled from his diary and journal: containing the principal events in the life of John Rattenbury, of Beer, Devonshire; commonly called “The Rob Roy of the West”.
Jack Ratt Traditional Mead is a deep golden colour. The nose is remarkably aromatic, with prominent notes of honey and hints of stone fruit and spices. This is a sweet and full-flavoured mead with a luscious, honey-forward sweetness. It is rich and has a long, gently warming, honeycomb finish.
Yes, it is naturally sweet from the honey used during fermentation, but it remains well-balanced and not overly sugary.
Traditional mead is produced by fermenting honey with water and yeast. Jack Ratt Traditional Mead is crafted using high-quality blossom honey to create its distinctive flavour.
Jack Ratt Traditional Mead can be enjoyed lightly chilled, at room temperature or gently warmed, depending on personal preference and the occasion.
Traditional mead pairs particularly well with mature cheeses, roast pork, desserts, nuts and festive dishes.
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