Persephone’s Departure

Persephone’s Departure is a rich and evocative blend that captures the essence of autumn and the poignant tale of Persephone’s descent into the underworld. Crafted from wildflower honey, pomegranate, and dark chocolate, this mead offers a unique and memorable tasting experience.

The flavor profile of Persephone’s Departure is both sweet and tart, with the pomegranate providing a bright, tangy note that is beautifully balanced by the smooth, velvety finish of dark chocolate. The wildflower honey adds a layer of floral sweetness, creating a harmonious blend that is both complex and satisfying. A slight tannic bite at the end signifies the transition from the warmth of summer to the cool embrace of fall.

In Greek mythology, Persephone’s departure to the underworld marks the onset of autumn and winter, a time when the earth becomes barren and life retreats. This mead embodies that transition, offering a taste that is as rich and smooth as the story it represents. Each sip is a reminder of the cyclical nature of the seasons and the enduring power of myth.

Let Persephone’s Departure be your companion as you reflect on the changing seasons and the timeless tales of old. Enjoy this mead as a tribute to the beauty of autumn and the depth of Persephone’s journey.

Taste

This mead offers a deep, rich profile that combines the natural sweetness of wildflower honey with the luxurious, deep chocolatey notes of dark chocolate. The pomegranate adds a subtle tartness, creating a complex and indulgent flavor experience.

Aroma

On the nose, Persephone’s Departure is sweet and dark, with prominent rich chocolate notes. The aroma is inviting and decadent, hinting at the rich flavors to come.

Strength

Full-bodied and rich, this mead is sweet yet balanced, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 12%. The strength of the mead is evident, providing a robust and satisfying drinking experience.

Pairing

With such a well rounded sweet mead, we recommend the following but encourage you to experiment and let us know what we haven’t discovered yet!

Cheese

Pair with a rich, creamy blue cheese or a sharp aged cheddar. The sweetness and chocolate notes of the mead complement the bold flavors of these cheeses, creating a balanced and indulgent experience.

Meats

This mead pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats such as lamb or beef. The deep, rich flavors of the mead enhance the savory, umami notes of the meat, while the tannic bite cuts through the richness.

Desserts

Enjoy with dark chocolate desserts like a flourless chocolate cake or chocolate truffles. The chocolatey finish of the mead will harmonize beautifully with these desserts, amplifying the cocoa flavors.

Fruits

Fresh berries, especially raspberries and blackberries, make an excellent pairing. The tartness of the berries complements the pomegranate notes, while the sweetness of the mead balances the overall flavor.

Nuts

Try with roasted nuts, particularly almonds or hazelnuts. The nutty flavors pair well with the chocolate and honey notes, adding a delightful crunch to the tasting experience.

Spicy Foods

The sweetness and richness of the mead can also balance out spicy dishes, such as a spicy mole sauce or a chili-infused chocolate dish. The contrast between the heat and the sweet, smooth finish of the mead creates a unique and enjoyable pairing.

Let Us Know What You Like

Remember, the best pairings are often the ones that you personally enjoy, so feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match!

Who was Persephone?

Persephone, the daughter of Demeter (goddess of the harvest) and Zeus, is a central figure in Greek mythology. She is best known as the goddess of spring and the queen of the Underworld. Her story is one of transformation, embodying themes of life, death, and rebirth.

The myth of Persephone begins with her abduction by Hades, the god of the Underworld. While picking flowers in a meadow, she was taken by Hades to be his queen. Her mother, Demeter, stricken with grief, caused the earth to become barren, leading to a severe famine. Eventually, a deal was struck allowing Persephone to return to the surface for part of the year, bringing spring and fertility back to the land.

A pivotal element of Persephone’s story is her consumption of pomegranate seeds. While in the Underworld, Hades offered her pomegranate seeds, and by eating them, she was bound to return to the Underworld for a portion of each year. This act symbolizes her dual existence: life above ground with her mother, and death below with Hades. The pomegranate, with its many seeds, represents both fertility and the inevitability of death, encapsulating the cycle of life and renewal.

Persephone’s annual return from the Underworld marks the arrival of spring, symbolizing rebirth and the rejuvenation of nature. Her descent and return are celebrated in the Eleusinian Mysteries, ancient rituals that honored the cycle of life and the promise of rebirth.

In essence, Persephone’s story is a powerful reminder of the natural cycles that govern our world, and her relationship with the pomegranate underscores the delicate balance between life and death.