Wealhtheow – Elderflower Metheglin

Named for the noble queen of the Danes, whose beauty and wisdom lit the mead-hall brighter than any torch, Wealhtheow is a radiant tribute to elegance and diplomacy. Crafted with wildflower honey and the delicate perfume of orange blossom, this mead opens with a floral bouquet as refined as courtly speech. Elderflowers lend their ethereal charm, whispering of springtime groves and ancient rites, while a subtle kiss of citrus brightens the palate like sunlight on polished gold.

At 12% ABV, Wealhtheow is both stately and spirited—clean, sweet, and luminously smooth. It drinks like a toast to peace, a libation poured in honor of queens and poets. Whether sipped in solitude or shared in revelry, this mead invites you to taste the grace of old halls and the bloom of wild gardens.

Raise your horn to Wealhtheow—where myth meets meadow.

Taste

Bright and floral with a honeyed sweetness. The wildflower and orange blossom honeys create a layered nectar profile, while elderflower adds a soft herbal elegance. A touch of citrus lifts the finish with a clean, refreshing sparkle.

Aroma

Delicate and perfumed—like walking through a blooming orchard at dusk. Notes of elderflower, orange blossom, and meadow honey mingle with hints of citrus zest and spring air.

Strength

12% ABV. Regal and refined, with enough warmth to stir the soul without overwhelming the senses. Ideal for sipping slowly or raising in celebratory toasts.

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!

Cheeses

Brie or Camembert – Their creamy texture and mild flavor let the elderflower and honey notes shine.

Goat cheese with herbs – The tang and herbal edge complement the citrus lift beautifully.

Aged Manchego – Adds a nutty contrast that deepens the mead’s sweetness.

Savory Fare

Roast chicken with lemon and thyme – Mirrors the citrus and floral tones while adding warmth.

Smoked duck or turkey – The richness pairs well with the mead’s clean finish.

Savory tarts – Think caramelized onion and goat cheese or mushroom and gruyère.

Desserts

Lemon elderflower cake – A poetic echo of the mead’s own profile.

Fruit tarts with apricot, peach, or pear – Their natural sweetness harmonizes with the honey base.

Shortbread or almond cookies – Simple, buttery, and perfect for sipping alongside.

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!

Wealhtheow: Queen of the Danes, Keeper of the Cup, Weaver of Peace

In the epic poem Beowulf, Wealhtheow stands as a rare and radiant presence—a queen not defined by sword or saga, but by grace, diplomacy, and ceremonial power. She is the wife of King Hrothgar, ruler of the Danes, and her role in the mead-hall of Heorot is far more than ornamental. She is the peace-weaver, a title bestowed upon noble women who brokered harmony between tribes through marriage and mediation. In a world of warriors and monsters, Wealhtheow’s strength lies in her wisdom, her words, and her ritual of hospitality.

Her most iconic moment comes during the great feast in Heorot, when she enters the hall bearing the mead-cup—a symbol of unity, loyalty, and social order. She offers it first to her husband, then to Beowulf, and finally to the gathered warriors. This act isn’t just etiquette; it’s a sacred rite. By passing the cup, she affirms alliances, honors bravery, and binds the hall in shared purpose. Her presence transforms the mead-hall from a place of revelry into a sanctuary of civilization.

Wealhtheow is also a mother, fiercely protective of her sons’ future. She urges Hrothgar to secure their succession and entrusts Beowulf with their guidance. Her diplomacy is matched by her devotion, and her ceremonial gifts—golden torques, armor, and praise—carry the weight of royal blessing.

Our elderflower mead, Wealhtheow, is a tribute to this queen’s elegance and symbolic power. Just as she brought light and order to Heorot, our mead brings clarity and floral brightness to the palate. The wildflower and orange blossom honeys echo her dual nature—earthy and ethereal—while the elderflower evokes her timeless grace. The touch of citrus is a nod to her sharp intellect and refreshing presence.

At 12% ABV, Wealhtheow is no mere drink—it’s a ceremonial offering. It invites guests to partake in a ritual of connection, just as the queen once did. Whether poured in quiet reflection or raised in communal toast, it carries the spirit of diplomacy, hospitality, and mythic reverence.