Honeytree Meadery: Where Mead, Bees, and Community Converge
Introduction
If you’re intrigued by the ancient, golden nectar known as mead—often called “honey-wine”—then Honeytree Meadery is a place to bookmark. Settled in East Nashville, this whiskey-caliber meadery weds natural stewardship, make aging, and community-forward encounters with honest to goodness Southern charm. Let’s plunge into why Honeytree Meadery stands out with a wealthy story, capably sourced nectar, differing mead styles, immersive tavern environment, and uncommon offerings. In this article filled with the keyword Honeytree Meadery, you’ll discover everything—from the origins and ethos to standout drinks, education, and so much more.
1. A Meadery Rooted in Purpose
Founded in May 2019, Honeytree Meadery emerged from co-owner Ross Welbon’s passion for beekeeping and brewing, combined with Dru Sousan’s hospitality spirit and love of sustainable practices. Their mission?To “update the antiquated refreshment for the advanced buyer whereas holding the age‑old spirits of family relationship and respect for nature.” honeytreemeadery.com+1honeytreemeadery.com
The approach is grounded in three pillars: Economy + Ecology + Education. They support local apiaries and run their own 30+ hives, fostering a full-circle model where honey production, environmental stewardship, and community education intersect. honeytreemeadery.comEdible Nashvillemeadlovers.blogspot.com
2. From Bees to Bottle: Crafting Mead
Honeytree respects tradition while innovating. Mead, composed simply of honey, water, and yeast, is transformed into a drink that varies in sweetness and strength. Their base is local honey—whether from their own hives or trusted Tennessee beekeepers. honeytreemeadery.commeadlovers.blogspot.com
They’ve introduced creative twists, such as Sweet Baby Ginger, Bouquet Toss, Flower Power, and seasonal offerings—each shaped by ingredients like ginger, hibiscus, lavender, or sourwood honey. honeytreemeadery.comshopmeads.comEdible Nashville
3. At the Taproom: A Cozy, Educative Haven
Arriving at Honeytree Meadery, you’ll find a welcoming blend of rustic and chic. The taproom’s aesthetic—think exposed brick, greenery, board games, comfy lighting, and even yoga sessions—makes it feel inviting and warm. Nick Bumgardner Photography Visitors often describe it as an intimate, low-key hangout ideal for mead tastings and relaxed conversation. Nick Bumgardner Photographyhoneytreemeadery.com
Bartenders pride themselves on guiding newcomers through mead explorations, offering flights and samples before pouring. Games like Jenga keep things lighthearted, and yes—dogs are even welcome! honeytreemeadery.com
4. Signature Meads to Sip and Savor
- Here’s a testing of Honeytree’s eminent mead styles:
- Basic Group: A direct, semi-sweet mead utilizing dim wildflower honey—ideal for perfectionists. shopmeads.comhoneytreemeadery.commeadlovers.blogspot.com
- Signature Series: Rotating honey sources celebrating different Tennessee beekeepers. shopmeads.commeadlovers.blogspot.com
- Bouquet Toss: A floral delight aged with rosehips, hibiscus, and linden. honeytreemeadery.commeadlovers.blogspot.com
- Sweet Baby Ginger: Infused with candied ginger—a spicy, aromatic twist. honeytreemeadery.commeadlovers.blogspot.com
- The Beast: Bold and high in ABV (around 19%), made with smoky summer honey—an adventurous pick. honeytreemeadery.comhoneytreemeadery.com
- Blossom Control & Lem, Lav, Adore: Complex and botanical with fixings like lavender, sourwood, chamomile. honeytreemeadery.comshopmeads.com
They offer flights ranging from three pours to a legendary “Five Flights to Rule Them All” for the full mead spectrum. honeytreemeadery.com
5. Education & Engagement: Beyond Just Drinking
At Honeytree Meadery, each sip often comes with insight. They host tours, mead-making classes, and educational programming about beekeeping and pollinator conservation. Edible Nashville
They’re also part of the Tennessee Farm to Tap movement, partnering with local farmers and beekeepers. Bar director J.A. Harrison crafts seasonal cocktail-mead hybrids, like gin-based creations with pawpaw and other local produce. Edible Nashville
6. Community Impact & Sustainable Vision
Honeytree’s mission is as much about ecology as it is about flavor. They funnel revenue back into Tennessee’s beekeeping community and advocate for pollinator awareness. meadlovers.blogspot.comEdible Nashville
Their efforts are tangible—from sourcing honey to hosting events like mead education nights. It’s mead with a purpose—“save the bees by drinking booze.” Edible Nashville
7. Joining the Hive: Membership & Clubs
Want mead delivered? Membership gets you access:
- Bottle Club: Quarterly deliveries of curated meads, starting at 2 bottles for $50. honeytreemeadery.com
Nectar Club: Quarterly boxes with locally sourced nectar, from $60–$120. honeytreemeadery.com
Members appreciate elite varietals, rebates, and pickup alternatives. honeytreemeadery.com
8. Why Honeytree Meadery Matters
- Historical revived: Mead traces back millennia, yet Honeytree offers a modern version rooted in local terroir. Edible NashvilleWikipedia
- Community and industry growth: Mead is among the fastest-growing alcohol categories in the US—Honeytree is part of that resurgence. WikipediaEdible Nashville
- A true local gem: More than a taproom, it’s a cultural hub celebrating taste, sustainability, and connection.
Conclusion
Honeytree Meadery is more than just another spot in Nashville—it’s a mead-forward story told in every honey-glazed pour, educational event, and beekeeping initiative. It’s a place where craft meets cause, and ancient tradition intersects with contemporary values.
With this deep dive into Honeytree Meadery, you’ve uncovered how the art of mead can really be the art of community, sustainability, and flavorful innovation. If you’d like tasting notes, pairing ideas, or help navigating mead for your next gathering, I’m buzzing with more insight to share!
