Fallentimber Meadery
www.fallentimbermeadery.ca
“Great mead starts with great honey.”
When I had first heard about Fallentimber Meadery earlier this year and then had the opportunity to visit, I must admit, I didn’t have very high expectations. I envisioned showing up to a charming little farmstead in the middle of nowhere to watch an enthusiastic but uninteresting farmer stir a big pot of boiling brew while nervously trying to explain the ancient art of mead making. Tour over. That image was reinforced even as we turned off of the gravel road and onto the long, narrow, tree lined lane heading deeper into the woods to what I was sure would be a backwoods still at best. A place that I would normally take the time to visit? Not likely, but this trip was necessary.
So, it was not only an unexpected surprise but a real treat when I stepped into the showroom, complete with bar, where the variety of products made at the meadery were displayed and eagerly sampled. And to top that off, I was totally taken aback when I looked through a viewing window and saw the large silver vats used to make the mead. A real brewery.
As it turns out, the Ryan family has been in the bee keeping business since 1969. While Kevin Ryan looks after the bee keeping and honey collection side of things, son Nathan takes care of the mead making operation. On a second visit to the meadery, Nathan told me that his father collected a record 58,000 pounds of the sweet stuff last year. 58,000 pounds of honey is a lot of honey. From that, they make bees wax candles and the mead. Oh ya, and they sell the finest, tastiest unpasteurized honey I have ever eaten. And I do love my honey. Like the old lady says, “I put that shit on everything."
During that second visit I had the opportunity to observe Nathan and his crew mixing up a batch if his newest flavour, Meadjito—honey, mint and lime. And yes, it’s Nathan’s interpretation of the mojito. Delicious and refreshing. I’m sipping one as I write.
If all of that wasn’t enough, you can book the grounds for private functions or attend the annual concert.
Bottom line, if you live in Central Alberta or are visiting this area and are looking for things to do, a day trip to the Fallentimber Meadery should be on your list. Check the website – http://www.fallentimbermeadery.ca – for a full list of activities, products and directions. You won't be disappointed.
www.fallentimbermeadery.ca
“Great mead starts with great honey.”
When I had first heard about Fallentimber Meadery earlier this year and then had the opportunity to visit, I must admit, I didn’t have very high expectations. I envisioned showing up to a charming little farmstead in the middle of nowhere to watch an enthusiastic but uninteresting farmer stir a big pot of boiling brew while nervously trying to explain the ancient art of mead making. Tour over. That image was reinforced even as we turned off of the gravel road and onto the long, narrow, tree lined lane heading deeper into the woods to what I was sure would be a backwoods still at best. A place that I would normally take the time to visit? Not likely, but this trip was necessary.
So, it was not only an unexpected surprise but a real treat when I stepped into the showroom, complete with bar, where the variety of products made at the meadery were displayed and eagerly sampled. And to top that off, I was totally taken aback when I looked through a viewing window and saw the large silver vats used to make the mead. A real brewery.
As it turns out, the Ryan family has been in the bee keeping business since 1969. While Kevin Ryan looks after the bee keeping and honey collection side of things, son Nathan takes care of the mead making operation. On a second visit to the meadery, Nathan told me that his father collected a record 58,000 pounds of the sweet stuff last year. 58,000 pounds of honey is a lot of honey. From that, they make bees wax candles and the mead. Oh ya, and they sell the finest, tastiest unpasteurized honey I have ever eaten. And I do love my honey. Like the old lady says, “I put that shit on everything."
During that second visit I had the opportunity to observe Nathan and his crew mixing up a batch if his newest flavour, Meadjito—honey, mint and lime. And yes, it’s Nathan’s interpretation of the mojito. Delicious and refreshing. I’m sipping one as I write.
If all of that wasn’t enough, you can book the grounds for private functions or attend the annual concert.
Bottom line, if you live in Central Alberta or are visiting this area and are looking for things to do, a day trip to the Fallentimber Meadery should be on your list. Check the website – http://www.fallentimbermeadery.ca – for a full list of activities, products and directions. You won't be disappointed.
