Buzzing with Purpose: The Hive Mind Mead Story. By Beekeepers with a Taste for Tradition (and Innovation)
There’s something magical about watching bees at work—how they move in harmony, how each plays a vital part in a greater whole. That same ethos lies at the heart of Hive Mind Mead an award-winning Mead and Honey product Company based in the rolling countryside of South Wales. These beekeepers have taken their deep love for the natural world and paired it with a brewing passion to create something truly special: modern, sparkling, and award-winning meads (and more recently, some delicious soft drinks too!).
Their mead isn’t your average honey wine. In a world where mass-market options often lean on white wine bases and artificial sweeteners, they have chosen a purer path. Hive Mind Meads are made with 100% British honey—most of it from their own bees—fermented with nothing more than water, honey, and yeast. The result? A naturally crafted drink that’s all flavour, all heart, and completely free from shortcuts.
Minimal processing. No added sugar. Just the real deal. And every sip supports UK beekeeping.
How It All Began
Their journey started with a teenage fascination. At just 13, Matt took up beekeeping, sparking a lifelong passion for bees, honey, and the countryside. Years later, this obsession found a new expression in the form of brewing. He converted his garage into a tiny, buzzing micro-meadery and got to work.
When that very first 300-litre batch of mead earned a 2 Star Great Taste Award, Hive Mind knew we were onto something. That garage didn’t stand a chance for long and was quickly outgrown. They began brewing in spare tank space at a Chepstow brewer and by the end of 2018, they were pouring at local farmers markets and proudly placed on shelves at their very first stockist, The Forest Deli in Coleford.
The History (and Comeback) of Mead
So, what is mead exactly? It’s the world’s oldest alcoholic drink, enjoyed across ancient cultures long before grapes became wine or grains became beer. At its core, mead is simply fermented honey and water, sometimes enhanced with fruits, herbs, or spices for flavour.
Often called “honey wine,” mead is actually in a category of its own. It’s incredibly versatile—changing character with every variety of honey, each seasonal bloom, and the unique craft of the maker.
And after centuries of quiet, mead is having a craft revival. Across the UK, curious drinkers are rediscovering this golden elixir—not just as a nod to the past, but as a fresh, exciting addition to the modern drinks scene.
Women Talking had the opportunity to try the Wye Valley Traditional Mead – this is an award-winning traditional mead made with 100% pure Wye Valley honey. In 2023, it was crowned Golden Fork Award winner for Wales and earned a 3-Star Great Taste Award, celebrating its rich, smooth character and exceptional flavour.
Tasting Notes:
Floral, medium-sweet, with gentle heather notes and a long, warming honeyed finish.
Perfect Pairings:
Enjoy with blue cheeses, charcuterie, or rich desserts. Also great in cocktails like a Mead Royale or Honey Old Fashioned or served simply neat with or without ice.
In addition we tried a selection of the delicious Honeyade – a natural soft drink with some superb combinations like Lime & Mint, Rhubarb & Ginger all sweetened with a drop of honey, giving it a smooth golden sweetness.
The Sparking Mead was well welcome and is a delicious and modern variation by combining the rich, complex flavours of traditional mead with a light, effervescent sparkle giving you a refreshing twist on this age-old beverage with a 3.4% ABV with again some exiting flavours such as Honey & Elderflower, Honey & Sour Cherry and Honey & Ginger.
Why Hive Mind?
Their name says it all. Just like a hive, they work together with nature, community, and craft to bring something beautiful to life. Whether it’s sparkling meads, wine-style traditional meads, or their new range of soft drinks, every drop is inspired by the natural world and powered by the bees who make it possible.
So, if you’re curious about mead—or just love the idea of drinking something ethical, local, and lovingly made—join the Hive Mind. You’ll taste the difference. And so will the bees.
Poppy Watt