B. United International Inc.

History:

Mead is probably the oldest known alcoholic beverage in the world. From Europe to Australia mead has been a popular drink, dating back to long before Viking Times. One of the earliest references to mead can be found in the Hindu's of India's holy books, the Veda books, which date back 4000 years and possibly even earlier than that.

In the Veda writings can be found a chapter in which the gods Krishna an Indra are called "Madhava", which means "born of honey", and their symbol is a bee. It is also written in this holy book, that there is a source of mead flowing on the third step of Vishnu's - which is heaven.

Mead is also referred to in Greek literature, in the saga of Orfeus: Zeus gave Kronos mead to make him drunk, "because they did not have wine at that time". Not surprisingly, mead is often referred to as "a drink fit for the gods". The Northern god Odin acquired mead by spending three nights with the daughter of the dwarf Suttung, so that he may be permitted to taste this excellent beverage. However, Odin did not just taste the mead offered him - no, he emptied the casks completely in three thirsty mouthfuls and then promptly raced back to the halls of Valhalla. The mead stolen by Odin was brewed from the blood of the wise Kvasir, and gave special powers for skaldic poetry and great wisdom.

This myth has stayed with mead since - however, the special powers can be somewhat blurred by over indulgence. Reliable sources report, that anybody that gets drunk on mead, can be effected for up to three whole days!

The Northern gods had a most splendid supplier of mead - one, which we in our brewery cannot compete with, and that was a goat called Heidrun. Heidrun grassed on top of the roof of Valhalla, and her udder flowed with unlimited supplies of the most delicious mead.

Picture: Heidrun the goat

When the Romans invaded Britain they discovered that they had conquered "an island of honey". Plutarch was amazed at the sound health and energy of the natives. "These Britains begin first to be old when they are 120 years. Their secret being honey."