5 Gallon Mead Kit Review (Updated | Aug 4th)
These all-in-one kits promise big flavor with minimal hassle, but not all are created equal. From beginner-friendly options to more advanced setups, we’ve tested the top contenders to see which delivers the best taste, value, and ease of use. Whether you’re after a smooth traditional mead or something bold and fruity, let’s find the kit that turns your kitchen into a meadery.
Key Takeaways
- The top 5 gallon mead kit offers reusable fermenters for eco-conscious brewing.
- It delivers high ABV results and supports four batches for lasting value.
- Beginner-friendly design makes it ideal for first-time mead makers.
- Choose kits with durable, reusable components to maximize cost and environmental efficiency.
- Prioritize ease of use and batch versatility when selecting a mead kit.
Craft A Brew – 5 Gallon Mead Kit – Easy for Beginners – At Home Mead Making Kit – Includes Ingredients & Reusable Equipment – Brew Semi-Dry Honey Wine – Makes up to 4 5-gal Batches
Editor’s Choice
- Reusable fermenters
- Makes four batches
- High ABV results
- BEST FOR BEGINNER-FRIENDLY ESSENTIALS: North Mountain Supply 5 Gallon Mead Making Kit with Instructions Included – Only Honey and Bottles Required Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EDITOR’S CHOICE: Craft A Brew – 5 Gallon Mead Kit – Easy for Beginners – At Home Mead Making Kit – Includes Ingredients & Reusable Equipment – Brew Semi-Dry Honey Wine – Makes up to 4 5-gal Batches Read More ↓
- BEST FOR VIKING SPIRIT READY: Jigger N’ Dash Mead Making Kit – Reusable Do-It-Yourself Honey Mead Making Kit – Mead Kit Complete – All the Mead Supplies You Need Makes 1 Gallon of Mead – Mead Brewing Kit Home Brewing Starter Sets Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DELUXE BREW CONTROL: Blue Ox Brewing DELUXE Mead Making Kit with Storage Bottles Read More ↓
Product Comparison: 5 Gallon Mead Kit
North Mountain Supply 5 Gallon Mead Making Kit with Instructions Included – Only Honey and Bottles Required
The North Mountain Supply 5 Gallon Mead Making Kit is a straightforward, no-frills solution for beginners eager to brew their first batch of mead. With all essentials included—except honey and bottles—this kit simplifies the process with clear instructions and seven easy steps.
You get a 5-gallon glass jug, airlock, stopper, racking cane, tubing, clamp, yeast, nutrient, sanitizer, and sodium metabisulfite. The detailed guide walks you through fermentation, racking, and bottling with minimal hassle.
Backed by a 30-day replacement guarantee, it’s a reliable starter kit for honey wine enthusiasts who want simplicity and dependability without extra bells and whistles.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Everything needed included
- Clear step-by-step guide
- Durable glass jug
- Reliable yeast included
- Hassle-free replacement policy
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No secondary fermenter
- Limited to one batch
- Basic accessories
Craft A Brew – 5 Gallon Mead Kit – Easy for Beginners – At Home Mead Making Kit – Includes Ingredients & Reusable Equipment – Brew Semi-Dry Honey Wine – Makes up to 4 5-gal Batches
The Craft A Brew 5 Gallon Mead Kit is designed for both beginners and experienced homebrewers who want to make high-quality, semi-dry mead at home. This comprehensive kit includes reusable 6.5-gallon primary and secondary fermenters, premium ingredients, and tools to craft four 5-gallon batches.
Just add 12.5 lbs of your favorite honey and follow the easy instructions to produce a smooth 11–12% ABV honey wine in as little as 30 days. The kit emphasizes sustainability, reusability, and flavor customization, making it ideal for those looking to experiment.
Built with durable, long-lasting components, it’s perfect for upgrading from smaller kits or brewing in bulk.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Reusable fermenters
- Makes four batches
- High ABV results
- Beginner-friendly design
- Eco-conscious build
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Plastic fermenters less durable
- Slightly complex setup
- Pricier upfront cost
Jigger N’ Dash Mead Making Kit – Reusable Do-It-Yourself Honey Mead Making Kit – Mead Kit Complete – All the Mead Supplies You Need Makes 1 Gallon of Mead – Mead Brewing Kit Home Brewing Starter Sets
The Jigger N’ Dash Mead Making Kit is a beginner-friendly 1-gallon setup perfect for anyone curious about crafting their own honey wine. Packed with essentials like a glass fermenter, airlock, siphon, and yeast, it simplifies the brewing process.
The included instruction manual walks you through each step, making fermentation approachable even for total newcomers. Compatible with popular honey brands, it encourages experimentation.
Assembled in the USA, the kit comes with responsive customer support. While it doesn’t include a hydrometer or storage bottles, its straightforward design focuses on simplicity and fun, channeling a Viking-era spirit with modern convenience.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Beginner-friendly design
- Complete basic equipment
- Excellent customer support
- Made for popular honey brands
- USA-based support
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No hydrometer included
- No storage bottles
- 1-gallon size limits batch
Blue Ox Brewing DELUXE Mead Making Kit with Storage Bottles, Hydrometer & Extra Yeast Nutrients – Honey Wine Making Kit – Mead Kit Complete – Mead Supplies for 1 Gallon of Mead – Mead Brewing Kit
The Blue Ox Brewing DELUXE Mead Making Kit is a premium 1-gallon set ideal for beginners and hobbyists who want professional results. It stands out with a full hydrometer kit for tracking fermentation and ABV, plus four 1-liter glass fliptop bottles for aging and storage.
Enhanced with three stages of premium yeast nutrients, it supports healthier fermentation and better flavor. The package includes all core tools: fermenter, airlock, racking cane, and detailed guide.
Designed for use with Nature Nate’s, GloryBee, or local honey, it offers precision and quality. Assembled in the USA, it combines value and functionality for a more serious mead-making experience.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes hydrometer kit
- Comes with storage bottles
- Premium yeast nutrients
- Accurate fermentation tracking
- Beginner-approved setup
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slightly higher price
- Limited to 1-gallon batches
- Extra parts may overwhelm new users
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a 5-gallon mead kit?
Look for kits that include all essential components: yeast, nutrients, acid blend, and instructions. Check if honey is included or if you need to source it separately. Higher-quality kits often provide detailed step-by-step guides and better ingredient ratios for consistent results. Consider ease of use, especially if you’re a beginner.
How do different 5-gallon mead kits compare?
Basic kits focus on traditional mead with minimal additives, while premium versions may include flavorings like fruit or spices. Some kits offer faster fermentation timelines using specialized yeast strains. Compare ingredient quality, fermentation time, and customization options to find the best fit for your preferences.
Are more expensive mead kits worth the price?
Higher-priced kits often use superior ingredients and provide better yields and flavor clarity. They may include tools like hydrometers or carboys, adding long-term value. For beginners, the extra cost can be justified by easier instructions and higher success rates.
What features improve the mead-making experience?
Look for kits with clear instructions, fermentation timelines, and troubleshooting tips. Inclusion of a hydrometer, airlock, and siphon can enhance precision and convenience. Reusable components add value for future batches.
Can I customize a 5-gallon mead kit?
Most kits allow customization with additional fruit, spices, or honey varieties. Check if the yeast strain supports experimental flavors and alcohol tolerance. Customization is easier with kits that provide a solid foundational recipe.
How important is the yeast strain in a mead kit?
The yeast strain significantly affects flavor, alcohol content, and fermentation speed. Wine or champagne yeasts typically produce cleaner, drier meads. Choose a kit with a strain suited to your desired sweetness and profile.
What is the typical fermentation time for a 5-gallon mead kit?
Fermentation usually takes 4–6 weeks, but aging can last 2–6 months for best flavor. Some fast-track kits claim drinkable mead in 4 weeks using specialized yeast. Patience improves smoothness and complexity.
Do mead kits include everything needed to start?
Most include ingredients and additives, but not always equipment like carboys or bottles. Confirm whether a primary fermenter, siphon, or bottling supplies are included. Missing tools can increase the overall starting cost.
