Supplies For Making Mead Review (Updated | Apr 27th)
Selecting appropriate supplies for mead production requires balancing technical precision with material durability. Essential components include fermentation vessels, sanitization agents, specific yeast strains, and measurement tools like hydrometers. Quality equipment ensures consistent fermentation environments and prevents batch contamination. This guide evaluates various starter kits and individual components based on build quality, ease of maintenance, and long-term reliability.
Key Takeaways
- The Full Bottling Suite is ideal for beginners needing a complete kit with a hydrometer and reusable storage bottles.
- Choose the Artisan Glass Choice if you prefer traditional fermentation vessels and a classic aesthetic for your home brewery.
- Prioritize kits with three-stage nutrients to achieve a cleaner flavor profile and faster fermentation times.
- Always ensure your kit includes a hydrometer to accurately track alcohol content and monitor fermentation progress.
- Select kits with flip-top bottles to simplify the bottling process and eliminate the need for a separate capper.
Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe Mead Making Kit with Bottles
Full Bottling Suite
- Comes with a hydrometer to accurately track fermentation and ABV.
- Includes four reusable flip-top bottles for convenient final storage.
- Three-stage nutrients ensure a much cleaner, faster fermentation process.
- BEST FOR ARTISAN GLASS CHOICE: Bold I’Land 1 Gallon Mead Making Starter Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CLASSIC HERITAGE KIT: Craft A Brew 1 Gallon Mead Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EXPERT SUPPORT CHOICE: Jigger N’ Dash Reusable Mead Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FULL BOTTLING SUITE: Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe Mead Making Kit with Bottles Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DOUBLE-BATCH STARTER: Wagrvuy 1 Gallon Mead Making Starter Kit Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Supplies For Making Mead
Bold I’Land 1 Gallon Mead Making Starter Kit
If you are looking to jump into the hobby without having to buy five different separate tools, this kit from Bold I’Land is a fantastic choice. What I love about this setup is that it includes an auto-siphon and a hydrometer with a test jar, which are two things beginner kits usually skip to save money.
Having that hydrometer is a game changer because it actually lets you measure the alcohol content rather than just guessing. The one-gallon glass carboy feels really sturdy and has a cool honey bee design etched on it, which makes the fermentation process look great on your kitchen counter.
It’s perfect for someone who wants a professional-feeling setup from day one. However, keep in mind that this kit does not include yeast or nutrients, so you can’t actually start your brew the moment it arrives at your door.
You’ll need to make a quick trip to a brew shop or order those separately to get the honey bubbling.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes an auto-siphon for mess-free liquid transfers.
- The hydrometer and test jar allow for accurate alcohol readings.
- The glass carboy is thick and features a beautiful bee design.
- Comes with a bottle wand for easy filling later on.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Does not include yeast or nutrients to start immediately.
- The decorative glass makes it harder to see sediment levels.
- The included funnel is a bit small for thick honey.
Craft A Brew 1 Gallon Mead Making Kit
Craft A Brew has put together what I’d call the ‘all-in-one’ experience for anyone who wants to channel their inner Viking. This kit is designed for the absolute novice who wants a streamlined process.
The best part is that it includes the yeast and nutrients, so as long as you have a jar of honey, you are ready to go. The step-by-step guide is written in plain English and makes the four-week fermentation cycle feel totally manageable.
It uses a traditional racking cane for transferring, which is a bit more old-school but very reliable once you get the hang of it. It’s a great gift for a history buff or a DIY fan who wants a proven recipe that works.
The downside here is the lack of a hydrometer, which means you won’t know the exact ABV of your mead or if the fermentation has fully finished without some guesswork. It’s a bit more ‘simplified’ than the professional setups, but it gets the job done.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes specialized mead yeast and nutrients in the box.
- The instruction manual is very easy for beginners to follow.
- Compact design fits perfectly in small apartment kitchens.
- High-quality glass carboy is reusable for many future batches.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Missing a hydrometer to measure sugar and alcohol levels.
- The manual racking cane requires more practice than a siphon.
- You must provide your own honey to start brewing.
Jigger N’ Dash Reusable Mead Making Kit
If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner Viking without spending a fortune on complex equipment, the Jigger N’ Dash kit is a fantastic jumping-off point. It’s designed specifically for the absolute beginner, stripping away the intimidation factor of homebrewing.
You get a solid 1-gallon glass jar, a reliable airlock and stopper, and all the siphoning gear like a racking cane and clamp to get your brew off the sediment. What I really appreciate is the inclusion of a funnel, which sounds small but makes pouring honey a lot less messy.
It’s the perfect gift for someone who wants a new hobby but doesn’t know where to start, especially since they offer US-based phone support if you get stuck mid-batch. The only real bummer here is that it doesn’t include a hydrometer, so you’ll be guessing your alcohol percentage and won’t know for sure when fermentation has officially finished.
You’ll also need to source your own honey separately.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes a racking cane for easy, sediment-free bottling.
- US-based expert support is available via phone for troubleshooting.
- The included funnel prevents sticky honey messes during setup.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No hydrometer included to measure alcohol content or progress.
- The kit lacks bottles for storing the finished mead.
- Instructions are basic and might leave advanced users wanting more.
Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe Mead Making Kit with Bottles
The Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe Kit is what I’d call the ‘level up’ version of a starter set. While most kits give you the bare minimum, this one includes a full hydrometer kit with a beaker and baster.
This is huge because it allows you to actually track your ABV levels and ensure your yeast has finished its job before you bottle. Speaking of bottling, they actually include four 1-liter flip-top bottles, which saves you from the frantic last-minute scramble to find glass containers when your brew is ready.
They’ve also stepped up the chemistry side with three stages of premium yeast nutrients, which helps prevent those ‘rhino fart’ smells that can happen with stressed yeast. It’s the ideal choice for a perfectionist who wants to do things right the first time.
However, be aware that the glass components are fragile; while the company is great about replacements, it’s a drag to open your box and find a shattered hydrometer or jar.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Comes with a hydrometer to accurately track fermentation and ABV.
- Includes four reusable flip-top bottles for convenient final storage.
- Three-stage nutrients ensure a much cleaner, faster fermentation process.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Glass pieces are prone to breaking during the shipping process.
- The kit is bulkier and requires more storage space.
- Price point is higher than basic entry-level starter kits.
Wagrvuy 1 Gallon Mead Making Starter Kit
If you have been curious about fermenting your own honey wine but didn’t know where to start, this Wagrvuy Mead Making Kit is a fantastic jumping-off point. It feels like the creators actually thought about the beginner’s journey by including a hydrometer and graduated cylinder, which are often left out of basic sets but are vital for knowing your alcohol percentage.
You get a sturdy 1-gallon glass carboy and enough EC-1118 yeast and nutrients for two separate batches, giving you a safety net if your first attempt goes sideways. I love that it comes with four 34oz swing-top bottles, so you aren’t scrambling for storage once the mead is clear.
It is perfect for the hobbyist who wants a guided, all-in-one experience without researching every individual tool. However, the biggest headache is that it does not include sanitizer, which is non-negotiable for brewing.
You will have to buy Star San or high-proof alcohol separately before you can even think about getting started.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes a hydrometer to accurately track your alcohol content.
- Comes with four reusable glass bottles for the final product.
- The pre-portioned yeast and nutrients cover two full batches.
- A silicone funnel and siphon make transfers much less messy.
- The step-by-step manual is very beginner-friendly and clear.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No sanitizer is included, which is essential for safe brewing.
- You must provide your own honey and spring water separately.
- The glass carboy is heavy and slippery when wet during cleaning.
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
Does the kit include honey?
Most starter kits, like the Blue Ox Brewing and Jigger N’ Dash sets, do not include honey because it is heavy to ship and quality varies by preference. You will need to source about 3 pounds of high-quality honey separately to begin your first one-gallon batch.
What is the most important tool for a beginner to have?
A hydrometer is the most critical tool for tracking fermentation progress and calculating alcohol content. While the Craft A Brew kit focuses on the basics, the Complete Mead Making kit includes a hydrometer and test jar, which helps you avoid ‘stuck’ fermentations and know exactly when your mead is ready to bottle.
How do I store the mead once it is finished?
You need airtight bottles to prevent oxidation after the fermentation is complete. The Blue Ox Brewing DELUXE kit is a standout choice here because it includes four 1L flip-top bottles, saving you the extra expense of buying a bottling kit separately.
Can I reuse these kits for multiple batches?
Yes, the hardware like the glass carboy, airlock, and siphon are fully reusable after a thorough sanitizing. The Mead Making Kit for Beginners even provides enough yeast and nutrients for two separate batches, so you only need to buy more honey for your second round.
Is a siphon really necessary for a one-gallon batch?
While you can technically pour mead, using an auto-siphon like the one in the Complete Mead Making kit is much better for clarity. It allows you to transfer the liquid while leaving the ‘lees’ (sediment and dead yeast) at the bottom of the jar, resulting in a professional-looking, clear drink.
What should I look for regarding yeast health?
Honey is naturally low in nutrients, so look for kits that include yeast energizers or nutrients. The Blue Ox Brewing kit provides a three-stage nutrient system, which is superior for preventing off-flavors and ensuring the yeast stays healthy throughout the entire fermentation process.
How much space do I need for this hobby?
These one-gallon kits are designed for small-space brewing and can easily fit on a kitchen counter or in a pantry. Just ensure the area is away from direct sunlight and maintains a relatively stable temperature, as fluctuations can stress the yeast and affect the flavor profile.
