Home Brew Ohio Mead Making Kit Review (Updated | Apr 22nd)

If you have ever wanted to channel your inner Viking, this one gallon mead making kit is a fantastic place to start. It feels like a complete starter package because it provides the essential chemicals and yeast you need to actually get the fermentation right, rather than just giving you a jar and a prayer.

I love that it includes a clear glass carboy so you can watch the sediment settle and see that beautiful golden color develop over time. It is perfect for a beginner who wants a hands-on hobby without a massive upfront investment.

You get the siphon, airlock, and a solid recipe to follow, which takes the guesswork out of the chemistry side of things. However, you need to be aware that honey is not included in this box.

You will need to head to a local market to buy about three pounds of quality honey before you can actually get your first batch bubbling away.

This kit is a bit different because it includes a primary fermentation bucket instead of just a glass jug. For a friend starting out, I’d recommend this one because doing your initial ferment in a bucket is way less messy; you don’t have to worry about the foam exploding out of a narrow neck.

The Home Brew Ohio instruction booklet is super straightforward and walks you through every step of the process. It is the ideal setup for someone who values ease of cleaning and wants a reliable, foolproof entry into homebrewing.

It feels sturdy and the included airlock and bung fit perfectly to keep oxygen out. The main trade-off here is that it lacks the aesthetic appeal of a glass carboy.

Fermenting in a white plastic bucket means you can’t really see the ‘magic’ happening inside without popping the lid, which can be a bit of a bummer for curious beginners.

If you have ever wanted to channel your inner Viking, the Craft A Brew Mead Kit is the most straightforward way to start. It is essentially a ‘just add honey’ setup that comes with a 1-gallon glass carboy, high-quality yeast and nutrients, and a very clear instruction guide that takes the guesswork out of the four-week fermentation process.

I love that it includes a funnel and racking cane, which are often overlooked but vital for avoiding a sticky mess in your kitchen. This is the perfect gift for someone who wants a curated, foolproof introduction to the hobby without buying a mountain of gear.

It is assembled in the USA and feels very premium. However, the biggest catch is that honey is not included, and since you need about three pounds of high-quality honey to get a good result, you should expect to spend an extra twenty to thirty dollars at the grocery store before you can actually start your first batch.

The Bold I’Land Complete Mead Making Kit is what I would call the ‘pro-sumer’ version of a starter set. While most kits give you the bare minimum, this one includes a hydrometer and test jar, which are the only real ways to know if your mead is actually finished fermenting.

It also features an auto-siphon, which is a massive upgrade over a standard racking cane because it starts the flow of liquid with a simple pump rather than making you struggle with gravity. The decorative honey bee glass jug is a nice aesthetic touch that makes the setup look great on a shelf.

This kit is best for the person who knows they want to stick with this hobby and wants the right tools from day one. The only real downside here is the bottle wand; while it is a great inclusion, it can be a bit finicky and prone to leaking if you don’t seat the spring correctly during the bottling phase.

If you are tired of starter kits that feel like they are missing half the gear, this Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe Kit is the upgrade you actually want. What I love about this setup is that it includes a full hydrometer kit with a beaker and baster, which is essential if you want to know your actual ABV and stop guessing if fermentation is finished.

They also provide three stages of premium yeast nutrients, which is a huge deal because mead is notoriously slow to ferment without that extra boost. You even get four 1-liter flip-top bottles for storage, so you aren’t scrambling for glassware on bottling day.

It is the perfect choice for someone who wants to do things the right way from batch one. The only real headache is that the glass components are fragile during shipping, though the company is pretty good about sending replacements if something arrives shattered in the box.

The Wagrvuy Mead Making Kit is a solid pick for anyone who is a bit nervous about their first attempt and wants a safety net. The standout feature here is that they include enough EC-1118 yeast and nutrients for two separate batches.

This means if you mess up the first time, you have a second chance without buying more supplies. It comes with a 1-gallon glass jar, a siphon, and even a temperature label to stick on the side of your fermenter so you can keep an eye on those yeast-killing heat spikes.

It is a very approachable, reusable kit that covers the basics from start to finish. However, be aware that this kit does not include sanitizer, which is the most important part of brewing.

You will need to grab some 75% alcohol or Star San separately before you can even think about getting started.

If you are looking to jump into the hobby without feeling like you are missing a crucial tool halfway through, this HiveVine All-in-One Kit is a solid choice. What I love about this setup is that it includes both a fermenter bucket and a glass carboy, which is a huge deal for mead makers.

You can do your primary fermentation in the bucket (which makes cleaning up honey and fruit residue so much easier) and then rack it into the glass for aging. It comes with a hydrometer, which is the most important tool for knowing your alcohol content and ensuring the yeast finished its job.

This kit is perfect for someone who wants to feel like a ‘pro’ from day one because the equipment is durable and reusable. The only real headache is that the siphon system can be a bit finicky to prime if you have never used one before, so expect a little bit of a learning curve during your first transfer.

The Jigger N’ Dash Mead Making Kit is clearly designed for the person who wants to stop overthinking and just start brewing. It has a fun, historical vibe and keeps things incredibly simple with a 1-gallon glass jar and a straightforward instruction manual.

One of the best perks here is the US-based customer support; if your brew looks funky or you aren’t sure if the yeast is kicking, you can actually call someone for help. It includes the yeast and nutrients, which is a massive plus because sourcing the right nutrients can be confusing for a first-timer.

It is the ideal ‘Saturday afternoon project’ kit for someone who wants to embrace their inner Viking. However, the downside is that it lacks a hydrometer, meaning you will be guessing your final ABV and won’t know for sure when fermentation has officially stopped, which can lead to some guesswork before bottling.

If you have ever wanted to try your hand at brewing honey wine without turning your kitchen into a science lab, the Shepherd Made Mead Making Kit is a fantastic jumping-off point. I love that it skips the plastic buckets in favor of a 1-gallon clear glass jug, which lets you watch the fermentation bubbles in real-time.

It is the perfect size for a countertop experiment, coming with mead-specific yeast and nutrient so you aren’t guessing which supplies to buy separately. You basically just need to grab some local honey and you are ready to go.

It is designed for the absolute beginner who wants a 7-day primary fermentation, though I have found the flavor really needs a few months of aging to lose that harsh edge. One thing to watch out for is the 3-piece airlock; it feels a bit flimsy compared to the heavy glass jug, so be careful not to crack the plastic when pressing it into the rubber stopper.