Honey Mead Brewing Kit Review (Updated | Apr 23rd)
Selecting a honey mead brewing kit requires evaluating component quality, fermentation capacity, and the clarity of included instructions. Essential features include food-grade glass carboys, reliable airlocks, and specialized yeast strains capable of handling high sugar concentrations. This guide examines various kits based on their durability and the completeness of the hardware provided. It serves as a resource for hobbyists seeking to transition from beer or wine making to ancient honey-based ferments.
Key Takeaways
- The Editor’s Choice is the best option for beginners needing a full bottling suite and precise ABV testing tools.
- Select the Heritage Craft Set if you prioritize traditional methods and a simplified, rustic brewing experience.
- Prioritize kits with three-stage nutrients to ensure a cleaner fermentation process and better-tasting final mead.
- Always verify a kit includes a hydrometer to accurately track fermentation progress and determine alcohol content.
- Choose the Editor’s Choice for an all-in-one solution that includes flip-top bottles for immediate storage.
Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe Mead Kit with Bottles
Complete Bottling Suite
- Includes a hydrometer for precise gravity and ABV testing.
- Comes with four flip-top bottles for immediate storage.
- Three-stage nutrients ensure a much cleaner fermentation process.
- BEST FOR HERITAGE CRAFT SET: Craft A Brew 1-Gallon Mead Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PREMIUM BRAND CHOICE: Craft A Brew Deluxe 1-Gallon Mead Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR VIKING SPIRIT STARTER: Jigger N’ Dash DIY Honey Mead Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPLETE BOTTLING SUITE: Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe Mead Kit with Bottles Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ARTISAN BEE DESIGN: Bold I’Land 1-Gallon Mead Making Starter Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SPICED MEAD VARIETY: Blue Ox Brewing 1-Gallon Honey Mead Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SOMMELIER GUIDED KIT: VineLabs 1-Gallon Honey Mead Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DRY PROFILE SPECIALIST: MUST BEE 1-Gallon Honey Wine Mead Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR MASTER SIPHON SYSTEM: VineLabs 1-Gallon Mead Making Kit with Yeast Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DOUBLE BATCH VALUE: Wagrvuy 1-Gallon Mead Making Starter Set Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Honey Mead Brewing Kit
Craft A Brew 1-Gallon Mead Making Kit
If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner Viking without spending a fortune, this kit is the perfect entry point. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense setup that turns honey and water into a crisp 1 gallon batch of mead in about four weeks.
I love that it includes a glass carboy rather than plastic, which feels much more authentic and is easier to keep sterile. It’s ideal for the person who wants to try the hobby for the first time because the step-by-step guide is written in plain English, not confusing science-speak.
You get the yeast nutrients and sanitizer included, so you aren’t running to a specialty shop mid-brew. However, keep in mind that you have to supply your own honey, which can be an unexpected twenty-dollar expense depending on the quality you buy.
Also, since it doesn’t come with bottles, you’ll need to figure out where the liquid goes once it’s finished fermenting. It’s a great, USA-assembled starter for anyone curious about ancient honey wine.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The glass carboy is high quality and easy to clean.
- Instructions are very clear for absolute beginners.
- Includes specialized yeast and nutrients for a healthy fermentation.
- The compact size fits easily on any kitchen counter.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- You must purchase your own honey separately before starting.
- No bottles are included for the final storage phase.
- The racking cane can be a bit finicky for first-timers.
Craft A Brew Deluxe 1-Gallon Mead Making Kit
This is the ‘all-in’ version for someone who knows they want to stick with this hobby. What sets this Deluxe Mead Kit apart is that it solves the two biggest headaches of the standard version: how to bottle it and how to make it taste professional.
It includes a full bottling setup with caps and a siphon, which saves you from making a sticky mess in your kitchen. My favorite part is the addition of potassium sorbate and metabisulfite, which allow you to backsweeten your mead.
This means you can add extra honey at the end to make it sweet rather than bone-dry without the bottles exploding. It’s the ultimate gift for a DIY enthusiast who appreciates a complete system.
The only real downside is the larger footprint of all the extra gear; you’ll need a dedicated cupboard to store the bottles and cleaning equipment. It’s a bit more of an investment upfront, but it’s much cheaper than buying these pieces individually later.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes everything needed for bottling the finished product.
- Allows for backsweetening to control the final flavor profile.
- The auto-siphon makes transferring liquid much cleaner and easier.
- High-quality components that are designed to be reused many times.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The extra equipment requires significant storage space.
- The higher price point might be steep for casual testers.
- Honey is still not included in the box.
Jigger N’ Dash DIY Honey Mead Making Kit
If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner Viking without needing a degree in chemistry, the Jigger N’ Dash Mead Making Kit is a fantastic starting point. It feels less like a science experiment and more like a fun weekend project.
What I really appreciate about this setup is that it includes the essentials like a one-gallon glass jar, a sturdy racking cane, and a siphoning tube to help you move your brew without making a mess. It’s perfect for the person who wants to try a new hobby but feels intimidated by complex instructions; they even offer US-based phone support if you get stuck mid-fermentation.
You can use pretty much any honey you find at the grocery store, making it very accessible. However, the biggest drawback is that it doesn’t include a hydrometer, which means you’ll be guessing your alcohol content and won’t know for sure when fermentation has actually finished, which can lead to some guesswork during bottling.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes a racking cane and siphon for easy bottling.
- US-based expert phone support helps beginners troubleshoot issues.
- The wide-mouth glass jar is very easy to clean.
- All equipment is reusable for your next batch of mead.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Missing a hydrometer to measure alcohol percentage accurately.
- Does not include bottles for storing the finished mead.
- The instructions are basic and lack advanced brewing tips.
Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe Mead Kit with Bottles
The Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe Kit is the one you want if you’re the type of person who likes to do things right the first time. Unlike most starter sets that just give you the bare minimum, this one includes a full hydrometer kit with a beaker and baster.
This is a game changer because it lets you actually track your ABV levels and ensures you aren’t bottling a ‘stuck’ fermentation that could lead to exploding corks. They also throw in four 1-liter flip-top bottles, so you don’t have to scramble to find storage once your mead is ready.
The inclusion of three stages of yeast nutrients is a nice touch that helps prevent that ‘rocket fuel’ smell mead can sometimes get. The only real downside is that the glass components are fragile during shipping, though the company is known for being quick to send replacements if something arrives cracked in the box.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes a hydrometer for precise gravity and ABV testing.
- Comes with four flip-top bottles for immediate storage.
- Three-stage nutrients ensure a much cleaner fermentation process.
- Comprehensive guide covers everything from start to finish.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Glass bottles and hydrometer are prone to breaking during transit.
- The kit takes up more storage space than basic versions.
- Higher price point than kits without testing equipment.
Bold I’Land 1-Gallon Mead Making Starter Kit
If you are looking to dive into the world of honey wine without the guesswork, this set from Bold I’Land is a fantastic starting point. What really sets this apart is the inclusion of an auto siphon and a hydrometer with a test jar.
Most starter kits skip these, leaving you to struggle with manual siphoning or guessing your alcohol percentage, but having them here makes the process feel professional from day one. The 1-gallon glass jug is thick and features a really cool honey bee design that looks great sitting on your counter during fermentation.
It is perfect for the detail-oriented beginner who wants to track their progress scientifically. You get a 3-piece airlock and a bottling wand which makes the final transfer much cleaner.
However, keep in mind that this kit does not include honey or yeast, so you will need to source those separately before you can actually start your first batch.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes a hydrometer to accurately measure your alcohol content.
- The auto siphon makes transferring liquid mess-free and easy.
- Thick glass carboy features a beautiful decorative honey bee design.
- Comes with a bottling wand for easier final packaging.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Does not include honey or yeast to start brewing.
- The glass jar is heavy and requires careful handling when full.
- Instruction manual is helpful but could use more recipe variety.
Blue Ox Brewing 1-Gallon Honey Mead Making Kit
Blue Ox Brewing has put together a kit that feels a bit more adventurous and ‘Viking-inspired’ than your standard lab-style setup. The standout feature here is the included spice blend, featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and clove.
This is great because plain mead can sometimes be a bit one-note, and these spices let you experiment with a ‘metheglin’ style right out of the gate. It comes with the mead yeast and nutrients included, which saves you a trip to a specialty store.
It is designed for the casual hobbyist who wants a straightforward, fun experience without getting bogged down in too much technical data. The USA-based support is a nice safety net if you get stuck.
On the downside, the racking equipment is basic compared to more expensive kits, consisting of a simple tube rather than a pump-action siphon, which can be a bit tricky for first-timers to prime.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Comes with a variety of spices for custom flavor profiles.
- Includes the yeast and nutrients needed to start immediately.
- The user manual is written in a very clear, accessible style.
- Assembled in the USA with responsive customer support.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Lacks a hydrometer for measuring the specific gravity.
- The basic racking tube is harder to use than an auto-siphon.
- The included spices may overpower the honey if not measured carefully.
VineLabs 1-Gallon Honey Mead Making Kit
If you have ever wanted to channel your inner Viking, the VineLabs kit is a fantastic way to start. What I really love about this setup is that it feels professional without being intimidating; it includes a 1-gallon glass carboy, a racking cane for easy bottling, and a sommelier-developed guide that actually makes sense.
It is perfect for the beginner who wants to learn the ‘why’ behind the process rather than just following a checklist. The components are sourced from the USA and Canada, so the quality of the yeast and nutrients is noticeably better than some of the cheap knock-offs you find online.
You will need to provide your own honey, which gives you the freedom to pick a local wildflower or clover variety. One thing to keep in mind is that the transfer tubing can be a bit stiff out of the box, making it slightly tricky to maneuver during your first racking session if you aren’t careful.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The racking cane makes transferring liquid much cleaner and easier.
- Instructions are written by a professional sommelier for better results.
- High-quality glass carboy is durable and fully reusable for years.
- Includes specialized nutrients to keep the yeast healthy during fermentation.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The vinyl transfer tubing is quite stiff and difficult to uncoil.
- Does not include any honey, adding to your initial startup cost.
MUST BEE 1-Gallon Honey Wine Mead Making Kit
The MUST BEE kit is the one you want if you are worried about your first batch tasting bland. Most entry-level kits just give you the basics, but this one includes a Spice Melody packet with orange peel, coriander, and cinnamon.
It is designed to produce a dry mead profile, which is great if you prefer a sophisticated wine-like finish over something syrupy sweet. I think the temperature tape is a genius addition because keeping your ‘must’ at the right heat is the secret to avoiding off-flavors.
It is the ideal gift for a foodie who likes bold flavors, especially since the no-boil method recommended in the guide preserves the delicate floral notes of the honey. However, be prepared for a bit of a mess with the included funnel; it is a little on the small side, so pouring your honey-water mixture into the jug requires a very steady hand to avoid sticky spills.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Included spice packet adds immediate complexity to your first batch.
- Temperature tape helps monitor fermentation for a cleaner taste.
- The no-boil instructions preserve the natural aromatics of your honey.
- Produces a crisp, dry mead rather than an overly sugary drink.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The provided funnel is small and prone to overflowing easily.
- The dry yeast strain requires very strict temperature control to work.
VineLabs 1-Gallon Mead Making Kit with Yeast
If you are looking to dive into the world of ancient brewing, this VineLabs Ultimate Kit is a fantastic jumping-off point. What I love about this set is that it feels curated by people who actually know wine; the instructions were developed by a sommelier and master winemaker, which takes the guesswork out of the chemistry.
It includes a 1-gallon glass carboy, a hydrometer with a graduated cylinder, and even an auto-siphon, which is a total game-changer for transferring liquid without a mess. This is perfect for the beginner who wants high-quality, North American-made components rather than cheap plastic knock-offs.
You just need to supply the honey and water. The only real bummer is that the yeast and nutrients are only enough for your very first batch, so you’ll be heading back to the store quickly if you catch the brewing bug.
It is a solid, professional-feeling setup that makes you feel like a legit mazer from day one.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes a high-quality auto-siphon for easy, mess-free transfers.
- Instructions are written by a professional sommelier for better results.
- Comes with a hydrometer to accurately measure your alcohol content.
- All hardware components are durable and fully reusable for years.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Only provides enough yeast and nutrients for one single gallon.
- The kit does not include any honey to start brewing.
Wagrvuy 1-Gallon Mead Making Starter Set
The Wagrvuy Beginner Set is arguably the most practical choice for someone who doesn’t want to buy anything extra later. The standout feature here is that it actually includes four 34oz storage bottles, which most kits skip, leaving you scrambling for containers on bottling day.
They also pack enough EC-1118 yeast and nutrients for two separate batches, giving you a ‘safety net’ if the first attempt goes sideways. I really like the addition of the temperature label that sticks to the jar so you can ensure your yeast stays in the happy zone.
It’s the ideal gift for a hobbyist because it’s a self-contained ecosystem. However, there is a catch: it does not include sanitizer, which is the most critical part of brewing.
You will have to buy 75% alcohol or StarSan separately before you can even touch the equipment, which is a bit of a letdown for an ‘all-in-one’ box.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Comes with four glass bottles for the final storage stage.
- Includes enough ingredients to brew two full one-gallon batches.
- The stick-on temperature strip helps monitor fermentation health easily.
- A silicone funnel is included to make pouring honey easier.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No sanitizer or disinfectant is included in the box.
- The included siphon is a basic manual tube, not automatic.
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 is the most important tool for a beginner to ensure their mead is actually fermenting?
A hydrometer is the only way to accurately measure sugar levels and calculate alcohol content. While many starter kits skip this, the Blue Ox Brewing Deluxe kit includes one, which helps you avoid the guesswork of wondering if your fermentation has stalled or finished.
How do I choose between a basic kit and a ‘deluxe’ version?
Basic kits like the standard Craft A Brew focus on the fermentation vessel and airlock, which is great if you are on a budget. However, deluxe versions like the Ultimate Honey Mead kit often add an auto-siphon and bottling equipment, which makes the messy process of transferring liquid much cleaner and reduces the risk of oxidation.
Do these kits come with the honey included?
Most kits, including the VineLabs Honey Mead and Jigger N’ Dash options, do not include honey because it is heavy to ship and quality varies by preference. You should plan to purchase about 2.5 to 3 pounds of high-quality local or clover honey separately before your kit arrives.
Is it better to get a kit with an auto-siphon or a standard racking cane?
If you can afford it, go with a kit that features an auto-siphon, like the Complete Mead Making kit. Standard racking canes require you to manually start the suction, which can be tricky for beginners and often leads to splashing that can ruin the mead’s flavor profile.
Can I make more than one batch with these kits?
The glass hardware is infinitely reusable, but you will need more yeast and sanitizer for future rounds. Some products, like the Mead Making Kit for Beginners (10th item), provide enough pre-portioned ingredients for two full batches right out of the box, offering better long-term value.
What should I look for if I want a specific flavor profile?
Check if the kit includes additives like the ‘Spice Melody’ found in the Mead Making Kit (8th item) or the cinnamon and clove in the Blue Ox Brewing kit. Without these, you are brewing a ‘traditional’ mead, which relies entirely on the floral notes of your honey for flavor.
How much space do I need for a 1-gallon setup?
A 1-gallon glass carboy is roughly the size of a large milk jug, so it fits easily on a kitchen counter or in a dark closet. Just ensure the area stays at a consistent temperature; kits that include a temperature tape help you monitor this without opening the vessel.
Why is sanitizer included in almost every kit?
Sanitation is the most critical step in brewing because wild yeast or bacteria can easily turn your honey water into vinegar. Always look for kits that provide a dedicated brewing cleanser to ensure your equipment is sterile before the yeast is pitched.