Making Mead Mainstream with Charm City Meadworks
November 17, 2016
The story of Charm City Meadworks begins
a decade or so ago at NC State University. Co-Founder James Boicourt took an
introductory beekeeping course offered at the time, and quickly decided to
start keeping a few hives of his own. With
Fast forward
to 2014 when James, a submersibles engineer, and brew buddy, Andrew Geffken, launched
Charm City Meadworks, Baltimore’s first meadery. Focused on fermentation and entrusting the
honey supply to Dutch Gold Honey of Lancaster, PA, Charm City set up shop in
Curtis Bay and aims to change perceptions of mead by bringing a young, urban
swagger to an otherwise traditional fermented beverage. A pour from a wine bottle of a heavy, sweet
nectar you might associate with a renaissance fair sampling is benched in favor
of a lighter, drier, and more refreshing experience available in the
practicality of a can, their newest product line.
At 6.9% ABV each, a series of four
year round and three seasonal varieties fills out this carbonated line of mead
available in cans and on draft primarily in the Baltimore and D.C.
markets. Look out for the newest to join
the ranks of the year round varieties, “Hops”, a dry-hopped mead with floral
and citrus notes and a honey finish.
“This is going to do well,” says James, “this has a really great hop
flavor.” Or get cozy with the winter seasonal, “Retire by the Fire” featuring
cacoa nibs, vanilla, and a hint of clove.
With a slogan such as “Canned, Brewed
& Bred in Baltimore”, James and Andrew pay homage to the city that has
given them their start.
Self-distributing to 250 accounts and growing, Charm City has
plans to expand capacity. James reveals,
“We are moving in a few months into a 10,000 square foot building including a
build-out for a taproom, closer to the heart of Baltimore.”
While we
anxiously await the expansion, check out Charm City Meadworks in Curtis Bay at
3511 8th Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21226 for an intimate all-in-one tour
and tasting. Try the “Project X” tap for
experimental exclusives. Open 1p-7p
Saturday and noon-4p Sunday, feel free to BYO snack or picnic. For more information, visit charmcitymeadworks.com or call 443.961.1072.
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