Mazer Cup

Mazer Cup is an annual competition dedicated to mead, a fermented beverage made from honey, water, and often various fruits, spices, grains, or hops. The origins of mead can be traced back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest alcoholic drinks known to humanity. The Mazer Cup pays homage to this ancient tradition by bringing together mead makers from around the globe to compete in various categories, showcasing the diversity and complexity of mead.

History

The Mazer Cup is named after the traditional drinking vessel known as a "mazer," which was commonly used in the Middle Ages for consuming mead. These vessels were often made of wood and sometimes metal, adorned with intricate designs and sometimes precious metals or stones. The competition itself was established to honor the rich history of mead making and to promote excellence within the craft.

Competition

The Mazer Cup is divided into two main segments: the Mazer Cup International Mead Competition, which is open to commercial meaderies, and the Home Mead Maker Competition, which is open to non-commercial, home mead makers. This structure allows for a wide range of participants, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic hobbyists, to showcase their mead-making skills.

Categories

Meads entered into the competition are judged in a variety of categories, reflecting the broad spectrum of styles and flavors that mead can encompass. These categories include but are not limited to Traditional Meads, Fruit Meads (Melomels), Spiced Meads (Metheglins), and Specialty Meads. Each category is judged by a panel of experts who evaluate the entries based on criteria such as aroma, flavor, appearance, and overall impression.

Awards

Winners of the Mazer Cup receive recognition for their excellence in mead making. Awards are given in the form of medals (gold, silver, and bronze) for each category. The highest accolade, the Best of Show award, is given to the mead that stands out above all others in the competition. These awards are highly coveted, as they signify exceptional skill and creativity in the art of mead making.

Impact

The Mazer Cup has played a significant role in the resurgence of interest in mead within the craft beverage industry. By providing a platform for mead makers to compete and share their creations, it has helped to elevate the profile of mead and introduce it to a wider audience. The competition also fosters a sense of community among mead makers, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in the field.