Silver! 2023 Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition

Holy grail bottle and glass with silver finger lakes competition medal.
Holy grail bottle and glass with silver finger lakes competition medal.

Kalamazoo’s Norse Nectar Meadery Wins Silver Medal at 2023 Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition

Kalamazoo, Michigan – Norse Nectar Meadery is thrilled to announce that their Holy Grail raspberry mead has been awarded the silver medal in the Mead – Flavored category at the prestigious 2023 Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition (FLIWC). This recognition highlights the outstanding craftsmanship and dedication of Norse Nectar Meadery in creating exquisite meads.

The FLIWC was open to commercial wineries and distilleries from all producing countries. This year they received over 1,750 entries, with winners from Australia, Canada, Columbia, and 38 states in the United States. The entries were blind judged by a distinguished group of judges composed of sommeliers, winemakers, wine writers, experienced spirits judges, and wine/spirit educators. They awarded bronze, silver, and gold medals, and where it was unanimous, double gold. The competition proceeds benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp dedicated to bringing smiles and memories to children with cancer. This year’s competition was held in Rochester, NY, on June 12-14, 2023.

Holy Grail, with its perfect blend of sweet and tart notes, is a testament to Norse Nectar Meadery’s commitment to crafting meads that captivate the senses. This award-winning mead features a delightful combination of raspberry and apple, complemented by a barrel char finish. At 14% ABV, it delivers a truly memorable tasting experience that can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or as an addition to cocktails.

This recent accolade comes on the heels of Holy Grail’s previous achievement as the silver medal winner for Fruit | Spiced | Specialty Meads at the 2023 World Expo Of Beers competition in Frankenmuth, MI. “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition for our Holy Grail raspberry mead,” said Hunter Dodge, President and CEO of Norse Nectar Meadery. “This silver medal is a testament to our dedication to creating exceptional meads that showcase unique flavors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition for this honor.”

Norse Nectar Meadery invites both mead enthusiasts and newcomers to experience the award-winning Holy Grail raspberry mead firsthand at their tasting room in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Valhalla tasting room is located at 3408 Miller Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, and offers a diverse menu of meads and mead cocktails.

To learn more about Holy Grail raspberry mead and Norse Nectar Meadery, please visit their website at norsenectar.com.

About Norse Nectar Meadery: 

Norse Nectar Meadery is a Kalamazoo-based craft meadery specializing in the production of small-batch meads inspired by the rich traditions of Norse mythology. Each mead is meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques, resulting in unique and delightful flavors that transport enthusiasts to the world of ancient Norse legends. The Valhalla tasting room is open to the public Thursdays & Fridays from 5:00 pm until Midnight and Saturdays & Sundays from Noon until Midnight.

About Camp Good Days and Special Times:

Camp Good Days and Special Times, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and sickle cell anemia, was founded by Gary Mervis in 1979, following the diagnosis of his youngest daughter, Teddi, with a malignant brain tumor. What was started to provide Teddi and 62 other children with cancer (21 from Rochester, 21 from Buffalo, 21 from Syracuse) with a residential camping experience has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind, having served as model for other organizations and cancer treatment centers around the world. Providing residential camping programs and year-round recreational and support activities and events, Camp Good Days has served more than 50,000 campers from 22 states and 36 foreign countries.

Holy Grail Raspberry Mead Wins Silver Medal at the 2023 World Expo of Beer Competition

A bottle of Holy Grail pictured with a silver medal.
A bottle of Holy Grail pictured with a silver medal.

Norse Nectar Meadery's Holy Grail Raspberry Mead Wins Silver Medal at the 2023 World Expo of Beer Competition

Kalamazoo, Michigan  – Norse Nectar Meadery’s crowd favorite Holy Grail raspberry mead has been honored with the Silver Medal in the Fruit/Spiced/Specialty Mead category at the 2023 World Expo of Beer Competition held in Frankenmuth, MI. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship displayed by Norse Nectar Meadery in creating their remarkable meads.

The World Expo of Beer competition showcases the finest craft beverages from around the world. Holy Grail raspberry mead stood out among nine other entrants in the Fruit/Spiced/Specialty Mead category, capturing the attention of the judges with its unique flavors and character. See the complete list of winners here.

Holy Grail Raspberry Mead is the perfect harmony of sweet and tart notes, skillfully blending raspberry and apple flavors with a delightful barrel char finish. With an ABV of 14%, this mead offers a captivating tasting experience that can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or as an addition to cocktails. Its recognition as a Silver Medal winner reinforces Norse Nectar Meadery’s commitment to crafting exceptional meads that delight the senses.

“We are honored and humbled to receive the Silver Medal for Holy Grail raspberry mead at the 2023 World Expo of Beer competition,” said Hunter Dodge, President and CEO of Norse Nectar Meadery. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team in creating unique and flavorful meads. We extend our gratitude to the judges and organizers of the competition for this award.”

Norse Nectar Meadery invites all mead enthusiasts to experience the award-winning Holy Grail raspberry mead at their tasting room in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Whether you’re a seasoned mead connoisseur or new to the world of mead, Holy Grail promises an unforgettable taste journey. The Valhalla tasting room is located at 3408 Miller Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, and offers a diverse menu of meads and mead cocktails.

For more information about Holy Grail raspberry mead and Norse Nectar Meadery, please visit their website at norsenectar.com.

About Norse Nectar Meadery: 

Norse Nectar Meadery is a Kalamazoo-based craft meadery specializing in the production of small-batch meads inspired by the rich traditions of Norse mythology. Each mead is meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques, resulting in unique and delightful flavors that transport enthusiasts to the world of ancient Norse legends. The Valhalla tasting room is open to the public Thursdays & Fridays from 5:00 pm until Midnight and Saturdays & Sundays from Noon until Midnight.

About World Expo of Beers:

The World Expo of Beer (WEB) is an annual event organized and managed by the Frankenmuth Jaycees. All proceeds generated from this event are donated to charitable causes. Visit their site

Awarded Best Mead in the 2022 Michigan Brew Trail Readers Choice Awards

Screenshot of the MI Brew Trail magazine page listing Dark Angel as best mead.
Screenshot of the MI Brew Trail magazine page listing Dark Angel as best mead.

Awarded Best Mead in the 2022 Michigan Brew Trail Readers Choice Awards

Kalamazoo, Michigan – Norse Nectar Meadery’s Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead has been awarded the title of “Best Mead in Michigan 2022” in the 2022 Michigan Brew Trail Readers Choice Awards. 

The Michigan Brew Trail Reader’s Choice Awards celebrates the best of Michigan’s brewing industry, where craft beverage enthusiasts nominate and vote for their favorite drinks. Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead has emerged as the winner, garnering recognition for its enticing flavors and unique character.

Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead is a true delight for those seeking an adventurous flavor experience. Crafted with precision and care, this mead combines the bold and spicy notes of ginger with the luscious sweetness of blackberries, enhanced by a delightful barrel char finish. With an ABV of 14%, Dark Angel can be enjoyed chilled, at room temperature, or as a delightful addition to cocktails.

“We are blown away by the support from the MI Brew Trail readers. This is our first award at the meadery and we are humbled,” said Hunter Dodge, President and CEO at Norse Nectar Meadery. “This award is a testament to our commitment to producing exceptional meads that push the boundaries of flavor and leave a lasting impression on our customers.”

Norse Nectar Meadery invites all mead enthusiasts to experience the award-winning Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead at their tasting room in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Whether you’re a seasoned mead connoisseur or new to the world of mead, Dark Angel promises an unforgettable taste journey. The Valhalla tasting room is located at 3408 Miller Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, and offers a diverse menu of meads and mead cocktails.

For more information about Dark Angel ginger blackberry mead and Norse Nectar Meadery, please visit their website at norsenectar.com.

About Norse Nectar Meadery: 

Norse Nectar Meadery is a Kalamazoo-based craft meadery specializing in the production of small-batch meads inspired by the rich traditions of Norse mythology. Each mead is meticulously crafted using the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques, resulting in unique and delightful flavors that transport enthusiasts to the world of ancient Norse legends. The Valhalla tasting room is open to the public Thursdays & Fridays from 5:00 pm until Midnight and Saturdays & Sundays from Noon until Midnight.

About MI Brew Trails Reader’s Choice Awards:

The Michigan Brew Trail is launching its Best of the Best in the Michigan Craft Beer Industry. This Readers Choice program will recognize some of the industry’s finest, from bartenders, wait staff and brewmasters, to breweries, beers and social media presence. We’ve made every effort in setting this up to make sure our categories cover everything: Michigan Craft Beer, Michigan Ciders & Meads, Michigan Breweries, Michigan Distilleries and Wineries, Michigan Beer Destinations, 5 Michigan Brewery Marketing, Design & Education, Michigan Brewery Cuisine and Michigan Brewery People. We’re also looking to identify the Best Beer City, Beer Garden, Breweries and Patios. Visit their site