The Viking Alchemist Meadery launches its “Better Neighbors” program to help support the Smyrna community

Smyrna, Georgia – May 1, 2023 -  The Viking Alchemist Meadery is launching a new giving program targeting local businesses and charities. The Viking Alchemist Meadery’s “Better Neighbor” program will offer patrons significant discounts while also donating a portion of sales towards eligible charities. A play on the historically terrible reputation of being a neighbor with Vikings, the meadery is seeking to make a meaningful, positive difference in the community.

Each month, the meadery will select and partner with an eligible Smyrna retailer by offering 20% off tap room sales to any  customer who brings a receipt from that month worth more than $20. The goal is to help raise awareness among tap room customers that Smyrna has some wonderful businesses worth exploring. The retail partner, in return, has the opportunity to give back to their loyal customers by offering a steep discount at a fellow business.

“We’re all in the same long boat, here in Smyrna,” says Robin Kosoris, Founder. “There’s a lot of traffic in and out of Smyrna from both residents and commuting workers, but they drive by some wonderful businesses. We believe, by working together, we can all see a lift in sales and customer loyalty.”

In addition to the retail partnership, the Viking Alchemist Meadery is launching a giving program to benefit a rotating roster of charities. Beginning May 2023, 10% of all tap room sales on Thursdays will be donated to a chosen charity. Charities will be chosen based upon their alignment with the meadery’s values as well as the charity’s efficacy ratings. The goal of the program is to create a consistent, reliable pipeline of giving that also encourages additional traffic to the tap room on a historically slower evening.

“We usually include some sort of giving in our major events,” says Tamara Kosoris, Founder. “But with this change, we have a chance to make a bigger impact on a far more regular, predictable way. We’re working to find those charities that genuinely align with our clientele.”

The Viking Alchemist Meadery’s Better Neighbor offers a template for other small businesses to follow which, done broadly, offers dramatic community building opportunities. As part of the the Smyrna Business Association, The Viking Alchemist is aware of the needs and desires of Smyrna to build more local loyalty and believes programs like this will help foster growth and satisfaction for the entire community.

Retailers or Not-For-Profits who are interested in getting involved in the Viking Alchemist’s Better Neighbor program should contact the owners, directly

About the Viking Alchemist Meadery
The Viking Alchemist is a family and veteran owned Meadery and Cidery, established in 2015. the mead is sold and distributed throughout Georgia with a Smyrna tasting room open Thursday-Sunday. Over the 7 years of operation, the Meadery has developed a reputation for merging modern sensibilities with the ancient craft of mead making, earning the reputation of an “alchemist.” For the fifth time, the Viking Alchemist Meadery has been awarded Best Mead in Georgia for Bliss in the Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge, making this a win every time the meadery has entered the competition.

About the Smyrna Business Associaton
The SBA seeks to promote, engage, and connect business people in Smyrna through outreach, programs, education, and networking. The SBA hosts an annual business expo to promote local businesses, recognizes a Smyrna business person who makes a positive impact on the community with the SBA’s Business Person of the Year award, and offers educational workshops to SBA members.

What is Mead?
Mead is likely the oldest alcoholic beverage humans have enjoyed. Cultures, around the world, independently discovered the art of fermenting honey into mead. Each culture is slightly different, but the basic formula is the same: Water, honey and yeast.

The Viking Alchemist Introduces Its Line of Sour Meads

Smyrna, Georgia – March, 2023 -  This month, the Viking Alchemist Meadery, producer of the Best Mead in Georgia since 2015, will release its first line of Sour Meads through distribution in Georgia. The mead is the accidental invention from the meadery as a result of a batch of honey containing lactobacillus being used in the brew process. Since the discovery, the Viking Alchemist has found the happy accident a boon for product development. For the 3 years following the discovery, the meadery has been experimenting with flavors in it’s Smyrna tap room, seeking to identify flavor profiles that would appeal to the widest audience.

“We have a history of pushing mead outside the norm and offering very approachable flavor profiles that makes mead something anyone can enjoy” says Tamara Kosoris, owner. “The Sour Mead was a sharp turn that nobody was looking for and nobody expected. It fundamentally changes the mead experience.”

Lactobacillus is a common culture used in food production as well as beer. Sour beers have gained popularity among the craft culture, as the industry sought to expand the customer base to younger drinkers and alternative flavor seekers. But, before now, the culture has not been used in a production mead. In cooperation with local labs and brewers, the Viking Alchemist Meadery has been able to grow a strain of the culture that is both reliable and unique in the market, particularly adapted for mead production.

While the meadery has tested more than a dozen flavor profiles, there are four that have risen as favorites among the public. After performing well in competition in 2021 and 2022, these meads have been put into production and distribution. Four flavors will come to market in the first quarter of 2023.

Ch-Ch-Cherry Bomb
A Sour Mead made with dark sweet cherry, mango, and habanero. Ch-Ch-Cherry Bomb is less sweet with a fruity flavor and a spicy follow. The habenero adds a kick to this mead, making it a fan favorite in the tap room.

Laid Back
One of the first sours we produced, Laid Back is an easy sipping mead, less sweet and tangy. The orange, grapefruit and juniper add a summer vibe to the Sour Mead making it ideal for backyard, hot weather.

TONE LŌKI
Inspired by our session mead Mints of Persia but made with a spearmint tea. It’s light, fresh and spirited. Maybe a little chaotic, but still a treat. Lighter than some of the other Sour Meads.

TYPE O
It’s open, approachable and compatible with nearly every person who has tried it. Made with blood orange, TYPE-O is a fruitier Sour Mead with a strong kick of citrus. Less sweet, but full of flavor, TYPE-O goes down easy and pairs well with everything and everybody.

While each flavor is distinct, they all share the same traits of Sour Meads. Like wine, mead can be sweet or fermented all the way to dry, but Sour Meads bring a new layer to the flavor profile that will balance even the sweeter meads. The Viking Alchemist Meadery’s line of Sour Meads present an off-dry profile that allows the flavor profiles to strongly stand out. All the Viking Alchemist Meadery' s Sour Meads are based off their show mead, coming in at 11% ABV.

Sour Meads will be available in 500 ML bottles throughout Georgia bottle stores with cooperation from Savannah Distribution.

About the Viking Alchemist Meadery
The Viking Alchemist is a family and veteran owned Meadery and Cidery, established in 2015, Marietta GA. The Mead is sold and distributed throughout Georgia with a tasting room open Thursday-Sunday. Over the 7 years of operation, the Meadery has developed a reputation for merging modern sensibilities with the ancient craft of mead making, earning the reputation of an “alchemist.”

What is Lactobacillus?
Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria that is commonly used in food production, particularly in the production of fermented foods. This bacteria is known for its ability to convert sugars and carbohydrates into lactic acid, which gives fermented foods their characteristic sour taste and helps to preserve them.

What is Mead?
Mead is likely the oldest alcoholic beverage humans have enjoyed. Cultures, around the world, independently discovered the art of fermenting honey into mead. Each culture is slightly different, but the basic formula is the same: Water, honey and yeast.

GEORGIANS IN A STATE OF BLISS AS VIKING ALCHEMIST WINS “BEST MEAD IN GEORGIA,” AGAIN

Smyrna, Georgia – November, 2023 -  The Viking Alchemist Meadery’s Signature mead, Bliss, has been awarded Best Mead in Georgia in the 2022 Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge for the fifth time. After skipping the 2020 entry due to Pandemic challenges, the meadery returned strong again in 2021, winning Best Mead. With the 2022 win, Bliss has won the category every year the meadery started entering in 2017.

Described as a “sweeter” mead, Bliss carries a smoother, softer flavor than dry meads, allowing the mellow, delicate taste of honey to come forward. Brewed with pear and almond, Bliss has been described to be reminiscent of amaretto, inspiring memories of summer afternoons and warm meadows.

Bliss is one of the six Signature meads brewed by the Viking Alchemist Meadery, forming the foundation for a broad line of meads which also include seasonal and barrel-aged meads. The Viking Alchemist will be celebrating it’s 7th anniversary in 2023. For 5 of those 7 years, Bliss has been voted Best in Georgia, making it a dominant player in modern meaderies in Georgia. .

In addition to Bliss, the meadery won an additional 9 medals for other meads, including sours, for the second year in a row, introducing an entirely new type of mead.

“Thanks to our supporters and our partners, we’ve been able to get through some difficult years. Last year, competition was second place to survival and quality,” says Robin Kosoris, owner. “We’re grateful to return to a thriving community and, once again, celebrate our art with our Georgia peers. Georgians really are in a ‘State of Bliss.’”

The mead category has been increasing in interest and popularity, over the past years thanks, in large part, to television and movies popularizing the drink. Though there have been innovations in flavor profiles, the industry has not seen a dramatic change until this year.

About the Viking Alchemist Meadery
The Viking Alchemist is a family and veteran owned Meadery and Cidery, established in 2015, Marietta GA. The Mead is sold and distributed throughout Georgia with a tasting room open Thursday-Sunday. Over the 5 years of operation, the Meadery has developed a reputation for merging modern sensibilities with the ancient craft of mead making, earning the reputation of an “alchemist.”

About Georgia in the Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge
Founded by Parks Redwine, Jane Garvey, and Douglas Mabry, the Georgia Trustees Wine and Spirits Challenge recognizes the increased excellence of Georgia-produced wines and wines produced from out-of-state-grown grapes by Georgia vintners. Since 2016, the “Challenge” has been the measure of the progress made by the Georgia wine industry and a means by which peer review can foster industry improvements.

What is Mead?
Mead is likely the oldest alcoholic beverage humans have enjoyed. Cultures, around the world, independently discovered the art of fermenting honey into mead. Each culture is slightly different, but the basic formula is the same: Water, honey and yeast.

THE VIKING ALCHEMIST WINS “BEST MEAD IN GEORGIA” FOR THE FOURTH TIME.

Marietta, Georgia – November 12, 2021 -  The Viking Alchemist Meadery’s Signature mead, Bliss, has been awarded Best Mead in Georgia in the 2021 Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge. This year marks the fourth time that Bliss has won in the category. Described as a “sweeter” mead, Bliss carries a smoother, softer flavor than dry meads, allowing the mellow, delicate taste of honey to come forward. Brewed with pear and almond, Bliss has been described to be reminiscent of amaretto, inspiring memories of summer afternoons and warm meadows.

Bliss is one of the six Signature meads brewed by the Viking Alchemist Meadery, forming the foundation for a broad line of meads which also include seasonal and barrel-aged meads. Like all Viking Alchemist meads, Bliss is brewed with locally sourced ingredients, supporting the Georgia Grown movement that has been flourishing in the state, boosting local economy and nurturing our environment.

In addition to Bliss, the meadery won an additional 9 medals for other meads, including sours, for the first time.

Gold

• Bliss: Almond melomel

• Ethereal: Peach melomel

• Skol: Cherry melomel

Silver

• Saxon the Beach: Hibiscus lime, coconut, pineapple, mango & grapefruit melomel

• Tone Loki: Mint lime sour melomel

• Type O: Blood orange sour melomel

Bronze

• Antinomy: Cherry Cranberry melomel

• Mangata: Blueberry melomel

• Laid Back: Orange, grapefruit, & Juniper sour melomel

Like all Viking Alchemist meads, Bliss is brewed with locally sourced ingredients, supporting the growing organic movement that has been flourishing in Georgia, and encouraging more apiaries around the state, boosting local economy and nurturing our environment. In addition to local, all-natural ingredients, all Viking Alchemist Meadery meads are also gluten free, offering an exciting alternative to patrons with dietary restrictions.

“Like many small business, we spent 2020 in survival mode, just keeping up with challenges as they came,” says Robin Kosoris, owner. “With a little more breathing room, we were excited to get back into the competition and grateful that the Georgia Trustees had kept it going. We’re thrilled that Bliss one but even more excited that our sours won!”

The mead category has been increasing in interest and popularity, over the past years thanks, in large part, to television and movies popularizing the drink. Though there have been innovations in flavor profiles, the industry has not seen a dramatic change until this year.

Last year, the Viking Alchemist Meadery introduced an entire line of sour meads, fermented with lactobacillus. Though common among beers, the addition has not been widely tried with mead. Today, the meadery has more than 6 taps dedicated to sour meads and plans to bring it to market as a session mead in bottles.

About the Viking Alchemist Meadery
The Viking Alchemist is a family and veteran owned Meadery and Cidery, established in 2015, Marietta GA. The Mead is sold and distributed throughout Georgia with a tasting room open Thursday-Sunday. Over the 5 years of operation, the Meadery has developed a reputation for merging modern sensibilities with the ancient craft of mead making, earning the reputation of an “alchemist.”

About Georgia in the Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge
Founded by Parks Redwine, Jane Garvey, and Douglas Mabry, the Georgia Trustees Wine and Spirits Challenge recognizes the increased excellence of Georgia-produced wines and wines produced from out-of-state-grown grapes by Georgia vintners. Since 2016, the “Challenge” has been the measure of the progress made by the Georgia wine industry and a means by which peer review can foster industry improvements.

The Viking Alchemist To Host Mead And Mischief, For The Fifth Year In A Row, On October 31, In Smyrna, GA

Smyrna, Georgia – October 19, 2020 -  The Viking Alchemist Meadery will be hosting its annual Halloween event in Smyrna, this year, as the meadery expands the celebration to include other local, small businesses. Since moving to Smyrna, the meadery has had the opportunity to collaborate with local restaurants, food trucks and coffee shops, creating a more integrated and immersive experience for local patrons and this year’s event is a natural culmination of a growing, thriving Smyrna community.

To help showcase our fellow businesses, Mead and Mischief has been expanded to include outdoor tables and displays creating a festival environment that has been missed, throughout the summer of 2020. As businesses have adjusted to new norms, social distancing and heightened safety, the outdoor event has offered a rare treat for food and drink enthusiasts. And while the larger festivals remain impractical, smaller events, like Mead and Mischief, are able to cater to local crowds, in an open, sprawling environment.

“Our fans have missed events, so we’ve been looking for a way to offer both a safe experience and a fall celebration ,” says James Anderson, VAM Taproom Manager. “With Autumn weather in full swing, we are taking full advantage of the cooler weather and beautiful fall backdrop as we celebrate mead, again.”

Mead and Mischief is equal parts Halloween and autumn harvest. Fans look forward to the opportunity, every year, to taste upcoming meads, brewed for the winter and fall and enjoy exclusive flavors only available at the event. This year, the meadery is joined by a group of local businesses, including:

- 1776 United
- Bark Street Petopia
- Hops and Flow
- Blue Falcon Whiskey
- Kill Cliff Recovery Drinks
- Lenny's Hair Salon
- DJ's Gym
- Mary's Face painting

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Aviation History & Technology Center of Marietta, whose mission is to honor local aviation and military history through education, preservation, and events. As a veteran-owned business, the Aviation History & Technology Center aligns strongly with the Viking Alchemist culture and mission.

Mead and Mischief is open to the public on October 31 from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM. The event will be child friendly, including face painting as well as an outdoor trunk or treat. Leashed, friendly pets are welcome. And while masks are not mandatory, we do strongly recommend a face covering, for everyone’s safety. All attendees will be asked to allow us to take their temperature before entering the interior tap room.  

About the Viking Alchemist Meadery
The Viking Alchemist is a family and veteran owned Meadery and Cidery, established in 2015, Marietta GA. The Mead is sold and distributed throughout Georgia with a tasting room open Thursday-Sunday. Over the 4 years of operation, the Meadery has developed a reputation for merging modern sensibilities with the ancient craft of mead making, earning the reputation of an “alchemist.”

Responding to COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

Hello VAM Fans
 
We are in the midst of an invasion. It’s something Vikings are familiar with although usually on the “giving” side. As is prudent and wise, we are taking all precautions and preparations to repel the COVID 19 invader.
 
Per the CDC and Cobb/Douglas Public Health, the best defense is cleanliness and sanitation. That is something we are REALLY good at and do more than anything else every day. In the taproom we will continue to do the following to insure your best experience with us:

•  All surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized at open and hourly throughout the day.

•  Bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized hourly throughout the day.

• All drinking vessels and utensils will be cleaned and sanitized before and after use.

• We use disposable cups for our tasting flights. They will also be sanitized before use.

• All outside growlers will be cleaned and sanitized before refilling. If we don’t feel they can be adequately cleaned, we will not be able to use them.

•  Hand sanitizer will be available for staff and guests throughout the meadery.

• Staff will take extra care in washing their hands. They spend a fair bit of time with their hands in a bucket of sanitizer, so a little extra precaution is good for us all.

What you can do to help:

• Wash your hands. We’ll make sure the restroom is well supplied with soap and hand sanitizer.

• Try not to share drinking vessels.

• If you’re not feeling well, stay home. We’ll be here when you are feeling better.

That’s it. Simple things we can all do to look after each other. We will repel the invaders. We will win.

THE VIKING ALCHEMIST MEADERY JOINS IRONMONGER BREWING AS PART OF THE MEADERY’S 2020 EXPANSION.

Marietta, Georgia – February 17, 2020 - The Viking Alchemist Meadery is opening a satellite tap room and production facility this March within the Ironmonger Brewing facility, Marietta Georgia. The move comes at a time where collaboration in the craft brewing industry is hitting its peak as craft breweries work together to advance the trade and expand more diverse product offerings.

With the new tap room, the Ironmonger Brewing/Viking Alchemist collaboration further establishes the Franklin Gateway Triangle as the center of craft brewing in Cobb County. The region already boasts established brands like Red Hare Brewing and Treehorn Cider, creating a destination experience for craft brew enthusiasts. With the addition of a meadery (honey wine), the area is now complete with the widest variety of offerings, all locally made.

“We’re thrilled with the opportunity and the willingness of Ironmonger to collaborate not just in space but on new projects,” says Brian, The Viking Alchemist Brewmaster.  “Mead and Beer are often kept separate, but we share a lot of common culture. This joint space means greater innovation and more options for both of our customers.”

The new Viking Alchemist Tasting room will be adding on 912 SQFT with 18 taps, directly adjacent to the Ironmonger Brewing tap room. Each environment will offer their own experience but share parking and amenities making it easier for guests to float from one space to the other without driving.

Viking Alchemist guests will be able to enjoy ax throwing, live performances and other events typically hosted by Ironmonger Brewing, creating a more immersive experience. Ironmonger guests will have the unique opportunity to experience mead, sometimes for the first time, without leaving their preferred brewery.

The new tasting room will open in tandem with the new, larger Viking Alchemist production facility being built in Smyrna and scheduled to open in April of 2020. With two locations, the meadery will be able to cover more of Cobb County and the greater metro Atlanta area with easy access to major highways and destinations.

About the Viking Alchemist Meadery
The Viking Alchemist is a family and veteran owned Meadery and Cidery, established in 2015, Marietta GA. The Mead is sold and distributed throughout Georgia with a tasting room open Thursday-Sunday. Over the 4 years of operation, the Meadery has developed a reputation for merging modern sensibilities with the ancient craft of mead making, earning the reputation of an “alchemist.” For three years in a row, the Viking Alchemist’s Signature mead Bliss has been awarded “Best Mead in Georgia” in the Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge.

About Ironmonger Brewing
Ironmonger Brewing is a premium craft brew destination in Marietta, offering a combination of award-winning beers, an Axe Throwing Range, and vibrant taproom. The brewery specializes in exceptional craft beers offering 20 beers on tap. Ironmonger has operated continuously, serving the Cobb County and greater metro Atlanta market.

THE VIKING ALCHEMIST HAS ANNOUNCED ITS RELEASE CALENDAR FOR BARREL-AGED MEADS.

Marietta, Georgia – February 1, 2020 -  The Viking Alchemist Meadery’s has released its 2020 calendar for barrel-aged meads. The barrel-aged program will on the successful launch of last year’s barrel-aged meads, expanding the lineup with more options and more collaboration. All barrel-aged meads are unique and available in limited quantities. Though a receipe can be replicated, no two batches are ever the same making each barrel-aged mead a collectible, unique label.

Aging mead (honey wine) in oak barrels adds a unique layer of flavor and complexity to the original recipe. Depending on the source, and previous use, the barrel will add notes that compliment the mead. The Viking Alchemist has been sourcing barrels from regional distilleries, after their primary use, typically, as bourbon barrels. These established relationships have helped the meadery control the process and deliver more predictable outcomes.

“The growing spirits business in Georgia has brought us a surprising opportunity,” says Tamara Kosoris, Head Brewer. “We’ve gained access to the best quality barrels from some inspired distillers in our region. It offers us new, unexpected opportunities.”

Barrel-aging (Oaking) offers dramatic variety as barrels are often used for multiple aging processes. In some cases, like a maple syrup barrel, the resulting flavor profile is impossible to find in any other process. It makes these barrel-aged meads unique and exciting to experiment with, allowing the meadery to twist something completely new for an enthusiastic audience.

Mead, in particular, takes to barrel-aging very well as the mead starts off with a naturally sweeter profile. Over time, the oak will dry out the mead, softening the sweetness and thinning out the feel of the mead. While there is no ongoing fermentation, the barrel-aging the process will dramatically change the flavor profile.

While each oak barrel can be used several times, it will slowly lose the flavor of the previous contents. Viking Alchmist labels like Respite (bourbon barrel-aged peach mead) and Accord (bourbon barrel-aged cherry mead) have demonstrated how the distillery’s flavor profile compliments the mead flavor when used immediately after their original use. The strong tones of the aged liquor come through, adding a sharpness to the sweeter mead that has become a signature flavor profile of barrel-aged meads.

In 2019 and in 2020 the meadery has had the opportunity to try secondary barrels both of their  own making as well as sourced from partners. Once a bourbon barrel has been used to age another fluid, most of the spirit’s flavor will have faded. As is the case with the Celestial label (bourbon barrel-aged peach mead), which was the second pull of the barrel previously used for Respite. Both labels have similar flavor profiles, but customes can clearly see the difference from the first to the second pull.

In 2020, the meadery will be experimenting with maple syrup barrels which are, technically, second pull barrels. These oak barrels were used to age maple syrup, infusing it with bourbon and char notes. While some bourbon flavor will still be present, most of the flavor will be the rich maple syrup, oak and char with hints of vanilla.

With the publication of the release calendar, customers will be able to plan for event tastings and sales as the product becomes available in the market.

About the Viking Alchemist Meadery
The Viking Alchemist is a family owned, veteran-focused Meadery and Cidery, established in 2015, Marietta GA. The Meadery is sold and distributed throughout Georgia with a tasting room open Thurdsay-Sunday. Over the 4 years of operation, the meadery has developed a reputation for merging modern sensibilities with the ancient craft of mead making, earning the reputation of an “alchemist.” For three years in a row, the Viking Alchemist’s  Signature mead Bliss has been awarded “Best Mead in Georgia” in the Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge.

An Open Letter to Our Fans: We're Moving to Smyrna!

It’s official, we are moving to Smyrna! Since we signed the lease back in August, we’ve been in a bit of a holding pattern until all of the licensing came through and we hadn’t wanted to get hopes up. But now, it is inevitable. The new Tap Room will be opening in April, 2020. There’s been a lot of questions and curiosity, so I wanted to share a bit of the journey and why it has taken so long to talk about it.

As our fans know, we’ve been looking for a larger facility for years and haven’t been able to find one that was perfect. Finally, we chose a building in Smyrna. Centrally located, great parking, bigger space, but it still had its own challenges. Surprise!

When we started, one of the bigger roadblocks was the city itself. Smyrna hadn’t included winery ordinances in their city law books which meant working with the city to have the proper laws voted into place. Once that was done, we were able to pursue our licensing.

Converting an industrial building to a proper tap room takes time and effort. The ventilation system, for instance, wasn’t designed for comfort. So, we refit the HVAC to make it more efficient and effective. We will no longer have to sweat through the wonderful Georgia summer or freeze in the winter! With the new space, you can sit and relax, play games and generally hang around comfortably.

As you’ve probably noticed, we have been moving our production equipment while also keeping up with production. Our largest fermenter has been moved, along with our 15bbl storage tank. You’ll be happy to know that no tanks were hurt during this migration. Though there was a stunning performance of “I Can Lift This!” followed by a replay of “I think I pulled my back.” Kids… always lift with your knees.

All said and done, the tanks are moved and gearing up for production. As we head into 2020, we are also moving away from the 375ml bottles and will, primarily, bottle 750ml. Starting these productions in the new facility will be a welcome milestone for our entire team.

I am always humbled and grateful for all of our customers that chose to spend their hard-earned money on our products. Making our mead has been my art and passion for over a decade now, and although the road has been uneven and surprising, we managed to make it out of the 2010s and into the new decade, stronger and more stable than we ever expected.

2019 was a wild ride with the real flood gates opening in December and 2020 is shaping up to be no different with more expansions in Cobb County. If you want to stay informed, you can ask more at the mead hall or follow us on social media: Facebook and Instagram. We’ll be sharing updates and milestones.

Looking forward to seeing you!
The Viking Alchemist Meadery Family

THE VIKING ALCHEMIST MEADERY OF MARIETTA IS MOVING PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND TAP ROOM TO SMYRNA, GEORGIA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marietta, Georgia – January 8, 2020 -  Viking Alchemist Meadery will be moving to a new location on Jonquil Drive, Smyrna GA with a planned open date of April 4, 2020.  The new venue will increase the meadery’s square footage from 1,500 SF to 4,500 SF, substantially increasing event space, outdoor seating as well as an enhanced barrel aging room to accommodate the growing interest in barrel-aged mead.

The move comes during a time when mead (honey wine), as a category has increased worldwide and is expected to continue as consumers become more interested in mead as a beer and wine alternative, reflecting the general rising interest in premium craft beverages. In the US alone, there are currently over 300 operating meaderies, most of which have opened within the past five years, reflecting a strong rise in market interest.

With the move complete, The Viking Alchemist will be able to offer a wider variety of meads, showcasing the versatility of the beverage to an ever-expanding audience interested in all-natural products

“We plan to dramatically expand our barrel ageing, specialty, and seasonal lines,” says Brian Kosoris, Head Brewer. We’ll be able to deliver our premium and unique offerings more often and in greater quantity. The new space will also offer a more inviting venue, allowing families to spend time, bring pets and enjoy the best of what Cobb offers.”

The new facility will be within 5 miles of the original facility, but bring the tap room closer to OTP attractions in Altanta including the Battery and Smyrna Market. Becoming more centralized to the Atlanta suburban population will greatly increase the meadery’s ability to introduce consumers to something new and innovative and diversify consumer’s options in the Battery Corridor.

The new Smyrna Tap Room will boast a custom, 48-tap wall of mead and cider. Tripling the service capacity of the current space where the meadery has operated for almost 4 years. In addition to more taps, seating and parking, the Smryna Tap Room will accommodate small gaming and reservable event space. All of which is intended to be completed by April 4, 2020 to coincide with the meadery’s fourth anniversary.

About the Viking Alchemist Meadery
The Viking Alchemist is a family owned, veteran-focused Meadery and Cidery, established in 2015, Marietta GA. The Meadery is sold and distributed throughout Georgia with a tasting room open Thurdsay-Sunday. Over the 4 years of operation, the meadery has developed a reputation for merging modern sensibilities with the ancient craft of mead making, earning the reputation of an “alchemist.” For three years in a row, the Viking Alchemist’s  Signature mead Bliss has been awarded “Best Mead in Georgia” in the Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge.

Contact:
Brian Kosoris
The Viking Alchemist Meadery
bkosoris@vikingalchemist.com

THE VIKING ALCHEMIST WINS “BEST MEAD IN GEORGIA” FOR THE fourth time.

Marietta, Georgia – November 12, 2021 -  The Viking Alchemist Meadery’s Signature mead, Bliss, has been awarded Best Mead in Georgia in the 2019 Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge. This year marks the fourth time that Bliss has won in the category. Within the category, Bliss is described as a “sweeter” mead, carrying a smoother, softer flavor than dry meads, allowing the mellow, delicate taste of honey to come forward. Brewed with pear and almond, Bliss has been described to be reminiscent of amaretto, inspiring memories of summer afternoons and warm meadows.

Bliss is one of the six Signature meads brewed by the Viking Alchemist Meadery, forming the foundation for a broad line of meads which also include seasonal and barrel-aged meads. In addition to Bliss, the meadery won an additional 9 medals:

Gold

• Bliss: Almond melomel

• Ethereal: Peach melomel

• Skol: Cherry melomel

Silver

Saxon the Beach: Hibiscus, lime, coconut, Pineapple, Mango, Grapefruit

• Tone Loki: Mint & lime sour melomel

• Typo-O: Blood orange sour melomel

Bronze

• Antinomy: Cherry/Cranberry melomel

• Mangata: Blueberry melomel

• Laid Back: Orange, grapefruit, & juniper sour melomel

Like all Viking Alchemist meads, Bliss is brewed with locally sourced ingredients, supporting the growing organic movement that has been flourishing in Georgia, and encouraging more apiaries around the state, boosting local economy and nurturing our environment. In addition to local, all-natural ingredients, all Viking Alchemist Meadery meads are also gluten free, offering an exciting alternative to patrons with dietary restrictions.

“Like much of the world, we skipped 2020 and just focused on survival,” says Robin Kosoris, owner. “We returned to competition this year with some fresh ideas. Entering sour meads was unheard of. This was one of our accidental discoveries of 2020. But Bliss still won. It really is a perfect mead.”

As a beverage, mead (honeywine) dates back to ancient cultures. Brewed with nothing more than honey, yeast and water, mead predates the advent of agriculture, as honey was readily accessible. Every culture, worldwide, developed some form of mead, independently. When cultivated grains made other alcohol options possible, mead fell out of favor but was never forgotten. Today, with a growing dialogue around bees, pollinators and natural ingredients, mead has made a strong come back and has again entered the national zeitgeist.

Today, there are over 300 meaderies operating nationally, according the American Mead Makers Association, and growing. The beverage has captured a popular position among craft enthusiasts who have been overwhelmed with the exploding craft beer industry and are seeking something new and different. Meads, like Bliss, offer a refreshing and surprising alternative to an audience that is always seeking a new experience and flavor.

About the Viking Alchemist Meadery
The Viking Alchemist is a family and veteran owned Meadery and Cidery, established in 2015, Marietta GA. The Mead is sold and distributed throughout Georgia with a tasting room open Thursday-Sunday. Over the 4 years of operation, the Meadery has developed a reputation for merging modern sensibilities with the ancient craft of mead making, earning the reputation of an “alchemist.”

About Georgia in the Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Challenge
Founded by Parks Redwine, Jane Garvey, and Douglas Mabry, the Georgia Trustees Wine and Spirits Challenge recognizes the increased excellence of Georgia-produced wines and wines produced from out-of-state-grown grapes by Georgia vintners. Since 2016, the “Challenge” has been the measure of the progress made by the Georgia wine industry and a means by which peer review can foster industry improvements.