Brewing Ideas for Weddings: From Sweet and Savory Honeymoons to Custom-Designed Ales
Whether you're planning your nuptials or simply curious about the intersection of marriage and brewing, there are numerous creative and delightful options available. From a custom wheat ale bottle-conditioned with Champagne yeast to a traditional mead that will last for years, there are countless ways to commemorate your special day.
Custom-Designed Ales for Your Special Day
For the beer lover in you, crafting a personalized wedding ale is a unique and memorable idea. A wheat ale can be a fantastic choice, especially if you're looking for a smooth, refreshing taste that pairs well with celebrations. I would recommend using yeast like Champagne yeast for its ability to provide those tight, delightful bubbles and a silky mouthfeel.
Finishing hops such as Rakaua, Nelson Sauvin, and Warrior can add a beautiful complexity to your beer. While some might prefer a bittering hop like Warrior, others might opt for a more balanced bittering hop to highlight the other flavors. If you love traditional brewing styles, consider incorporating a proportion of Honey Malt into your grist. This will add a sweet, honey-like sweetness that can make your ale even more enjoyable, reminiscent of the ancient practice of honeymooning with sweet honey wine.
Traditional Mead: The Perfect Honeymoon Drink
Mead, often referred to as the 'liquid gold' of alcoholic beverages, has a rich history and a unique place in many cultures' traditions. For your wedding, you might consider creating a sparkling mead for the formal toast. This can be a delightful and elegant choice, especially if you're aiming for a more formal event. For the rest of the celebration, a still mead would be perfect, adding a mellow and versatile flavor to the party.
The term 'honeymoon' originally came from the idea of having enough mead to drink a portion every day for about a lunar month after the wedding. This practice not only added to the celebrations but also symbolized the couple's shared journey ahead.
If you choose to make a dry or sweet mead, the choice will depend on your personal taste. Similarly, the mead can be herbal or simply honey-focused, again based on your preferences. Given its high alcohol content, it's recommended to brew a batch that will last, say 12 percent ABV or more, which can easily last for years. For the celebration, you might make a 5-gallon batch, which translates to two cases (24 bottles of 750 ml each). Additionally, you could brew another small batch for the couple to enjoy over the next few years, ensuring a sweet memory to cherish.
Planning Your Personal Wedding Experience
Planning a wedding is a deeply personal experience, and it's important to let your vision guide the process. For instance, my first wedding was arranged and I had little choice in the matter. This time, everything is about personalizing the event. I envision a smaller, more intimate gathering, involving only very close friends and family. The color scheme and dress are already set, but many traditions will be adapted to fit our modern tastes.
Whether you're a seasoned brewer or a first-time beekeeper, the possibilities are endless when it comes to wedding ideas. From a bespoke ale to a traditional mead, every choice is an opportunity to create something truly unique and meaningful for your special day.