Dansk Mjød Viking Blood Danish Mead 75 cl 19%

Honey, water and time. That's how it was done long before anyone wrote recipes down. On the edge of Billund, a small brewery still does much the same, with dried hibiscus and ginger added to the brew. The result is red as a shield rim after battle.

Expert description

Dansk Mjød Viking Blod 75 cl is a Nordic Danish Mead with dried hibiscus and ginger, brewed on a recipe from around the year 1700 and bottled at 19%.

Honey is the main ingredient. The traditional brew is flavour adjusted with ginger and dried hibiscus, and it's the hibiscus that gives the mead its red colour and its name, Viking Blood. According to the producer, the ingredients are natural and free from additives, and the mead is free from gluten and lactose.

The style is sweet and floral, but the hibiscus adds a tart edge that keeps the sweetness in check. Many compare it to a good Madeira. The bottle is matt black with runes around the neck, and the label is red with a golden Viking ship.

It's made by Dansk Mjød A/S in Billund, a small family-owned company that has been brewing mead since 1994.

Tasting notes

Nose

Flowers first, clearly led by hibiscus. Behind it sit honey and a hint of citrus.

Palate

Soft and sweet with honey up front. The hibiscus leans towards cranberry and rhubarb, and the ginger adds a little warmth on the side.

Finish

Spicy, aromatic and floral. The finish is drier than sweet and lingers a while, with ginger as the last thread.

Specifications

Name: Dansk Mjød Viking Blod
Distillery: Dansk Mjød
Region/Country: Denmark, Billund
Type: Danish Mead, Nordic honey wine
ABV: 19%
Size: 75 CL
EAN no.: 5703162007003
Serving suggestion: Serve lightly chilled as an aperitif, at room temperature as a dessert wine, or warm like mulled wine

Flavour profile

Sweet · Floral · Spicy · Ginger · Hibiscus · Aromatic

Did you know?

Dansk Mjød builds some of its own brewing equipment. That's why their mead can't be made anywhere else, and why the recipe follows the brewery rather than the other way round.

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Frequently asked questions about Dansk Mjød Viking Blod

What does Viking Blod taste like?

Sweet and floral, with honey as the base note. The hibiscus adds a slightly tart edge, and the ginger sits in the finish as a warm, spicy ending. Many compare the style to a Madeira.

How do you serve Viking Blod?

The producer suggests three ways: lightly chilled as an aperitif, at room temperature as a dessert wine, or warm like mulled wine. Heat it gently without boiling. You can also pour it over ice with fresh fruit.

Why is Viking Blod red?

The colour comes from dried hibiscus added to the traditional brew. The name refers to the colour and to the bloody battles of the Vikings. According to the producer, no colourings are added.

What food goes with Viking Blod?

Sweet desserts are the obvious choice, such as panna cotta, honey cake or a piece of dark chocolate. The hibiscus and ginger give enough contrast to keep the sweetness in check.

Is Viking Blod gluten free?

According to the label, the mead is guaranteed free from additives, gluten and lactose. The ingredients are honey, water, ginger, dried hibiscus and spices.

Who makes Viking Blod?

Dansk Mjød A/S in Billund, central Jutland. It's a small, family-owned company that has been brewing mead since 1994 and builds part of its own brewing equipment.