God Jul!
It has been some time since I have posted. A combination of ailing parents, martial arts injuries and sickness have kept us from being at Valhalla much. On the up side we are 95% done with the Cabarn. In fact as I write this I am in the future office, hot mug in hand and wood fire roaring in the little Jotul stove.
We have completed the temporary financing app for getting the house built here at the farmstead. The goal is break ground by March 10 and be living here in a partially finished house by June 1. We will then sell the house up North and pay off the equity loan and finish out the farmstead house, greenhouse, and 2nd barn with the balance.
The future of the Valahalla Meadery is looking good. I opened the first bottles of Summer 2023’s test runs and results are as follows:
Blackberry Melomel, good flavor but a bit on the dry side for my personal taste, Blackberry is my nemesis and next years batch will have 1/3 more Honey.
Cherry Blood Mead, this is honestly in my opinion (and others) the best mead I have made and personally the best I have tasted. It does not have the dreaded cough Syrup flavor, and has just the right tart to sweet ratio. Oh and about 13% too! I will be making this a future 5 gallon batch and retail product!!
We have yet to sample the super experimental peach/blueberry as it has only been in the bottle about 6 weeks. More to come on that one.
What to expect in 2024?
A continuing series of updates as the farmhouse is built.
The formation of our own “tribe” of family and friends interested in exploring the ways of our ancestors from Scandinavia and the Celtic regions of Northern Europe. We intend to do this through research. A portion of which will include some “reenacting” type skills development in the old ways. From farming, to wilderness skills, building projects, and even weapons and hunting skills. All Pre-12th Century!
And finally a Patreon channel is coming next year along with a podcast! Please join us as we get out and grow Viking style!