When discussing mead, terms like dry, off-dry, semi-sweet, and sweet refer to the level of residual sugar in the beverage, which impacts its sweetness and overall flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of these classifications:

1. Dry Mead

• Description: Contains little to no residual sugar.
• Characteristics:
• Sweetness Level: Very low; almost no sweetness.
• Flavor Profile: Focuses on the natural flavors of the honey, with possible notes of fruit, spice, or herbs if added.
• Mouthfeel: Crisp and clean, with a dry finish.
• Typical Alcohol Content: Usually between 8-12% ABV.

2. Off-Dry Mead

• Description: Contains a small amount of residual sugar, but not enough to be considered sweet.
• Characteristics:
• Sweetness Level: Slightly sweet, but still maintains a mostly dry profile.
• Flavor Profile: Offers a subtle hint of sweetness while highlighting the mead's other flavors, such as fruit or spices.
• Mouthfeel: Slightly smoother than dry mead, with a hint of sweetness on the finish.
• Typical Alcohol Content: Generally, around 8-12% ABV.

3. Semi-Sweet Mead

• Description: Balanced level of residual sugar, providing noticeable sweetness without being overwhelming.
• Characteristics:
• Sweetness Level: Moderately sweet; a balance between dry and sweet.
• Flavor Profile: More prominent honey flavor and often richer, with additional notes of fruit, spices, or herbs if used.
• Mouthfeel: Smoother and fuller compared to dry or off-dry meads, with a pleasant, sweet finish.
• Typical Alcohol Content: Usually between 8-12% ABV, though it can vary.

4. Sweet Mead

• Description: High level of residual sugar, resulting in a noticeably sweet flavor.
• Characteristics:
• Sweetness Level: Very sweet, often comparable to dessert wines or liqueurs.
• Flavor Profile: Dominantly sweet, with rich honey flavors and potentially complex notes from fruits, spices, or herbs.
• Mouthfeel: Smooth, rich, and often velvety due to the high sugar content.
• Typical Alcohol Content: Can vary, but usually falls between 8-14% ABV, depending on how it is made and the desired sweetness.