In honor of National Drink Wine Day (yes, please!), we thought we’d introduce you to Stassi Mead, by way of Tilley’s Tavern, located in Mount Olive, Illinois. They have been serving up locally made mead for the last fours years after co-owners Matt Schwab and Josh Stassi decided there was a serious lack of quality mead selection.
In case you’re unfamiliar, mead is one of the oldest known alcohols in history (according to Eater, it dates as far back as 3000 BCE.) Although it’s not technically considered a wine, it’s often called honey-wine (because it’s made by fermenting honey with water). Mead can be flavored with other ingredients and is typically served in smaller amounts (but has a higher alcohol content). It’s also filled with antioxidants because of the honey, so it’s basically really good for you (this is based on 100% opinion and was not approved by any nutritionist).Source: https://www.facebook.com/tilleystavern/
We jumped at the opportunity to learn more about their business and this ancient alcohol that’s making its way back in to our hearts.
Accel: Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started?
John and Matt: Stassi Mead started 4 years ago due to the limited selection of quality mead currently available to consumers. It started as a bet that we could not produce a better product than what was currently on the market and grew into a business.
What made you interested in making wine?
John and Matt: The market was saturated with subpar mead. We started Stassi Mead to meet the demand for a better, full flavored mead product.
Did you have to do any research or travel to learn how to make wine?
John and Matt: Four years ago when Stassi Mead got started, we knew nothing of the wine industry or production. Everything we have accomplished was self-taught and trial and error based learning.
What makes your business unique and keeps customers coming back?
John and Matt: Stassi Mead is located above a thriving small-town bar and restaurant known as Tilley’s Tavern. This keeps people coming in and staying active in our new products and community.
Anything else we should know about your location?
John and Matt: Founded in 1862, the building has not changed. Still hosting the structure as well as coolers and bar from the 1800’s, Tilley’s Tavern is a truly unique experience for all ages.
Be sure to check out Tilley’s Tavern if you’re in the Mount Olive, IL area!
Sources:
Matt Schwab and Josh Stassi, Stassi Mead
https://www.eater.com/drinks/2015/3/6/8130419/meads-making-a-comeback-heres-what-you-need-to-know