In the following we will delve into the history and legend behind two of our award-winning meads, Sól Jera and Sól Wynn. When I had entered both of these golden elixirs into the 2024 Mid-state fair homebrew competition I was anticipating at least one of them would receive 1st place. I was secretly rooting for Jera honestly. This mead uses an orange blossom honey, which is also award-winning, in my opinion this is a large contributing factor to Sól Jera’s unbelievable characteristics. I was very happy to see that Sól Jera did in fact come in 1st, and following in 2nd was Sól Wynn which also uses local honey that has incredible definition and flavor. Clearly, if it came in 2nd. Both libations are fit for any hall in Asagrd, and are given the names they have because they truly reflect the glory of their name sakes. A small recipe for both can be found in the correlating summaries.
Sunna (Sun) and her brother Máni (Moon) are charged with the task of driving their chariots across the sky, to not only provide light to the world but to give us the awareness of time. Sunna’s chariot carries the blazing fire of Múspeslheim, a reminder of her unwavering duty to light the skies, a concept mirrored in the radiant glow of Sól Jera and Sól Wynn, named in her honor. Needless to say, this is a very important task, and yet it still comes with greater challenges. In their eternal flight from the wolves Sköll and Hati, Sunna and Máni represent perseverance, a characteristic embodied in these Godly drinks, a tribute to joy earned through resilience. The 16th rune in the Elder Futhark, named Sól, is that of a lightning bolt or “s” configuration. The esoteric meaning of this rune is to be one of happiness, hope, and guidance in a world cover in ice, darkness, wolves, and blood.
Jera, the 12th rune in the Elder Futhark, signifies the cyclical nature of harvest, a perfect metaphor for Sól Jera, whose flavors capture the richness and reward of a bountiful season. Harvest time to people like the Norse is more important than most places given the habitual inhospitable environment in which they live. A successful harvest isn’t the only factor to consider during this time of the year, there’s also good hunting, ice free waters to sail and fish, a time of sacrifice and feasts, and a time of preparation for a long winter. This rune is not only closely connected to the actions of the Sun, but also gives the sense of responsibility and causation. This gorgeous mead uses: Apples, raisins, 3 types of local honey, 2 types of sugar, and oak aging. The finished product took a total of 3 months to produce and is 14.3% ABV.
Wynn appears as the 8th rune in the Elder Futhark and takes the shape of something much like the letter “P”. The joy and harmony symbolized by Wynn shine through in Sól Wynn, evoking the sweet reward after enduring life’s trials, a sentiment mirrored in its refined, local honey notes. To earn happiness, or endure unpleasant events, and appreciate the joys of life is true happiness. As bright as the sun, this mead uses: Apples, raisins, 3 types of local honey, 2 types of sugar, black tea, and allspice. The finished product took a total of 2 months to produce and is 11.6% ABV.
Sources:
Vegvisir
The Prose Edda
Editorial consultation by Rúnic Works.
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