Schramm's Mead - Ferndale

There was a wide variety of mead samples available, although participants were limited to trying five. The samples we selected were all exceptionally tasty. I particularly enjoy Schramm's because they produce a traditional style of mead that emphasizes honey flavor without being overwhelmed by other ingredients. The food options were also quite tasty, with each vendor offering one sample. One of the best aspects of this event was the timed entry system, which had two three-hour seating sessions. This helped prevent large crowds from forming and eliminated the chaos of pushing and shoving for limited food and mead samples—very well planned! Additionally, there were other vendors in a separate area selling books, honey, cookies, and various items. However, to collect the tote bag and goodies, attendees had to exit the event and go into the store, which posed a significant problem. Only a few people were allowed inside at a time, leading to a long line outside. Once inside, there was more waiting as you made your way to the back of the store for ID checks, then to receive bags and pre-ordered bottles of mead. This created quite a bottleneck and crowded conditions. I'm not sure if it was a security measure, but there was ample space outside that could have accommodated this distribution. While I might not attend the event again, I will definitely return to the store to sample more offerings.

We visited Schramm's for their fifth anniversary and were impressed by their extensive selection of meads, all of which were absolutely delicious. However, be prepared to spend $16 for a five-ounce pour. Unfortunately, the service left much to be desired. The bartender seemed more interested in chatting with a couple at the bar than attending to us. Feeling neglected, I decided to take our marked order slips to the bar, but she didn't acknowledge me. Fortunately, another staff member came to our table and was very helpful; she answered our questions, made recommendations, and prompted the bartender to serve us. Eventually, we received our glasses of mead and some honey samples, which we enjoyed. However, it took about 15 minutes just to settle our tab, even though the place was pretty empty. While I was impressed with the mead, the service was disappointing. I've found that B. Nektar offers more affordable options and better service. Their mead selection might not be as vast, but the atmosphere and entertainment are top-notch.

Speaking of snacks, the desserts were absolutely delicious! The chocolate cake was a highlight. My favorite was the Statement (cherry) mead; it was sweet without overwhelming my taste buds. However, the meads infused with spices were a bit confusing for my palate and felt overbearing, especially the ginger. I also enjoy another meadery in Ferndale, but I have to say that this place attracted a different crowd compared to the others. There’s nothing wrong with that; it was refreshing to see an environment that appeals to a diverse range of people!

What a fantastic place! I had the pleasure of sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartender, who was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and passionate about the products. I always appreciate when a restaurant has a well-educated staff. The option to try flights and one-ounce pours is a great addition to the menu, allowing you to explore without spending too much. The meads are exceptional. I’ve heard so much about how great they are and finally had the chance to sample some on-site! The Smile of Fortune, Amelia, Black Agnes, Red Agnes, Blackberry, Ginger, Nutmeg, and The Statement were all beautifully crafted. Out of those, Black Agnes, The Statement, and Smile of Fortune were my favorites. Nutmeg is a fantastic seasonal touch. Overall, everything was well done. I look forward to returning to town and trying more of your meads in the future!

Just last week, they hosted their five-year anniversary party and a cellar sale. The place was packed with people enjoying meads and purchasing bottles. The staff was incredibly helpful, as they always are, regardless of customers' expertise levels. At the table next to us, a couple who had been with Schramm's since the beginning invited two others who were looking for a place to sit to join them. It turned out that these newcomers had never tried Schramm's meads before. Despite the busy atmosphere, the server adeptly explained the highlights of Schramm's different styles and flavors, answering all their questions. The operation is well-managed; packing and handling of bottles was taken care of by additional staff who weren’t working directly on the floor. The quality of the meads is five stars, and honestly, the amount I’ve spent on them is almost insane! It’s reassuring to know you can come in, sample, and enjoy the product in such a well-organized establishment. Many places produce and distribute amazing products, but when it comes to their Tasting Room or taproom, they often fall short—this is definitely not the case at Schramm's. It’s worth noting that due to the popularity of sweeter meads, Schramm's doesn’t typically offer dry options. However, at the time of this review, their Marionberry mead was quite dry compared to their other offerings, if that’s what you’re looking for.