Tucked into a lovingly restored building in Downtown Littleton, Honnibrook Craft Meadery is more than just a place to sip honey wine—it’s where history meets handcrafted flavor, and curiosity is always on tap.
When you step into Honnibrook, you’re entering a story in progress. During renovations, the owners uncovered treasures from Littleton’s past—postcards from the early 1900s, Valentine’s cards from children who likely once lived in the building, even a photograph printed on tin from the 1890s that had been tucked behind a wall. Coins were found that had slipped through baseboard cracks. Holy cards lost in the shuffle of time were unearthed. Owner, Mike Fagan, is creating a shadow box to display these relics, keeping the memory of this place alive and visible for everyone who visits.
But let’s talk about the real star of the show: the mead.
What’s Mead, Anyway?
Mead is the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage—predating beer and wine. It’s made by fermenting honey with water (and sometimes fruits, spices, or grains). But don’t expect medieval goblets and ye olde vibes here. At Honnibrook, mead has gotten a modern makeover.
With a deep commitment to craft and flavor innovation, Honnibrook’s team has developed a process that transforms honey into a light, ready-to-drink beverage in just 16 days (a dramatic upgrade from the year-long wait traditional mead-making demanded). And yes, there’s science behind that—think nitrogen levels, staggered nutrient additions, and yeasts fine-tuned for fermentation.
How to Taste Like a Pro
Feeling overwhelmed by the flavor possibilities? You’re not alone. That’s why Honnibrook recommends starting with “Natural Beauty”—a clean, unflavored mead that shows off the purity of the honey and gives you a baseline for sweetness and carbonation. From there, build your flight—yes, they offer custom flights served on handmade boards crafted from reclaimed fence pickets.
Some crowd favorites include:
- Peach Habanero (sweet with a kick—an award winner!)
- Surrender (the mead that started it all, featuring blood orange and ginger)
- Island Hopper (think tropical getaway)
- Prickly Pear (vibrant and refreshing)
- Seasonal Specialties like Pumpkin Spice, Gingersnap, Apple Pie, and even Cookie-Inspired creations
Don’t drink? Don’t worry. They make their own carbonated water with fruit syrups so you can sip something special, too.
The Vibe: Local, Laid Back, and a Little Bit Nerdy (In the Best Way)
Part of what makes Honnibrook so special is its warm, unpretentious vibe. The team is passionate but playful, welcoming to first-timers and connoisseurs alike. Whether you’re here to geek out over fermentation science or just try something new with friends, you’ll leave feeling like part of their community.
And if you’re lucky, you might catch a peek behind the scenes—or get an invite to check out that shadow box when it’s complete. Just ask!
Pro Tip: You can check out all their award-winning flavors and seasonal releases on their website (they’ve taken home quite a few accolades, including “Best Colorado Wine” in 2020).
Honnibrook is proving that history isn’t just something you preserve—it’s something you pour.