Hive and Barrel Meadery

Guys. GUYS. There is a meadery in the general area of Louisville. MEAD. Local Mead!!#1: You're welcome.#2: Why aren't you here drinking with me?#3: When can I go back?#4: Why are so far outside of Louisville?!#5 Emily H.....people drove out for a Jeptha Creed event....can we do one with 3rd Turn, Hive and Barrel and the Backside Grill? Goodness knows, they have the space!!My Fella came out this way the other day to pick up a growler from 3rd Turn, only available at the Oldham Gardens location. But when he got home, he excitedly told me that there was a mead place! And thus, I excitedly told him we would be returning here soon.Well it wasn't long until we returned to Crestwood.In fact, it was literally 24 hours later.Based off of their website, we made plans to meet a friend here at 4pm on a Saturday, right around when they opened. The mead guys weren't there yet, and the 3rd Turn guys told me it could be until 5pm until they got there. Suffice to say, don't come here if you are in a time crunch. It sounds like things are still a little loosey-goosey. Overall, you had better also be interested in the beers at 3rd Turn or the food at the Backside Grill if you are planning to come here.Shortly after we got there, a little before 4:30pm, the 3rd Turns guys saw the Hive and Barrel Mead guys come in. Since they knew we were waiting for them, they came over to let us know they were there (that is some great service!). Although they share outdoor bar space, they are, in fact, different businesses. Their POS systems are different, should you be visiting both places and not paying with cash.When I walked up initially, Griff was manning the mead station.I was told that, in order to "spread the word about what mead really was" they offered three free tastings. I was asked if I knew what mead was, and I do. I have enjoyed mead for quite sometime. I answered that mean was honey wine! I was slightly condescendingly corrected that it was "wine made with honey." Yes, there is a fundamental difference, but I wasn't wrong.I was glad to have been able to sample a few of their offerings before opting for a full glass. Griff gives great recommendations, and his blend for the Despicable Mead is wonderful! Th hibiscus is also fantastic. Well, honestly, they are all wonderful! Mead is just so, so good!My main complaint is that I wish you were able to get a full (or full-er) tasting, paid or otherwise, so one could make the best decision for a full pour.Other than that one complaint, I am so, so looking forward to making a return visit! And I can only hope to see them grow to fill an untapped drinking market in the region!The space at Oldham Gardens will only help build their presence!