Dream 011: Banana Dutch Baby by Zymarium Meadery is a rich, dessert-driven acerglyn that translates the flavors of a baked Dutch baby pancake into a layered mead expression. It is crafted from yellow clover honey and enriched with dried bananas, dark Vermont maple syrup, and double vanilla beans, creating a dense and indulgent base.
The mead is further aged for over nine months in Old Forester 1910 bourbon barrels, adding depth through notes of toasted oak, caramel, and a subtle spirit warmth. Aromatically, it opens with ripe banana, vanilla cream, and maple sweetness, supported by gentle bourbon undertones.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and smooth, with a creamy texture that emphasizes pastry-like richness without becoming overly cloying. Flavors of baked batter, caramelized sugar, and soft spice unfold alongside the fruit, closely mirroring the dessert that inspired it.
The alcohol is well integrated, contributing structure and length rather than sharpness. The finish is long, warm, and slightly sweet, with lingering notes of vanilla and oak.
Overall, it stands as a refined example of modern pastry-style mead, balancing intensity with controlled sweetness and barrel complexity.
Producer
Zymarium Meadery from Orlando, Florida, is the city’s first meadery, opened in August 2023 in the artistic Mills 50 district. It was founded by Joe Leigh and Ginger Leigh, a visual artist known as Synthestruct, who designed the brand identity and the interactive ambiance of the tasting room.
Their philosophy is based on using exclusively local, raw, and unfiltered honey, preserving natural enzymes, pollen, and the authentic aromatic profile. Production combines traditional and modern fermentation techniques, with a distinctive focus on creating so-called “water-less fruit meads” where only fruit and honey are used instead of water, resulting in exceptionally intense and complex flavors.
The lineup includes over twenty different meads on tap, ranging from dry and refreshing to sweet and rich, with part of the selection dedicated to experimental series. Their approach unites art, craftsmanship, and the science of fermentation, making Zymarium a new cultural and flavorful landmark in Orlando.
Best Zymarium Meadery products
Visit, taste & buy locations
Recommendations
Best Meads
- Best in United States of America
- Best in the World