All About Tipsy Tree: Our March '24 Bottle of the Month

All About Tipsy Tree: Our March '24 Bottle of the Month

Sam Trathen
4 minute read

Listen to article
Audio generated by DropInBlog's Blog Voice AI™ may have slight pronunciation nuances. Learn more

Our March '24 Bottle of the Month, Tipsy Tree, is a wildflower mead with birch sap and maple sap aged on shiny-leaf buckthorn (also called gesho.)  Keep reading to find out about learn about how we named it, what it will taste like, and most importantly, how Brewer Julie came up with the recipe.

Early Tasting Notes:

  • Color: Goldenrod
  • Aroma: Crushed Leaves
  • Flavor: Honey forward, with a spring taste, no tannins
  • Closest Comparison: Vanir, if it were aged on fresh-cut wood

The Naming of Tipsy Tree

As with every Bottle of the Month, the staff here at the Meadery had a lot of fun brainstorming names. But this time, we also decided to open it up to our Meadiacs. Check out the poll below to see how they voted and be sure and let us know in the comments which one is your favorite:

tipsy tree poll

Some of our favorite Meadiac recommendations:

  • Odin's Nectar
  • Buckleberry Birch
  • Life is a Birch
  • Birch and the Bees
  • Dryad's Temptation

Thank you all for your great contributions and thanks to everyone for their votes!


tipsy tree label

But in the end, we decided to go with Tipsy Tree, suggested by our own Brewer Julie Grossman. Why? Because this is Julie's very first recipe - and that's something to celebrate! 


Be sure and check out the beautiful details of the label, designed by our own Autumn Dufresne, above, before scrolling down to read our interview with Julie about how she became a brewer, how she came up with the idea for Tipsy Tree, and much more!


Interview with Brewer Julie

tipsy tree julie

Hi Julie! Why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I live in Burlington, VT and am originally from Littleton, CO. I graduated from The University of Vermont in May 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Food Systems, concentrating in nutrition, food science, and sustainable community development. I love to ski, hike, explore new places, and try new foods! When I'm indoors, I enjoy spending time with my friends, watching movies, doing jigsaw puzzles, and working on my never-ending list of art projects.

How did you come into brewing, and how did you make it to us here at Groennfell?
I became interested in brewing during a food science class when we covered fermentation, particularly being drawn to the combination of science and creativity that are part of the brewing process. I was originally connected to Groennfell by my academic advisor when I was exploring field experience opportunities. I started as a brewing intern in January 2023 and loved the beverage production process and the work environment in the Meadery. 
tipsy tree julie 2
3. What can you tell us about this brew? How did you come up with it? What is your favorite part about making it?
This brew is inspired by Vermont forests and my deep appreciation for spending time outdoors. My wish is that folks experience this mead as though they are peacefully walking in the forest, surrounded by trees and a flowing river. I wanted this brew to have an earthy aroma and I was inspired by some of the different teas we have in the Meadery. My favorite part of this brew has been tapping birch trees and designing the recipe for my brew goals.
4. Is there anything else you want to share with us?

I love getting to create a new mead each month and love that so many people have been enjoying our brews so far! It has been very fun to come up with new ideas and explore different brewing techniques and ingredients.

Thank you so much, Julie!

What to get your hands on Julie's hard work? Or interested in seeing what the Bottle of the Month Club has to offer? Click below to learn more!

Bottle of the Month Subscription - Exclusive Meads for Members

Bottle of the Month Subscription - Exclusive Meads for Members

$45.00

Each month, our creative meadmakers will brew a one-time-only small batch mead using fresh seasonal, local ingredients. Join here to receive discounted shipments of these special brews monthly! If all bottle club slots are currently full, please sign up below to… read more

« Back to Blog