Who We Are
Our Roots
In the rolling green hills of Charlotte, Vermont, Olde Merl’s was born in 2017 on Russ and Melissa Beatty’s family farm. What started as a humble berry patch blossomed into a vibrant operation, bursting with blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, black raspberries, peaches, pumpkins, and a medley of other fruits and vegetables. The farm was alive with the hum of honeybees from a local apiary, their tireless work pollinating the blossoms that would later ripen into the juicy, sun-kissed fruits that defined the Beatty farm. Russ, with a deep-rooted passion for homebrewing and years of experience crafting artisanal hard ciders at a nearby cidery, found himself inspired by the land and its bounty. It was here, amid the orchard rows and buzzing hives, that the seeds of Olde Merl’s were sown.
Crafting Exceptional Mead
The idea for Olde Merl’s took shape over late-night conversations between Russ and Melissa, dreaming of ways to share the farm’s gifts with their community. While a microbrewery using local malt and fruit juices was tempting, their vision crystallized around something more distinctive: fruit mead. This ancient beverage, a harmonious blend of honey, water, and yeast, became the perfect canvas for the farm’s vibrant fruit juices. By combining fresh-pressed juices with rich honey from their trusted apiary, they crafted honey-wines that captured the essence of Vermont’s summers. Each batch was a labor of love, a celebration of the land’s generosity, and a testament to their commitment to quality. The result was a lineup of meads that delighted locals at the farmstand, quickly earning a devoted following for their bold flavors and smooth finish.
Our Journey Today
Though the Charlotte farm is now a cherished memory, Olde Merl’s has found a new home in Derby, Vermont, where Russ and Melissa continue to pour their hearts into every bottle. The move marked a new chapter, but their dedication to crafting exceptional mead remains unchanged. They still source honey from the same Vermont apiary that once pollinated their fields, ensuring a thread of continuity that ties each sip to their origins. Olde Merl’s is more than a meadery—it’s a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community. By partnering with local farmers and beekeepers, Russ and Melissa uphold a philosophy of supporting Vermont’s agricultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of mead-making. From classic honey-wines to inventive fruit blends, every bottle tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the vibrant flavors of the Green Mountain State.
Olde Merl’s:
Where Honey Meets Harmony in Every Sip.
Join us in celebrating the art of mead-making—grab a bottle of Olde Merl’s Mead and savor the taste of Vermont’s finest honey and fruit, crafted with passion and tradition. Enjoy responsibly, and let every sip transport you to the heart of our story!