Arkansas Meadery

Arkansas Meadery – Arkansas’ First Meadery

Arkansas Meadery – Arkansas’ First Meadery

Arkansas’ craft-beverage scene continues to expand, yet few producers offer something as distinctive as Arkansas Meadery. Located on an 8-acre farm in Alexander, this small-batch operation has introduced many Arkansans to modern mead — dry, complex, and rooted in local agriculture. As the state’s first commercial meadery, it brings an old-world tradition into a uniquely Arkansas setting.

Founded by beekeeper and longtime fermenter Tony Fry, the meadery focuses on wildflower-honey fermentation, patient aging, and natural flavor development. Because of this approach, Arkansas Meadery has carved out its own space among the state’s wineries and distilleries.

Who They Are

Founder: Tony Fry

Tony Fry has been fermenting beer and wine since 2001. Eventually, his interest in fermentation led him to beekeeping in 2014. After purchasing his Saline County farm the following year, he began experimenting with honey-based fermentations. Ultimately, those experiments grew into Arkansas Meadery, which launched in 2020–2021.

Although mead is often associated with sweetness, Tony’s philosophy is the opposite. He prefers letting wildflower honey ferment completely, resulting in mead that is crisp, dry, and layered with natural floral and herbal notes. As a result, his bottles appeal to wine enthusiasts, craft-beer fans, and cocktail creators alike.

Operations/Marketing: Justin Bond

Working alongside Tony is Justin Bond, who manages operations, marketing, distribution, and events. Together, they oversee production and help introduce mead to consumers throughout Arkansas. Because the meadery is small and farm-based, both play hands-on roles in every part of the process.

What They Make

Arkansas Meadery focuses on meads that are clean, dry, and full of character. Instead of relying on added sugars or extracts, they highlight the natural complexity of Arkansas wildflower honey. As a result, their meads often surprise those who expect traditional mead to be overly sweet.

Core Products Commonly Found in Stores

● Traditional Dry Mead
A fully fermented honey wine made with water, wildflower honey, and yeast. It offers a crisp profile with subtle floral notes.

● Hibiscus & Apple Mead
A bright, fruit-driven mead with balanced tartness and a light floral finish.

● Bourbon Barrel-Aged Mead
Aged in used bourbon barrels, this expression adds warmth, vanilla, and oak spice.

● Seasonal & Limited Releases
From time to time, the meadery produces small-batch experimental runs that appear at liquor stores and festivals. Because quantities are limited, these bottles tend to disappear quickly.

Production Philosophy

Every batch begins with Arkansas wildflower honey. Although fermentation can finish within a month, Arkansas Meadery allows its meads to age for at least eight months before bottling. Thanks to this patience, each bottle develops a smoother texture and more rounded flavor.

Honey is an expensive base ingredient, so the meadery treats each batch with the precision of a winery rather than the speed of a brewery. Consequently, their meads achieve a wine-like balance rather than a sugary profile.

Location & Availability

Meadery Location

Arkansas Meadery
📍 2625 Avilla Vincintage Rd
Alexander, Arkansas 72002
📞 1-888-691-6323
🌐 arkansasmeadery.com

The meadery is currently not open for general walk-in tastings. However, they are renovating part of the loft to create a private, invitation-only tasting space.

Where to Buy Their Mead

Bottles can be found in liquor stores across Arkansas, including locations in:

  • Little Rock
  • Benton
  • Hot Springs
  • Cabot
  • Fayetteville
  • Fort Smith

Availability varies by store, so checking local inventory is recommended. Arkansas Meadery also appears at craft festivals, food events, and seasonal markets throughout the state.

Why Arkansas Meadery Stands Out

Arkansas Meadery represents a category rarely seen in the region. Not only is it the state’s first meadery, but it also produces mead in a modern, dry style. Because of the wildflower-honey base and extended aging process, their bottles reflect real Arkansas agriculture, from local blooms to the seasonal character of their honey.

Additionally, their story adds depth to the craft-beverage landscape. A beekeeper-turned-meadmaker, a farm-based production facility, and a commitment to natural fermentation collectively make this producer a standout addition to ArkansasLiquor.com.

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