Bemuse

Bemuse is a UK producer of non-alcoholic sparkling honey wines, brewed, crafted, and canned in the United Kingdom. The brand frames its drinks around mead, described on its website as Britain's most ancient drink, reimagined for modern taste. Its four flavours are based on traditional mead recipes.^[1]

Bemuse launched at the first edition of the No2Low Show in June 2021, shortly after the lifting of lockdown. It celebrated its official birthday at the No2Low Show in September 2022, an edition that partnered with the Hospitality Show.^[2]

Bemuse is a mead brand created by friends Anna Chalov and Nataliya Peretrutova.^[3]

Bemuse positions its honey wine as more sustainable than grape-based wine, on the grounds that beekeeping requires no additional irrigation because honeybees collect water from rainfall. According to the producer, it invests in honey cultivation as a means to promote bee welfare, support biodiversity, and contribute to food security. The brand incorporates foraged and pollinator-related botanicals into both its products and its brand identity.^[4]

Bemuse is a certified B Corp. The producer states its products are 100% natural, low sugar, low calorie, and gluten free, made with all natural ingredients and zero preservatives.^[5]

Bemuse produces sparkling non-alcoholic meads (honey wine) at 0.5% ABV, packaged in 250ml cans, and positions them as a non-alcoholic alternative to traditional sparkling wines. The drinks are low in alcohol, low in sugar, and gluten free. They are classified as mead (honey wine) by the IWSC.^[6]

The core lineup comprises Origo Original Brut, Calluna Tarragon & Basil Brut, Pomona Ginger & Cardamom Brut, and Fiora Wild Raspberry Rose.^[7]

Bemuse also publishes cocktail and mocktail recipes built on its meads, including Dark & Honey, Pomona Iced Tea, Twilight Spritz, Jasmine Fizz, Strawbasil Smash, Calluna Spritz, Sweet Fiora Highball, Pink Bee's Daisy, and Rose Spritz.^[8]

Bemuse's meads are made by natural fermentation using only honey, water, and yeast, then infused with all-natural ingredients. The only additional ingredients beyond the fermentation base are the spices and herbs used to flavour each drink, with zero preservatives.^[4]

Honey pairing. Bemuse uses different kinds of honey matched to specific herbs and spices, intended to give each blend a distinctive taste. The honey varieties used include Wild Heather, Apple Blossom, Orange Blossom, and Wildflower Honey. The Calluna Tarragon & Basil Brut, for example, is built on wild heather honey with tarragon, Thai basil, and Cascade hops.^[3]

• Calluna Tarragon & Basil Brut -- raw/wild heather honey with tarragon, Thai basil, and Cascade hops

Honey sourcing & sustainable ingredients. Bemuse blends its honey wines with sustainably sourced natural ingredients, and incorporates foraged and pollinator-related botanicals. The producer partnered with beekeeping experts at Bee1 to establish its own hive at an apiary on an 800-acre heritage site above the Neath valley, Wales. This 'Muse' hive is home to approximately 20,000 honeybees and is intended to support biodiversity.^[9]

Jancis Robinson described Bemuse as 'Elegant, complex & super refreshing'. Among the range, the Calluna Tarragon & Basil Brut is suggested to pair with cheese, salads, and roast chicken.^[10]

Bemuse collaborated with Biomimicry UK on a walking tour of green places and spaces in York, focused on plants, pollinators, and nature-inspired design.^[1]

Bemuse lists recognition from a range of competitions, including the Wine Hunter Awards (2025), Bartenders Brand Awards (2024), Farm Shop & Deli Awards (2023), World AF Awards, InDrinks 2023, Free From Food Awards, FDF Brand Launch of the Year, London Honey Awards (2022), the IWSC, The Drinks Business, and the World Beverage Innovation Awards (2021). It was a finalist for Brand Launch of the Year at the FDF Awards 2022.^[11]

The Calluna Tarragon & Basil Brut received an award from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) for its tarragon, basil, and hops mead.