An ancient drink has been given a modern twist by the first manufacturing company to set up on the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus.

Shire Meadery was established by Benjamin Guscott and Nelson Almeida in early 2018 to produce a contemporary version of mead, an alcoholic drink made with fermented honey.

The idea for the new business became a reality after Benjamin and Nelson met at a student entrepreneur conference in February. After exploring several options for a base for their meadery, they decided that the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus buildings on Aberystwyth University’s Gogerddan campus would be ideal.

Benjamin, who has a PhD in biosciences, said: “I discovered mead when I was doing my doctorate, but only started making it myself much later. I approached mead-making from a scientific angle, experimenting with the most important components to make something with a much wider appeal than what is currently available. After a lot of testing, I created a formula for a contemporary mead which is less sweet and has a lower alcohol strength than traditional meads.

“We considered several locations for the business including Birmingham, Bristol and Bath. We were looking for somewhere that would not only provide professional support for the scientific aspect of the business but would also offer a beautiful, welcoming and affordable option. The Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus at Gogerddan ticked all the boxes.”

Shire Meadery produced its first bottles of mead in July and full commercial production is now underway.

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday