Mead is an old drink and the legends surrounding it are diverse. According to Breton accounts Chouchen (mead) is the drink of the elves and I will dream of dances a round a burial mound with a flagon of mead in my hand.
The Chouchen is the typical Breton alcohol. Obtained with a mixture of honey and of hydromel, it is a soft and voluptuous alcohol. According to mythology, the chouchen was the drink of the elves and it corresponds marvelously well to this Brittany full with Tales and Legends where Druides are there with fantastic fairies and other characters.
A legend known as of it that consumed in too great quantity, the chouchen paralyses the part of the brain dedicated to balance and we fall then behind... This myth does not have anything scientist and Chouchen remains a very pleasant drink, often little sweetened which will refresh you at the time of an aperitif between friends or the summer in day while others will taste it into digestive always very fresh...
Various traditions continues that Chouchen was mixed with bee venom, or the stingers of bees and the poison produced the paralysis effect. Nowadays Chouchen is associated with the Celtic revival in Breton, and there seem to be a whole host of artisan producer to visits. There also seems to be a strong tradition of ageing Chouchen, to produce old meads, in the same way you'd produce an old ale.
Even more intriguing it seems to be the drink of choice for the Celtic feasts and the Fest Noz, the festival of the night.
Mead is clearly the drink to draw out the Goth in me, and some traditions need to be rediscovered to be enjoyed.
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