B. Nektar Zombie Killer 4Pk is a 5.5% ABV cherry cider-mead hybrid made with apple cider, star thistle honey, and Michigan tart cherry juice, sold in a four-pack of 12 oz bottles. Scored 96 points on RateBeer, this expression helped establish B. Nektar Meadery as one of the most respected mead producers in the country. Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5% | Origin: Ferndale, Michigan, USA | Style: Cherry Cider-Mead Hybrid | Producer: B. Nektar Meadery Production & Heritage B. Nektar Meadery, based in Ferndale, Michigan, holds the distinction of being the largest meadery in the United States. Zombie Killer is fermented from apple cider and star thistle honey, then blended with Michigan tart cherry juice — a technique that bridges the gap between traditional mead-making and modern craft cider production. The use of star thistle honey, a light and mildly floral varietal native to the Great Lakes region, gives the finished product a creamy sweetness that counterbalances the pronounced tartness of the cherry. Tasting Notes Aroma: Crisp, clean apple cider leads, followed by round, ripe tart cherry. A subtle honeyed sweetness sits beneath the fruit. Taste: Tart cherry sweetness arrives upfront, immediately giving way to a full yet crisp fermented cider backbone. Heavy apple skin character complements the cherry at mid-palate, while sweet, creamy honey rounds the overall flavor and balances the cherry's tartness. Finish: Crisp and clean with lingering tart cherry and a dry, cider-like snap. The honey fades last, leaving a gentle residual sweetness that doesn't overstay. How to Drink Zombie Killer Serve cold, straight from the bottle or poured into a tulip glass to capture the aromatics. Zombie Killer is highly sessionable at 5.5% ABV and drinks well on its own, but it also works as a cocktail ingredient. Try it in a Cherry Mead Shandy — topped with a wheat beer for a lighter, effervescent drink. It shines in a Zombie Killer Spritz with sparkling water and a lemon twist, keeping the tartness front and center. For a fall-leaning serve, use it in a Harvest Mule with ginger beer and a dash of cinnamon, where the cherry-honey base adds depth beyond a standard cider mule. Best For Introducing craft mead to friends who enjoy hard cider Autumn gatherings, cookouts, and bonfire sessions Gifting to someone exploring beyond mainstream cider brands Pairing with charcuterie boards or seasonal cheese spreads Frequently Asked Questions What does Zombie Killer taste like? Zombie Killer delivers upfront tart cherry sweetness layered over crisp apple cider, with creamy star thistle honey providing balance and a clean, dry finish. How does Zombie Killer compare to Angry Orchard? Angry Orchard is a straightforward apple hard cider, while Zombie Killer incorporates star thistle honey and Michigan tart cherry juice, resulting in a more complex flavor profile that leans into mead territory. Zombie Killer's 5.5% ABV is comparable, but the cherry-honey dimension sets it apart from conventional ciders. Is Zombie Killer good for cider beginners? Yes — at 5.5% ABV with accessible fruit-forward flavors, Zombie Killer is an approachable entry point for anyone curious about cider-mead hybrids without being overwhelmed by traditional mead's sweetness or higher alcohol. Where is Zombie Killer made? Zombie Killer is produced by B. Nektar Meadery in Ferndale, Michigan, the largest meadery in the United States, using locally sourced Michigan tart cherry juice and star thistle honey. What foods pair well with Zombie Killer? Sharp cheddar and aged gouda complement the tart cherry notes. Smoked pork or pulled pork sandwiches echo the sweet-tart balance. A mixed green salad with dried cranberries and goat cheese mirrors the fruit character. Apple-based desserts like tarte tatin create a layered apple-on-apple pairing. What sizes does Zombie Killer come in? Zombie Killer is commonly available in four-packs of 12 oz bottles, which is the standard retail format. Is Zombie Killer worth the price? Zombie Killer positions as a premium craft cider-mead hybrid, priced above mass-market ciders but justified by its use of real Michigan tart cherry juice and star thistle honey rather than artificial flavorings — a meaningful step up in ingredient quality and complexity. Why Zombie Killer? Zombie Killer earned a 96-point rating on RateBeer and helped put B. Nektar on the map as the first meadery ever named to RateBeer's top 100 breweries in the world. The combination of star thistle honey and Michigan tart cherry juice with fermented apple cider creates a category-defying drink that doesn't neatly fit into cider or mead alone — and that's precisely the point. At a sessionable 5.5% ABV, it delivers remarkable depth without the heaviness associated with traditional meads. For anyone looking beyond conventional hard cider, Zombie Killer remains one of the most distinctive and well-regarded options in the American craft beverage landscape.
