From Home Hobby to Statewide Buzz: Dark Stranger Meadery Finds Its Footing

By R. Gabriel Villalobos

What began as a pandemic-era project in the closet of a Carlsbad native is now blossoming into a sought-after New Mexican beverage brand. Joshua McDowell, founder of Dark Stranger Meadery, is translating a six-year-old hobby into a growing business, one small batch at a time.

McDowell’s journey into the ancient craft of mead-making—creating alcohol from fermented honey—started, like many modern endeavors, on YouTube.

“I came across a YouTube channel where they showed the process of making it, and I thought, ‘Sounds easy,’” McDowell recalled.

“At the time I was working 40 to 60 hours a week, and it was something I could just do and put in the closet and forget about.” He loved opening the bottles, taking a whiff, and tasting the unique flavors that emerged from the fermentation process.

He started with one-gallon carboys, yielding about three bottles each. He shared his brews with friends and co-workers, and their positive feedback planted the seed for something more. When the COVID-19 pandemic created a unique opportunity, he and his family took a leap.

“We refinanced our house and used that money to set up a shop in our backyard,” he said.

Officially established in 2021, Dark Stranger Meadery has been a deliberate, debt-free venture. McDowell, a first-time business owner, is prioritizing slow, sustainable growth over rapid expansion. For now, all his mead production happens within the confines of his backyard.

“It’s definitely been a learning experience,” he admitted. “I think it’s kind of frustrating for some people because they want me to just push, push, push…but I’ve been able to start this business with zero credit down. Everything I make goes right back into the business.”

His primary marketplace so far has been the vibrant circuit of New Mexico festivals. He’s been a vendor at the Cavern City Renaissance Festival in his hometown, the Lincoln County Renaissance Festival, and events in Edgewood near Albuquerque. Including smaller gatherings like the Li-Beer-Ty Fest in Roswell, he’s kept busy with an event roughly every month and a half. It’s just enough time to get the next batch out.

Now, McDowell is aiming for a significant milestone in 2026: moving beyond the festival tent. His goal is to see his mead on tap and on shelves in established local businesses.

“I’ve talked to the owners of Nurvis Purvis, Guadalupe Brewing, and Milton’s, and they all seem interested in carrying my product,” he said.

He’s also forging connections with other mead makers. A new tavern hall operated by The Four Norsemen in Albuquerque has agreed to carry Dark Stranger’s products, giving him a foothold in central New Mexico.

For Carlsbad residents eager to sample his creations, the next opportunity will require a short trip. Dark Stranger’s next major event is the Celtic Renaissance Festival in Edgewood, a two-weekend affair at the end of March and beginning of April. Locally, he plans to return to the Cavern City Renaissance Festival in September and is considering participating in Beers on the Pecos.

Joshua has some great meads to choose from, including one made with cold-brew coffee. According to him, that one is very dry. He has one, he says, that is very traditional and tastes like a cup of honey. His current favorite is his black currant, which he describes as dry but tart. With Joshua’s YouTube turbo-charged backyard hobby, he’s proving that in New Mexico, even the oldest of drinks can find a fresh batch of eager enthusiasts. Folks can follow them on Facebook to learn more about what’s brewing.