If your talking about what to use for blot, you use what you have available. If you do not have mead, use beer, if no beer, use apple juice.
I brew my own mead, and I also have bottles from 4 different brewers in the community, it doesn't really matter which one, although there are certain types that may have meaning to the brewer and are a good choice if you happen to be honoring that particular deity.
Labgrrl:"Ewwwww. Chaucers."
I second that......the wife and I tried some at a Ren Faire last month and it tasted like white wine with a sh*told of sugar added.
We are Asatru.
We are Heathen.
We answer to both.
Most prefer mead. Many brew themselves and swear its the only way to drink. But it's not always an option. My symbol on Sat we used hard cider. My brother in law practices with stout. Depends on how you feel about it I guess.
I like a few American beers and ales, mostly micro brews.
Arrogant Bastard ale I really like.
Also, I'm somewhat fond of Samuel Adams brews.
For imports, I'm fond of Franziskaner, and Newcastle, and really fond of Killian's Red Irish beer.
For mead, I am actually kind of fond of Chaucer's brand, if I don't have any of my home brew to hand.
And no offense, at all.
EDIT:
I know a lot of people who don't like Chaucers.
To me, it has a nice light flavor. It's well aged and VERY clear.
My home brew is better.
And stronger. And it's what I prefer to use in blots and symbols, because it has real value to me.
Chaucers is just ... wine, to me. I don't care to use it in blot or symbol because it has no value really.
This is a cut and paste...
Mead is the traditional drink for a blot or symbol, but that doesn't mean that's it's the only one you can use. Many cannot find mead in their areas, so they substitute. The Gods are not alcoholics, so alcohol isn't necessary. Any drink will suffice. The sacrifice of a drink during a blot is a symbolic gesture, so any drink will do. (wonder what Thor would look like with a milk mustache)
Apparently you can drink whatever you want!
Ewwwww. Chaucers.
The ones in my area swear by my mead, or, should any be unavailable, Earle estates, where I buy the stuff I don't make:
http://www.meadery.com/
My mead making is why I know so very many, Lil. They don't seem to care that my skills come from serving he who the Thriae themselves taught.
Maybe I shouldn't brag. I lost a half case of sparkling last night. Guessed the sugar content in half-done by taste and set it to pressure carbonate for November Eve. They totally shouldn't vimploded until at least mid-November. I ricking know better, too. My new yeast culture is hot, so I should've watched them better.
Edit: FYI, non-sparkling mead is really really easy to make and does not explode.
Personal preference really. When I have the opportunity I use mead, Chaucers makes a good one although occasionally you can find some from a smaller, local company that is good. When mead is not available beer is suitable as is ale (I have actually used Sam Adams on occasion, or Amber Bock when I have any).
There are some rites where beer or ale is more traditional than Mead and likewise the reverse is also true, BUT these things are not carved in stone and when practicality and availability are an issue you work with what you have.
There isn't a lot of "Blasphemey" in Asatru. We simply ask that under our roofs you respect our God's.
Someone showing what an Idiot they are do sent change things. (I am reminded of an idiotic video on You tube where someone tried to make fun of Thor. At first it pis*** me off but then I got over it, the guy didst know what he was talking about.)
Essentially there is no real way to "Blaspheme", in Asatru.
Like ever one has been saying. Its the meaning that is most important. The drink is not so important.
I've only used Killians Red, since I haven't found anything else I like... yet. I prefer the darker beers. Ale is good, but it doesn't last long around here with some of my friends (I have to hide the stuff!) And I haven't had mead yet. I have to remember to thank Labgrrl for website. =)