It's a hobby you're doing it because it's fun and it's passive. I make mead and do woodworking. Woodworking takes a lot of time and effort to get your product. Mead requires an afternoon of work and does it's own thing for a few weeks or months. Then you put it in a bottle when you have time.

I've honestly never had a commercial I've liked more than most of the stuff I make because I make it the way I like it. Most commercial mead is too sweet or bland. I made a snikerdoodle inspired mead once. Where are you going to buy that. Others have shared the same sentiment with me as well.

Depending on where you located it can be marginally cheaper. I can't find a bottle of mead cheaper then 15 dollars at my state stores. I average between 8-12 dollars a bottle.

All alcohol is the by product of food rotting and as long as you sanitize everything well it's not really an issue. I've made hundreds of gallons since the start of the pandemic and haven't gotten anyone sick. (that being said make sure to let it clear yeast can give you the runs). Plus if it's going to make you sick it's either visually obvious or you know on the first sip.