Slughorn received the oak matured mead from an unknown source and the instructions suggested that they be given to Professor Dumbledore. It is later found out that it was Draco Malfoy who sent this mead to Horace Slughorn. However, Slughorn intended to give it to him as a gift for Christmas and eventually ended up keeping it and then using it to share with Harry and Ron. However, only Ron drank the mead and they realized it was poisoned before all three of them drank it.