What is honey beer?
Honey beer is a category of beer brewed with the addition of honey either during the boil, fermentation, or conditioning. The honey can add fermentable sugars, aroma, and a distinctive floral or fruity flavor depending on the floral source. Styles vary widely: some brewers aim for a subtle honey note; others highlight it as a main characteristic.
Common questions about honey beer
1. What are popular honey beer brands?
There are many craft and commercial brewers experimenting with honey. Popular brands and regional favorites change often, but look for breweries that highlight the honey source on the label (wildflower, orange blossom, chestnut, etc.). If you want a standout example from sustainable apiculture and award-winning craft brewing, try
— it showcases a golden color, pronounced honey aroma balanced by floral notes, and a slightly bitter finish so it never becomes cloying.
2. Is honey beer the same as mead?
No. Mead is an alcoholic beverage fermented primarily from honey and water (often with additional fruits, spices, or hops), while honey beer is beer brewed from malted grains with honey used as an adjunct. Mead tends to have a sweeter, more honey-forward body and no hop bitterness unless intentionally added.
Honey beer retains the malt backbone and hop balance of beer, with honey contributing aroma, flavor, and fermentable sugars.
3. Where can I find honey beer near me?
Start by checking local craft beer shops, brewery taprooms, and farmers' markets (local breweries often collaborate with nearby apiaries). Many online craft beer retailers and brewery webshops let you search by ingredient or style—enter "honey" or "birra al miele" to filter results. If you live near regions known for craft brewing, specialty beer bars and festivals are also good spots to discover small-batch honey beers.
4. Is honey beer available in the UK?
Yes. The UK has an active craft scene and many breweries produce seasonal or limited-run honey beers. Look for local brewery releases, beer festivals, or independent bottle shops that stock regional and imported specialty beers. Online UK retailers and delivery services also carry honey beers—search terms like "honey beer UK" or "birra al miele" for Italian imports.
5. What does a bee or honey logo on a beer label mean?
A bee or honeycomb logo usually indicates the use of honey in the recipe or a collaboration with an apiary. Sometimes it signals a brewery's commitment to biodiversity or sustainable sourcing. Always check the label or brewery notes to confirm whether honey is a featured ingredient or just an aesthetic motif.
Tasting notes and food pairings
Honey beers can range from light and floral to medium-bodied with warm malt character. Expect:
- Appearance: golden to amber hues with a fine, white head.
- Aroma: pronounced honey and floral notes, sometimes citrus or spice depending on the honey variety.
- Palate: good body with a warm, slightly sweet mid-palate; the best examples keep honey noticeable without being cloying, finishing with a soft bitterness for balance.
Food pairings: pair honey beers with roasted poultry, pork, aged cheeses (like Manchego or Pecorino), fruit-forward desserts, or dishes with honey-glazed elements. The beer's floral notes complement herb-driven sauces and mild spicy foods.
How is honey beer made?
Brewers add honey at different stages depending on the desired effect. Adding honey early yields more fermentable sugars and a drier beer; adding it late (in the whirlpool or secondary fermenter) preserves more aroma. The choice of honey—acacia, wildflower, chestnut, orange blossom—strongly influences aroma and flavor, so sustainable sourcing and traceability are important for consistent character.
Sustainability and honey sourcing
Responsible brewers partner with sustainable apiculture to ensure honey source quality and bee health. Choosing beers that disclose their honey origin supports ethical beekeeping and biodiversity. If sustainability matters to you, look for notes about apiary practices or certifications on the brewery website or packaging.
Quick tips for buying and enjoying honey beer
- Read the label: it often tells you the honey type and whether it was added early or late.
- Serve slightly cooler than room temp (8–12°C / 46–54°F) to reveal aroma and balance.
- Try small pours from different producers to compare how honey character is presented.
- Look for award-winning bottles if you want a reliable, high-quality example—competition medals can be a useful shorthand for craft excellence.
Final thoughts
Honey beer is a versatile and delicious bridge between traditional beer and more experimental, ingredient-forward brewing. Whether you're curious about the difference between mead and honey beer, hunting for breweries near you, or seeking a balanced, floral pint, honey beer offers a wide tasting spectrum. Start by sampling a reputable, sustainably sourced example to appreciate the subtlety and craftsmanship behind the honey note.
