Once you start paying attention, honey is every bit as varied as wine or single-origin coffee. The flower the bees worked, the season and the soil all leave their mark. Here's a simple way to taste and compare.
How to taste
- Take a small amount on a clean spoon and let it warm on your tongue before swallowing.
- Notice the aroma first, then the sweetness, then the finish — does it linger, or is it clean?
- Sip water between honeys to reset your palate.
Some characters to look for
- Wildflower — floral, rounded and mellow. A great everyday honey and a good place to start.
- Heather — dark, malty and almost savoury, with a jelly-like thickness. Bold and distinctive.
- Borage / clover — light, delicate and very pale, with a soft sweetness.
- Blossom — bright and fruity, from spring orchards and hedgerows.
Pairing ideas
Mild, pale honeys sit beautifully with fresh cheese, yoghurt and porridge. Darker, stronger honeys hold their own against mature cheddar, blue cheese and roast meats. There's no wrong answer — the fun is in comparing.