Honey Varietals

Most of the honey available on supermarket shelves is a blended mix of different honeys and also heavily processed. This gives most people the perception that all honey tastes relatively the same.

However, much of honey's flavor comes from the nectar that bees collect from flowering plants, and there are incredible number of flowering plants that bees frequent, each lending the resulting honey unique colors, flavors, and texture. When we taste honey that hasn't been heavily processed, these qualities come through much more clearly.

Bees rarely only visit one kind of flower, so most honey is technically what we'd call polyfloral, but beekeepers are able to place hives so that the large majority of the nectar collected comes from a single plant source, giving us monofloral, or varietal, honey. This is what's meant when you come across a honey that's named after a single plant, like "Orange Blossom Honey". Both polyfloral and monofloral honeys are delicious, but monofloral will give off the most distinguishable tasting notes, both when you taste the honey, and when you taste a mead made from it!

Below you'll find a list of honey varietals, which is comprehensive, but not complete:

Acacia, Black Locust

Very light, delicate floral sweetness, subtle vanilla notes, clean finish, slow crystallization

ScientificRobinia pseudoacacia

RegionCentral & Eastern Europe, Eastern US

Used ByMelovino Meadery, Great Mead Hall And Brewing Company, Armageddon Brewing

Alfalfa

Mild floral-hay character, slightly herbal, very clean and neutral sweetness

ScientificMedicago sativa

RegionWestern USA, Canada

Used ByBaccata Ridge Winery, Big Lost Meadery

Avocado

Dark, buttery, molasses-like, savory vegetal undertone, mineral-rich finish

ScientificPersea americana

RegionCalifornia, Mexico

Used ByPlanet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery, Queen Bee Brews, The Meading Room

Bamboo, Knotweed

Very dark, malty, earthy, yeast-like richness, strong molasses depth

ScientificReynoutria japonica

RegionNortheastern US, Europe

Used ByHoneybound Meadery, Moonlight Meadery, Bartholomew's Meadery

Blackberry

Dark berry aroma, jam-like sweetness, mild tartness, rich floral base

ScientificRubus fruticosus aggregate

RegionEurope, North America

Used ByAfon Mel Meadery, Apis Mead & Winery, Thirsty Bee Meadery

Blueberry

Soft berry aromatics, gentle acidity, light floral honey backbone

ScientificVaccinium corymbosum

RegionNorth America

Used ByZymarium Meadery, Great Mead Hall And Brewing Company, Chalice Mead

Borage

Extremely light, cucumber-like freshness, grassy, clean and watery sweetness

ScientificBorago officinalis

RegionEurope (UK especially)

Used ByWheatleys of Yorkshire, Afon Mel Meadery, Honey Pie Hives & Herbals

Buckwheat

Very dark, strong molasses, earthy, iron/mineral-heavy, malt-like depth

ScientificFagopyrum esculentum

RegionNorthern US, Canada, Asia

Used ByMelovino Meadery, Urban Forage Winery and Cider House, 1634 Meadery

Canola, Rapeseed

Mild cabbage-like aroma, but clean, neutral sweetness, almost sugar-water like

ScientificBrassica napus

RegionCanada, Europe

Carrot

Earthy, root-like sweetness, slightly spicy vegetal notes

ScientificDaucus carota

RegionEurope, North America

Used BySap House Meadery, Cornish Mead Co., Nani Moon Meadery

Cherry

Delicate floral aroma, faint stone-fruit skin tannin, elegant and light

ScientificPrunus serrulata

RegionJapan, US ornamental plantings

Used ByPlanet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery, Apis Mead & Winery

Chestnut

Strong, bitter-sweet, woody, tannic, slightly smoky, very complex

ScientificCastanea sativa

RegionSouthern Europe

Used ByStrad Meadery, Bio-Imkerei Burmester

Chicory

Roasted coffee-like bitterness, earthy, herbal depth

ScientificCichorium intybus

RegionEurope, US

Used ByHeidrun Meadery, Dogfish Head

Clover

Light, clean, sweet, vanilla-like softness, extremely neutral base honey

ScientificTrifolium repens

RegionGlobal temperate regions

Used By1634 Meadery, Sap House Meadery, Crafted Artisan Meadery

Coconut

Caramel-like sweetness, mild nuttiness, brown sugar depth, tropical softness

ScientificCocos nucifera

RegionSoutheast Asia

Used ByManic Meadery, Blue Honey Country Wine & Mead

Coffee

Floral jasmine aroma, delicate sweetness, no coffee bitterness

ScientificCoffea arabica , Coffea canephora

RegionBrazil, Vietnam, Africa

Used ByRun Amok Mead, Artivem Mead Co., Blue Honey Country Wine & Mead

Coriander

Fruity citrus-like notes, slight spice, faint coconut nuance

ScientificCoriandrum sativum

RegionEastern Europe, Mediterranean

Used ByStolen Harvest Meadery, BeeHaven Beverage, Planet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery

Cranberry

Tart, thin-bodied, sharp acidity, light red berry aroma

ScientificVaccinium macrocarpon

RegionNortheastern US, Canada

Used ByMiddle Mountain Mead, Ambrosia Orchard Cidery and Meadery, Chinook Honey Company & Chinook Arch Meadery

Dandelion

Bitter floral edge, vegetal greens, honeyed spring aroma

ScientificTaraxacum officinale

RegionGlobal temperate zones

Used ByStolen Harvest Meadery, Curmudgeons Honey Mead, Planet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery

Desert Wildflower

Resinous, dry herbal, mineral-heavy, sometimes smoky or medicinal

ScientificMixed species

RegionSouthwestern US, Middle East

Used ByDrinking Horn Meadery

Fireweed

Light, silky, tea-like floral sweetness, very clean finish

ScientificChamerion angustifolium

RegionAlaska, Canada

Used ByAesir Meadery, Planet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery, Honeygirl Meadery

Gallberry

Mildly acidic, clean herbal sweetness, slightly medicinal finish

ScientificIlex glabra

RegionSoutheastern US

Used ByZymarium Meadery

Geteme

Tastes of sweet, fresh spring flowers with deep notes of rose.

Scientificschefflera abyssinica

RegionHorn of Africa

Used ByHeidrun Meadery

Goldenrod

Strong herbal aroma, slightly musky, aging develops butterscotch depth

ScientificSolidago spp.

RegionNorth America

Used ByHealthberry Farm, Cask and Hive Winery, Vinland Meads

Guava

Musky tropical sweetness, dense fruit aroma, high aromatic intensity

ScientificPsidium guajava

RegionTropical regions

Used ByNectar Creek Honeywine, Nani Moon Meadery, Armageddon Brewing

Hawaiian Macadamia Nut

Buttery, nutty, creamy sweetness, dessert-like richness

ScientificMacadamia integrifolia

RegionHawaii

Used ByHeidrun Meadery

Heather

Thick, herbal, smoky, slightly bitter, gelatinous texture

ScientificCalluna vulgaris

RegionScotland, Norway

Used ByRetroMeadery, Bemuse, Vinland Meads

Jarrah

Dark, caramelized, malty, slightly medicinal, robust sweetness

ScientificEucalyptus marginata

RegionWestern Australia

Kamahi

Buttery, smooth, nutty sweetness, very round mouthfeel

ScientificWeinmannia racemosa

RegionNew Zealand

Used ByBroken Hive Mead

Lavender

Strong floral perfume, herbal lavender oil notes, slightly soapy edge if concentrated

ScientificLavandula angustifolia

RegionMediterranean

Used ByHill Top Berry Farm & Winery, Beekinga Mead, Great British Mead Company

Leatherwood

Intense floral perfume, exotic spice, slightly woody citrus finish

ScientificEucryphia lucida

RegionTasmania

Used ByBeechworth Honey

Lehua

Delicate floral sweetness, light tropical aroma, very clean finish

ScientificMetrosideros polymorpha

RegionHawaii

Used ByBlue Honey Country Wine & Mead, Heidrun Meadery, Volcano Winery

Lemon

Bright citrus aroma, sharp floral lift, zesty finish

ScientificCitrus limon

RegionMediterranean, California

Used ByBlue Honey Country Wine & Mead, Manic Meadery

Lime

Intense lime zest, woody citrus backbone, herbal sharpness

ScientificCitrus aurantiifolia

RegionTropical/subtropical regions

Used ByNani Moon Meadery

Linden, Basswood

Cooling mint-citrus floral aroma, herbal tea-like finish, aromatic and slightly medicinal

ScientificTilia americana, Tilia cordata

RegionNorthern Hemisphere temperate zones

Used ByBio-Imkerei Burmester, Apothecary Mead, White Bear Meadery

Longan

Rich, dried fruit sweetness, raisin-like depth, slightly caramelized finish

ScientificDimocarpus longan

RegionSoutheast Asia

Lychee

Extremely floral, perfumed, tropical fruit sweetness, very aromatic

ScientificLitchi chinensis

RegionChina, Southeast Asia

Used ByRebel Hive Meadery, Cask and Hive Winery, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits

Mamane

Mild floral sweetness, slightly woody, dry mountain herbal finish

ScientificSophora chrysophylla

RegionHawaii

Used ByBlue Honey Country Wine & Mead

Mango

Rich tropical sweetness, waxy fruit body, slightly resinous finish

ScientificMangifera indica

RegionTropical regions

Used ByBirds & Bees Winery, Cask and Hive Winery, Thirsty Bee Meadery

Manuka

Strong medicinal, earthy, slightly bitter herbal depth

ScientificLeptospermum scoparium

RegionNew Zealand

Used ByBeechworth Honey, Sap House Meadery, Aurum Mead

Meadowfoam

Marshmallow, vanilla frosting, caramel cream sweetness

ScientificLimnanthes alba

RegionPacific Northwest US

Used BySilver Hand Meadery, Zymarium Meadery, Lost Cause Meadery

Mesquite

Smoky, molasses, roasted nut, deep caramel tones

ScientificProsopis spp.

RegionSouthwestern US, Mexico

Used BySilver Hand Meadery, Drinking Horn Meadery, Packsaddle Nectars

Monkeypod

Buttery caramel, soft vanilla, mild floral sweetness

ScientificSamanea saman

RegionHawaii

Used ByBlue Honey Country Wine & Mead

Njombe

Deep floral complexity, herbal bitterness, wild honey character

ScientificMixed species

RegionTanzania

Used ByHeidrun Meadery

Northern California Wildflower

Complex herbal-floral blend, resinous, variable year to year

ScientificMixed species

RegionNorthern California

Used ByHeidrun Meadery

Orange

Bright citrus perfume, sweet orange zest, clean floral finish

ScientificCitrus sinensis

RegionMediterranean, Florida, California

Used By1634 Meadery, Manic Meadery, Twisted Horn Mead and Cider

Peach

Soft floral aroma, faint stone fruit skin bitterness, delicate sweetness

ScientificPrunus persica

RegionSoutheastern US, China

Used ByBee & Brew

Peppermint

Cooling menthol, sharp herbal freshness, clean finish

ScientificMentha piperita

RegionEurope/US

Used ByChateau Lorane, Ontario Honey Creations, Beechworth Honey

Radish

Sharp, pungent, vegetal heat, mustard-like bite

ScientificRaphanus sativus

RegionAsia/Europe

Used ByHeidrun Meadery

Rata

Buttery caramel, soft floral sweetness, elegant texture

ScientificMetrosideros robusta

RegionNew Zealand

Used ByCopenhagen Mead Company, Wehrloom Honey, Ateirra Hidromiel

Rewarewa

Malty, woody, slightly burnt sugar aroma, rich amber profile

ScientificKnightia excelsa

RegionNew Zealand

Rosemary

Piney, resinous herbal notes, clean cooling finish

ScientificSalvia rosmarinus

RegionMediterranean

Used BySuperstition Meadery, Maxwell Wines, 1634 Meadery

Safflower

Very mild, oily, neutral sweetness, extremely light body

ScientificCarthamus tinctorius

RegionIndia, US

Used ByWehrloom Honey, Backed By Bees

Sage

Light herbal floral, slightly savory, clean dry finish

ScientificSalvia officinalis

RegionWestern US, Mediterranean

Used ByAmbrosia Orchard Cidery and Meadery, Bio-Imkerei Burmester, Hammered Honey Farms & Mead

Saw Palmetto

Woody herbal, slightly citrusy, medicinal depth

ScientificSerenoa repens

RegionFlorida, USA

Used ByPlanet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery

Sea Grape

Salty, coastal mineral, fruity tartness, briny finish

ScientificCoccoloba uvifera

RegionCaribbean, Florida

Sidr / Ziziphus

Deep caramel, dried fruit, medicinal herbal richness, thick mouthfeel

ScientificZiziphus spina-christi

RegionMiddle East, North Africa

Used ByFinnriver Farm & Cidery, TrebaRuna Hidromiel, Viking Bad Hidromiel

Sourwood

Cinnamon-like spice, caramel sweetness, long clean finish

ScientificOxydendrum arboreum

RegionAppalachian US

Used ByBlack Mountain Ciderworks + Meadery, Starrlight Meadery, Wehrloom Honey

Star Thistle

Light sweetness, subtle spice, faint cinnamon finish

ScientificCentaurea solstitialis

RegionCalifornia, Mediterranean

Used BySilver Hand Meadery, St. Ambrose Cellars, Acoustic Tap Room

Strawberry

Very subtle berry aroma, light floral sweetness, delicate finish

ScientificFragaria x ananassa

RegionGlobal cultivation

Used ByThe Hive Winery, Magpie Farms Winery, Applewood Farm Winery

Sunflower

Nutty, seed-like flavor, waxy texture, mild sweetness

ScientificHelianthus annuus

RegionFrance, USA

Used By7C's Winery & Meadery, Ateirra Hidromiel, Honey Pie Hives & Herbals

Tawari

Butterscotch, golden syrup, soft caramel elegance

ScientificIxerba brexioides

RegionNew Zealand

Thyme

Intense herbal spice, savory notes, slightly medicinal finish

ScientificThymus vulgaris

RegionMediterranean

Used ByCornish Mead Co., Armageddon Brewing, Silver Hand Meadery

Tupelo

Buttery, silky sweetness, vanilla-like smoothness, non-crystallizing

ScientificNyssa ogeche

RegionSoutheastern US

Used ByArmageddon Brewing, Crafted Artisan Meadery, St. Ambrose Cellars

Vetch

Mild floral sweetness, grassy undertone, persistent finish

ScientificVicia spp.

RegionEurope, US

Wildflower

Variable floral complexity, unpredictable balance of herbal, fruity, and earthy notes depending on season and region

ScientificMixed species

RegionGlobal

Used ByQueen Bee Brews, Prairie Bee Meadery, Apiary Ciderworks & Meadery