Both lagers and ales can be brewed with honey. Some brewers will choose to experiment with ingredients, while others will add honey to traditional styles. Overall the character of honey should be evident but not totally overwhelming. A wide variety of honey beers are available. U.S. brewers may add honey to the boil kettle (as a sugar source) or post-boil (to preserve more volatile aromatics).
Honey Beer
Category: Specialty Beers
Food Pairings
- Bruschetta
- Ricotta
- Lemon Basil Gelato
Commercial Examples
- Jetty Cream Ale, Great South Bay Brewery
- Westbound Braggot, Twisted Pine Brewing Co.
- Midas Touch, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Appearance
Color
Varies
Clarity
Varies
Carbonation (Visual)
Varies
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Varies
Hop
Hop bitterness is very low to very high, and may be used for highlighting desired characteristics.
Malt
Varies
Esters
Can be present.
Phenols
Can be present.
Sensations
Body
Varies
Carbonation
Low to High
Finish Length
Varies
Attenuation
Medium - High
Ingredients
Hops
Varies
Malt
Varies
Water
Varies
Yeast
Lager or Ale