SOUTH AFRICA | ZA1, Cosmos | ZA2, Buffalo Thorn | ZA3, Boland Fynbos & Buchu | ZA4, Citrus | ZA5, Aloe Davyana | ZA6, Protea Mundii & Fynbos | ZA7, Northwest Province Bushveld Honey | ZA8, Overberg Fynbos | ZA9, Yellowbox Eucalyptus | ZA10, Alewynspoort Multi-Flora | ZA11, Cat Thorn (Drogie) E. Cape | ZA12, Tsitsakamma Fynbos Honey |
ZA10, Alewynspoort Multi-Flora Honey
|
|
|
|
The honey
Alewynspoort apiary, borders onto Johannesburg. Hive maintenance at the close of winter yielded a surprise: a small-batch honey drawn from forage across Eucalyptus sideroxylin, cosmos, blackjack, kakibos, ragwort and karee (S. lancea). The result is a medium to dark amber honey of notable refinement.
At 16% moisture, it carries a medium to low sweetness, allowing complexity to take centre stage. The nose is flamboyant, with aromas of wood, chai spice, cooked carrots and a whisper of salted caramel. On the palate, balsamic depth and savoury tones of tomato paste and prunes unfold into layers of fruit (strawberry, guava), and hints of processed compote, lifted by a gentle acidity. The finish lingers with fruit and chocolate, leaving a refined and multifaceted impression. Elegant and expressive, this honey distills the richness of this geographical footprint’s late-winter flora. This harvest was profiled by Eddy Lear and Natasha Lyon. The beekeeping
Arbour Apiaries
Husband-and-wife team Eddy and Tina Lear have dedicated their lives to bees, honey, and education through their venture, Arbour Apiaries. The name Arbour was inspired by Eddy’s love of gardens and chosen as a symbol of shelter for bees when he began beekeeping in 1981. Eddy went on to qualify as a Honey Judge in 1997, earn recognition as a Mead Master, and become a founding member and Fellow of SAMMA (the South African Mead Making Association). He is also an Honorary Member of Apimondia. Tina made history as the first female Honey Judge in South Africa, and together they have mentored aspiring judges and shared their expertise widely. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, the Lears devote much of their honey to children who attend their educational outings, ensuring that Arbour Apiaries continues to blend craftsmanship, knowledge-sharing, and a deep respect for pollinators. |
