Ireland is where I turn for a good Irish stout or hard cream, but I don't know that I've ever thought this this would be a place to get an ale. Well, these guys from <checks notes> South Carolina have uncovered what they claim is an Irish style of ale using honey. I assume it's nothing like a mead, which is honey wine, and this might be a whole new thing.
First sip is not the tart affair I had feared. Instead, the honey is smooth and viscous while grains are heavy and flowers with lemon drops on them fill the rest of the taste. The whole thing feels like it's in a bread bowl or something to give it a significant girth that I find quite pleasing. The sip is okay in my book (although the aroma is starting to be a bit too much).
Tip-in is honey, caramel, grains and a touch of lemons. The middle adds to the experience with an unexpected and gratifying smoothness with flowers and lemons dancing atop a slice of heavily grained bread. The finish is vaguely dry with the sweetness of honey and scorched residue of honey left on the lips for the trail off.
Bottom Line: It gets better as it warms and with every sip.
4.0/5