Batch1, Started2006-11-12, Released 2007-04-14 F.G. 1.021 The 2006 basswood honey fromIowa is very high quality. This firstbatch does not have a batch number on the label as with subsequentbatches. The distinctive basswood aroma and flavor areexpressed well in this vintage and it has been one of our most popularmeads. Please note that there are two distinct types ofbasswoodhoney available. One from the Great Lakes area is a deep amber colorand makes a mead with a distinctly funky, resiny character. The other,from the Midwest and Northeast is water clear tolightamber and has a bright, clean flavor. We use the second variety only. It is unclear if the Great Lakes basswood is a differentyspeciesor if the difference is simply due to terroir.
Batch2, Started 2007-10-21. Released 2008-02-19 F.G. 1.021 TheMidwest was hit by an Easter weekend ice storm in 2007. Thisdestroyed most of the buds on several trees varieties includingBasswood and Black Locust. Consequently very little of these honeyswere available this year. I was able to get enoughBasswoodfor one batch (100 gals). Tasting notes from Oct. 11, 2008; The2007 honey empahsizes the pineapple/mango and herbal characters , withsome accompanying tartness. A very interesting vintage. It should gowell with Asian fusion food.
