Black Bee Honey Raw British Autumn Heather Honey

Late summer, on the high moors. Hives are taken onto the heath when the ling heather comes into bloom — a bloom that lasts only four to six weeks, on land that punishes anything less than a serious beekeeper.

A 227g jar of unpasteurised heather honey from Black Bee Honey, the B Corp–certified beekeeper collective based in Frome, Somerset. Every jar is single-source, with the beekeeper's name and exact apiary location printed on the label.

Heather honey is its own thing. Thicker and silkier than other honeys — a thixotropic gel that turns liquid when stirred, then sets again when it rests. The flavour is bold, aromatic, malty, faintly smoky. It is the most expensive honey produced in the British Isles for good reason: the bloom is short, the moorlands are remote, and the bees have to be trucked up to the heather and home again in the same season.

Black Bee was founded by Paul and Chris, who met in an office and ended up keeping bees on London rooftops together. Two percent of the company's turnover funds wildflower meadows via Plantlife — over twenty acres planted so far.

Every jar is carbon-neutral and the company is a Living Wage Employer.

Great Taste Award winner, two stars.

For toast, porridge, glazes and marinades. Equally at home stirred into hot whisky on a winter night. Not suitable for babies under twelve months.