If you think you know our Soliloquy series by now, you’re in for a surprise with this one!
True to the intention of letting the honey speak for itself, this told me it wanted to be less sweet than previous Soliloquys — and stronger!
Clocking in at almost 15.5% abv (we’re allowed 1.5% difference from what the label says) it’s our strongest Soliloquy yet. Normally the alcohol is hidden by the sweetness, but this time it’s present in a wonderful way that makes you nostalgic for it. It’s ironically dangerously drinkable too, you’ll crush a bottle without realizing it.
If you couldn’t tell by the name, this is made from the honey from the Little Econlockhatchee River, which is 6 miles from the meadery!!
We’ve been eagerly awaiting this honey since last year, when J&P Apiaries told us they were able to place a lot of hives along the river. When they pulled the honey this year and brought us a sample, I instantly fell in love and attempted to buy all they had. This late Spring honey is mostly Gallberry with some Palmetto, it’s like berries covered in rich caramel.
It turns out, my taste buds weren’t just in love with it because it was so hyper-local... J&P took this honey to the Florida State Beekeepers Association Conference where it was judged by an elite group of “Honey Sommeliers”, and it won two different awards!
After turning the honey into a mead with a new Riesling yeast strain, it brought out beautiful candied grape and purple fruit notes with a perfect acid balance. It’s full bodied without being thick, it’s both sweet and dry at the same time. As with all our Traditional meads, after a year it will be bursting with floral notes as it develops with age.