I normally use local wildflower honey in my meads, which is a lot lighter in color. That generally creates a very light floral tasting mead that blends easily with other flavors. When first opening this honey, I thought I made a mistake because he didn’t smell like the honey I’m used to. It looks like buckwheat honey but has a flavor of its own- kind of malty. I actually rechecked my order multiple times to make sure I didn’t order something else by mistake. I brewed a dandelion mead which is currently clearing up in the second rack. So far, it tastes delicious- the honey characteristics came through with the dandelion. It is a little bitter but I’m hoping it’ll mellow out as it ages. I didn’t use any of the green from the flowers, just the petals, so I know the bitterness isn’t from that. I’m crossing my fingers for a successful bottling experience in a couple of months.
