The McDowell Honey Bee Club is inviting the community to join them for a truly sweet evening on Thursday, September 11th at 6:30 p.m. at Keeper’s Cut Meadery in Marion. The club will be hosting its annual Sourwood Honey Tasting Contest, celebrating one of the most prized and unique honeys produced in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Sourwood honey, often referred to as “the Cadillac of honeys,” is treasured for its smooth, buttery flavor with hints of spice. Produced when honeybees forage on the delicate blooms of the sourwood tree, this regional delicacy is known for its rarity and rich Appalachian heritage.

During the contest, participants will have the opportunity to sample different local sourwood honeys and cast their votes for their favorite. Beekeepers from across McDowell County and the surrounding area will showcase their harvest, offering a chance for the public to experience the variety of flavors that can come from different hives and locations—even within the same county.

The event is not just about honey; it’s also about community and education. Members of the McDowell Honey Bee Club will be available to answer questions about beekeeping, pollinator health, and the critical role honeybees play in agriculture. Keeper’s Cut Meadery provides the perfect setting for this event, pairing local honey with the art of mead-making.

Best of all, the event is free and open to the public. Whether you’re a beekeeper, a honey enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun evening out, this tasting contest is a chance to celebrate local agriculture and enjoy one of nature’s sweetest gifts.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 11th at 6:30 p.m. and head to Keeper’s Cut Meadery to take part in this celebration of bees, beekeepers, and sourwood honey.