Each year, hundreds of beekeepers from around the world enter the world’s largest honey contest with hopes of winning the title of the world’s best-tasting honey. Although Finals are held in June, contestants must enter their honey by March 1, 2025. Because of the number of entries, multiple preliminary “taste-offs” are held throughout Spring. Highest scores move on until 30 finalists remain and compete at The Black Jar Honey-Tasting Finals on June 8, 2025.
In other honey contests, “presentation” is key to judging. Honey is scored on moisture content, clarity, foam, and particles, with points being deducted for any defect. The Black Jar Judging is based solely on the taste of each entry, or rather each individual’s opinion of what tastes good. Our panels always consist of at least five judges whose scoresheets are averaged. The Contest is called “black jar” because all honeys are covered in black satin. (Humans are often unaware of having visual bias – but most folks have an opinion of how something will taste just by looking at it – and before their tastebuds ever get a say!)
Asheville Honey Fest IV. Come to Highland Brewery on Sunday, June 8th and join the Center for Honeybee Research and Explore Asheville in celebration of pollinators, flowers, and honey. Enjoy music, food, and drink. Stroll amongst the lanes and pavillions of local artisans! Guests will witness our celebrity judges determine “the world’s best-tasting honey” live and partake in free honey-tastings featuring unique flavors from around the world. Rare and unique honeys will be available for purchase. Most of these can’t be found anywhere ’round.
Check back to learn when Asheville Honey Fest IV tickets go on sale.
If you are interested in sponsoring this year’s Black Jar Contest, click here.