Westside - Batch 2026-03

Westside Hive is one of our established, overwintered colonies—experienced, resilient, and deeply attuned to the Bearberry landscape. While Little Fife and Falkland (new April 2026 packages) spent the season building from scratch, Westside entered spring with a strong population and winter momentum. Despite the cold, wet start to the year and an unexpected queen replacement in late June, Westside recovered beautifully and produced a refined late‑season honey shaped by patience, timing, and a renewed queen.

Climate Notes

The 2026 season challenged even our strongest colonies. June remained cold and saturated, delaying the first nectar sources and compressing the early bloom. Dandelions arrived nearly two weeks late and moved through their cycle quickly, offering only a brief window of forage before shifting to seed. Frost persisted unusually late, with the final frost touching the apiary on July 6, holding the landscape in suspension.

Westside began the season strong, but the colony chose to replace its queen at the end of June. This natural reset temporarily reduced their population as they waited for the new queen to emerge, mate, and begin laying. During this period, they were unable to take full advantage of the early clover flow. Once the new queen established herself and brood production resumed, Westside rebuilt rapidly, entering the latter half of July with renewed strength and producing a beautiful late‑season honey that reflects both the challenges and resilience of the year.

Tasting Notes

The tasting notes for Westside Hive’s batch will be added after harvest. Based on the season’s conditions and their late‑season buildup, we anticipate a honey shaped by mid‑summer clover and warm July nectar, likely expressing a balanced, mature profile distinct from our new hives’ early‑season fruit‑forward character.

Hive Temperament

Westside is a seasoned, overwintered colony with a steady, confident presence. Their decision to replace their queen mid‑season reflects strong colony instincts and long‑term resilience. Once their new queen was established, the hive rebuilt with determination and focus, channeling their regained strength into a refined late‑season harvest. Their temperament is measured and experienced, neither aggressive nor timid, but purposeful and reliable.