We won a Bronze Medal at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards, and we are still a little bit in disbelief about it. For those who do not know Blas na hÉireann, it is one of the most respected artisan food competitions in the country, judged blind, with entries from producers all across Ireland. Getting a nod from those judges means something.
The product that took home the award is our pure Irish Soft Set honey, made entirely from our own hives here at Killiane Castle in County Wexford.
Our Soft Set honey comes about through a method that dates back to the 1930s. By slow-stirring raw honey over time, it gradually turns a soft, pale colour and takes on a smooth, spreadable consistency, without losing any of the flavour. Ours is made using honey from our own bees, which are over 98% pure Irish native honeybee across almost 60 hives on the farm and surrounding land. Nothing is added, nothing is taken away.
A lot of people ask us why the honey sometimes crystalises. The honest answer is that it is a sign of quality. It means the honey is exactly what we say it is. The creamed version was our way of offering something that stays smooth while keeping that same integrity.
The people behind it
This award belongs to everyone here. Our bees, obviously, but also Marie, who has spent years developing the skincare recipes that sit alongside the honey in our shop. Our daughters Molly and Kate, who got involved early and have never really stopped. And the customers who have been buying, sharing, and leaving kind words since we first started selling.
If you have not yet tried our Nectar Skincare range, the same beeswax and honey that won this award goes into every product. The Nourishing Balm is made with Killiane Castle honey, beeswax, and rapeseed oil infused with locally picked plantain. The Hand Salve and Lip Balm follow the same approach: natural ingredients, no shortcuts, recipes developed the old way.
We also run bee farm tours at Killiane Castle throughout the season for anyone who wants to see where it all starts. From the hives to the honey house, it is a proper look at how Irish native honeybees work and why they matter.
Thank you for supporting All About Nectar. Every jar sold, every tour booked, every balm ordered helps us keep doing this properly. We are proud of what came out of those hives, and we are glad you are part of it.
