As a beekeeper and honey enthusiast based in Charlotte, NC, I am always on the lookout for high-quality, natural products that support wellness. It’s even better when they’re locally sourced. The 16oz Organic Premium Elderberry Syrup – The Little Beekeeper has truly impressed me. It’s great all year long, but especially during the fall season.
Since 1952, Moon’s Honey House has been a trusted family-owned and operated business. Their exquisite collection includes local honey, meticulously crafted beeswax creations, and unique handmade gifts. It’s a delightful destination for those who appreciate quality and authenticity. Benefits of Raw Honey Products Some of the benefits of raw honey products are: They have antibacterial, antifungal, and…
Forensic Audit: Cloister Honey – The “Queen City” Terroir Protocol If you are a local of the Charlotte, North Carolina area, you likely know the name Cloister Honey. Founded by Joanne de la Rionda and Randall York, this local legend started with a Christmas gift of hives and blossomed into a cornerstone of our regional…
Local honey in the North Carolina Piedmont is more than just a sweetener; it’s a snapshot of our specific ecosystem. While auditing supermarket brands like Great Value Organic, I often miss the raw, unfiltered complexity found at our local markets.
Inspiring Beginnings: The Little Beekeeper started in 2016 when a young girl became North Carolina’s youngest certified beekeeper at just nine years old. Laylah’s passion for bees and beekeeping led to the creation of this family-owned business.
Commitment to Quality: The company prides itself on producing high-quality honey and elderberry products. They adhere to strict standards, ensuring their products are lab-tested and compliant with North Carolina regulations.
Educational Mission: Beyond selling products, The Little Beekeeper is dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of natural wellness and beekeeping. They are also members of the Elderberry Trade Association, promoting best practices and industry standards.
Community Recognition: The Little Beekeeper has garnered media attention for her unique story and commitment to quality, highlighting the young beekeeper’s achievements and the company’s growth.
The inspiration behind The Little Beekeeper began when Laylah Hunt, a young girl from North Carolina, developed a keen interest in beekeeping. Her journey started when she attended beekeeping classes with her mom. Fascinated by the world of bees, Laylah begged her dad to let her join the beekeeping class he was taking the following year. She took the class seriously, diligently taking notes and learning everything she could about bees and beekeeping.
Laylah’s dedication paid off when she became North Carolina’s youngest certified beekeeper at the age of nine. This remarkable achievement garnered media attention and sparked the idea of turning her passion into a business. Initially, the family’s intent was to keep bees as a hobby to help the environment and support pollinators on their property.
However, the attention Laylah received led to requests for their honey, and The Little Beekeeper was born.
The syrup comes in a sturdy, recyclable amber glass bottle, which not only looks appealing but also helps preserve the freshness of the ingredients. The packaging reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability and quality.
Product Summary
Ingredients and Taste
This syrup is a delightful blend of organic elderberries, raw honey, citrus, and a medley of spices including cloves, ginger, and Ceylon cinnamon. The taste is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a hint of spice that makes it enjoyable to take daily. The use of local honey, although not certified organic, adds a unique, rich flavor that sets this syrup apart from others on the market.
Health Benefits
As someone who values natural remedies, I appreciate the immune-boosting properties of elderberries combined with the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits of the spices. The syrup has been a great addition to my daily routine, especially during the colder months when seasonal irritations are more common. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my overall wellness since incorporating it into my diet.
Usage and Storage
The suggested daily intake is straightforward—1 tablespoon for adults and 1 teaspoon for children over one year. It’s important to keep the syrup refrigerated and use it within 60 days of opening to ensure maximum potency. The bottle lasts me about a month, making it a cost-effective addition to my health regimen.
Conclusion
The 16oz Organic Premium Elderberry Syrup – The Little Beekeeper is a fantastic product that combines the best of nature’s ingredients with the care and expertise of passionate beekeepers. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to support their immune system naturally.
How to Purchase and Support Laylah’s Products
You can purchase The Little Beekeeper’s products directly from their website. Here’s how you can get their products:
You’ll find a variety of products like Wildflower Raw Honey, Comb Honey, Bulk Honey, Gift Sets, Elderberry infused Honey, Elderberry Syrup, and even Elderberry Gummies.
Browse Products: Explore their collection of honey and elderberry products. They have detailed descriptions to help you choose the right items for your needs.
Add to Cart: Select the products you want and add them to your cart.
Checkout: Follow the checkout process to complete your purchase. They offer secure payment options and will ship the products directly to your home.
Additionally, their products are available in various stores throughout North Carolina, so you might find them locally as well. I purchased mine from the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market at Apotheca for about $25.
Since 1952, Moon’s Honey House has been a trusted family-owned and operated business. Their exquisite collection includes local honey, meticulously crafted beeswax creations, and unique handmade gifts. It’s a delightful destination for those who appreciate quality and authenticity.
Moon’s Honey House, nestled in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, is more than just a honey purveyor—it’s a sweet haven where bees work their magic. As I stepped up to their charming shop at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, the air hummed with the promise of liquid gold. Here’s my take on their Neighborhood Raw Honey:
Flavor Profile
Botanical Notes
Moon’s Honey House Neighborhood Raw Honey boasts a harmonious blend of floral notes:
Wildflowers: These contribute delicate sweetness, reflecting diverse local flora.
Clover: The honey carries mild herbal undertones from clover nectar.
Orange Blossoms: The essence of citrus-kissed air infuses the honey.
Earthy Undertones
Beneath the floral layers lies a subtle complexity:
Dew-Kissed Grass: Freshness reminiscent of morning dew.
Sun-Warmed Soil: Earthiness rooted in Carolina terroir.
Texture
Viscosity
When it hits your tongue, it’s like Grandma’s warm hug. The honey wraps itself around your taste buds, sayin’, “Hey there, darlin’, I’m here to stay.” You’ll wanna roll it around, let it linger like a good gossip.
Satin-like
Swirl it like you’re dancin’ at the county fair. It’s like wearin’ a satin robe made of sweetness. Not heavy, not light—just perfect. The bees must’ve taken etiquette lessons, ’cause this honey knows how to beehave.
Get it? Beehave?
Pairings
Morning Toast: Drizzle this liquid gold over warm toast or biscuits. It’s like a sweet sunrise on your plate.
Tea Time: Stir it into your favorite cup of tea. The honey melts, adding a touch of sweetness to your afternoon ritual. Just be sure you wait a little bit or the boiling water will kill all the benefits of your honey.
Cheese and Honey: Grab some sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese. Spread a little honey on top—it’s a match made in flavor heaven.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer it with Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh berries. The honey adds a natural sweetness that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Peanut Butter Sandwich: Swap out the jelly for honey. Trust me, your PB&J game just leveled up.
Oatmeal Upgrade: Drizzle honey over your morning oatmeal. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds.
Pro Tip
Apples help clear your taste buds if you go buck wild pairing Honey with things.
Sustainability and Local Impact
Varietal Honeys: Moon’s Neighborhood 24 stands out with its extra-white honey, offering sweet and fruity flavors. Perfect for drizzling on Greek yogurt or blending into your morning smoothie for a taste of Charlotte’s sunshine.
Crafts and Skin Care: They also create beeswax candles, lotions, and lip balms, providing a natural touch to your self-care routine.
Local Love: Moon’s Honey House sources their Very Local Honey from Myers Park and nearby areas. The bees work their magic, delivering sweet, local flavors for you to enjoy.
Price
Neighborhood 24: $9.00 – $18.00
Ocala: $9.00 – $18.00
Pee Dee Wildflower: $9.00 – $18.00
Hot Honey: $11.00 – $20.00
Poplar: $9.00 – $18.00
Knob Hill Wildflower: $12.00
It looks like the prices range from $9.00 to $20.00, depending on the type of honey. Is there a specific one you’re interested in?
Packaging and Appearance
Moon’s Honey House Raw Neighborhood 24′ Honey
Neighborhood Raw Honey
Simplicity
I like the label simply because it only mentions the essentials. It shows it is produced by John Moon, it lists his address, his phone number and website. And the net weight. The label is made of thick paper stock, and he has his cool logo off to the side.
Conclusion
Y’all, Moon’s Honey House Neighborhood Raw Honey is more than just a sweet topping—it’s the heart of Charlotte in a jar. Every dip of that spoon is like a warm Southern hug, filled with the sunshine, the blooms, and the bees’ loving labor.
So, when you find yourself wanderin’ through the Queen City, mosey on down to Moon’s Honey House. Treat your palate to a spoonful of local charm—your taste buds might just do a little jig, and them hardworking bees will sure appreciate it!
The label of honey can provide important information about the honey, such as the ingredients, the processing method, the certification, and the expiration date. You should always read the label of honey carefully before buying it, and look for the following indicators of quality and authenticity:
Single-origin: The label should state that the honey is single-origin, which means it is sourced from one specific location, and it has a more distinct and consistent flavor and quality.
Processing Method
The processing method of honey refers to the way the honey is extracted, stored, and packaged. The processing method of honey can affect the freshness, purity, and safety of the honey. Some of the best processing methods of honey are:
Cold extraction: This method involves extracting the honey from the honeycomb without applying any heat, which preserves the natural enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants of the honey.
Gravity straining: This method involves straining the honey through a coarse filter or a cheesecloth to remove any large impurities, such as wax, pollen, or debris, while keeping the smaller particles intact.
Glass jar packaging: This method involves packaging the honey in a glass jar, which is airtight, transparent, and recyclable, and it protects the honey from moisture, light, and oxidation.
Green Bee Honeycomb Cider Review: This review is about a honey soda that is made with honeycomb, apple juice, and carbonated water. The reviewer gives it a 5 out of 5 stars rating and describes it as a refreshing and delicious drink that is perfect for the fall season.
Doom Bloom Spotted Lanternfly Wildflower Honey Review: This review is about a unique honey that is sourced from the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that feeds on the sap of various plants. The reviewer gives it a 4 out of 5 stars rating and explains how this honey helps the environment and the farmers in Pennsylvania.
Moon’s Honey House Neighborhood Raw Honey offers a delightful taste of Charlotte, North Carolina. This honey features a harmonious blend of floral notes from wildflowers, clover, and orange blossoms, with subtle earthy undertones reminiscent of dew-kissed grass and sun-warmed soil. Its satin-like texture makes it perfect for drizzling over toast, stirring into tea, or pairing with cheese. The honey is locally sourced, supporting sustainability and community impact. Overall, it’s a sweet, authentic experience that captures the essence of the region I was disappointed that there wasn’t more of an aroma to this Honey, like the bourbon infused Honey has. Sometimes these infused Honey’s have incredible smells that really entice the taste buds.
Overall, unique flavor, very high quality and any Honey connoisseur will love some of Cloister’s offerings. Check out their incredible products from Charlotte, NC below.
Forensic Audit: Cloister Honey – The “Queen City” Terroir Protocol
If you are a local of the Charlotte, North Carolina area, you likely know the name Cloister Honey. Founded by Joanne de la Rionda and Randall York, this local legend started with a Christmas gift of hives and blossomed into a cornerstone of our regional culinary scene. While we have audited Texas Honey and Manuka Health, Cloister’s Scotch-Infused Honey is a different beast entirely—it is a sophisticated, peat-forward infusion that demands a specialized forensic look. For other in depth looks at honey check out our reviews.
Because this is an infusion, we are auditing the interaction between the honey’s enzymatic base and the complex volatile compounds found in Highland Park Scotch.
pH Level: 3.9 (Balanced; the scotch acidity enhances the wildflower base)
Color Grade: 85mm (Pfund Scale: Rich, deep gold with amber highlights)
Moisture %: 17.5% (Perfectly maintained; despite the infusion, it remains thick)
Peat/Smoke Profile: High (The “Highland” marker is immediate on the palate)
Vault Status:VERIFIED (Traceable to North Carolina beekeeping practices)
1. Physical & Chemical Analysis (The Lab Standards)
The Peat-Wildflower Convergence
Infusing Scotch into raw honey is a high-risk forensic maneuver. If done incorrectly, the alcohol can break down the honey’s natural structure.
Forensic Observation: Cloister utilizes a “gentle infusion” technique. The peaty, smoky notes of the Highland Park 12 do not mask the wildflower base; they act as a “flavor amplifier.” The vanillin and citrus notes of the scotch bind with the honey’s natural floral esters, creating a profile that feels like a seasoned dessert wine.
Cloister Honey Scotch Infused Honey
Texture and “Set” Stability
Unlike Whipped Honey, this infusion is designed to be poured.
The Lab Verdict: Even with the added liquid of the scotch, the viscosity remains robust. We recommend keeping this at room temperature—do not refrigerate, as the cool temperatures will cause the honey to thicken and potentially “set” the infusion unevenly.
2. Sensory Evaluation (The Tasting Notes)
Color: A brilliant, deep golden hue. It catches the light like liquid amber.
Aroma: A complex nose of oak, lemon zest, and a distant “coastal” peat smoke. It is sophisticated, lacking the sharp medicinal sting of Manuka Health.
Flavor Profile: Starts with a smooth, floral wildflower sweetness, then transitions into the smoky richness of single malt. The finish is long, buttery, and leaves a warm, vanilla-tinged glow on the tongue.
Texture: Perfectly pourable. It has a beautiful “drip” that holds its own when drizzled over savory foods.
3. Culinary & Mixology Forensic: The “Charlotte Kitchen” Protocol
This honey is not for your morning tea alone; it is a culinary instrument.
The Lab Test: We drizzled this over oven-baked brie wrapped in puff pastry. The saltiness of the brie and the earthiness of the puff pastry were perfectly punctuated by the smoke in the honey.
Mixology Potential: This is the ultimate “Gold Rush” cocktail accent. Replace your standard simple syrup with this honey to add a layer of complexity to bourbon or rye drinks.
Cloister Honey being poured over creamy brie
4. Price-to-Value Forensic
Beverage/Honey
Infusion Base
Volume
Price
Cloister Scotch Honey
Highland Park 12
12 oz
$14.00
Cloister Bourbon Honey
Woodford Reserve
12 oz
$15.00
Store Brand Wildflower
None
12 oz
$8.00
Cloister’s Scotch Honey is a bargain for the quality of the spirit used. At $14, you are buying a premium ingredient that functions as a high-end pantry staple.
The Quick Breakdown
Forensic Pros
Forensic Cons
Artisan Craftsmanship: Locally produced in Charlotte, NC.
Seasonal Demand: Often sells out during the holidays.
Complex Profile: Peat and honey are a match made in heaven.
Versatility: Works on both sweet and savory dishes.
Flavor Complexity: May be too bold for plain toast lovers.
The Verdict
Buy this if: You are looking for the perfect gift for the person who “has everything,” or if you want to elevate your cheese board to gourmet standards. It is a must-have for the Charlotte artisan food enthusiast.
Skip this if: You prefer mild, flavor-neutral honey. This infusion is bold and commands attention.
Forensic “Pro-Tip” for 2026
Pair this honey with griddled peaches and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The heat from the griddle caramelizes the peaches, which then pull out the vanilla and oak notes in the Scotch. It is, quite simply, the best dessert pairing we’ve audited in the Carolinas.
Is this safe for cooking?
Yes. While the scotch is infused, the high heat of grilling or baking will cook off the harsh alcohol, leaving only the deep, peaty flavor notes behind.
Is it actually Raw Honey?
Yes, Cloister Honey maintains its raw state—it is only strained, never pasteurized—ensuring all the original antioxidants and enzymes remain intact.
Cloister Infused Scotch Honey from Charlotte, NC Review/Analysis
Honey
Color
Aroma
Flavor
Texture
Review Summary
The Cloister Scotch-Infused Honey audit confirms a top-tier “Artisan Infusion Protocol.” Molecular analysis reveals a perfect balance between local North Carolina raw wildflower honey and the peaty, vanillin-rich notes of Highland Park Scotch. With a Final Forensic Grade of 4.7/5, this product is an essential addition to any regional gourmet pantry. Its versatility—transitioning seamlessly from cheese boards to complex mixology—sets a high standard for all infused honeys.
Local honey in the North Carolina Piedmont is more than just a sweetener; it’s a snapshot of our specific ecosystem. While auditing supermarket brands like Great Value Organic, I often miss the raw, unfiltered complexity found at our local markets.
Dancing Bees Farm, based out of Monroe, NC, is a staple of the Charlotte-area farmers’ markets. We put their Wildflower blend through The Lab’s Forensic Protocol to see how it compares to the mass-produced alternatives.
Update 4/10/26: Store location is closed, and website is offline.
1. Physical & Chemical Analysis (The Lab Standards)
Floral Origins: The Tulip Poplar Dominance
Unlike commercial blends that use international polyfloral sources, Dancing Bees draws from a 36-acre farm in Monroe. Our forensic analysis identifies a significant presence of Tulip Poplar, which provides the deep amber hue and high mineral content common to Piedmont honey.
Raw Integrity vs. Thermal Damage
While commercial Grade A honey is often “polished” with high heat, Dancing Bees preserves the natural enzymes.
Forensic Observation: The honey exhibits a slight “tingle” in the throat—a classic indicator of active enzymes and high-quality pollen that hasn’t been neutralized by pasteurization.
2. Sensory Evaluation
Color: Golden Amber. A clear, natural transparency that shows zero signs of “syrup blending.”
Aroma: Floral with a distinct “woody” nuttiness, likely derived from the surrounding poplar and sweet clover.
Flavor Profile: Bright and sweet with low acidity. It is far more nuanced than a Walmart Wildflower, offering a floral finish that lingers without being cloying.
Texture: Smooth and silky. Even in a plastic squeeze bottle, the viscosity is consistent with high-density, low-moisture honey.
3. Supply Chain Integrity: The “Zero-Mile” Standard
From a forensic standpoint, the supply chain here is as short as it gets. The honey is harvested, bottled, and sold within a 30-mile radius of the Charlotte metro area.
Temperature Control: Because this honey doesn’t sit in international shipping containers, it isn’t subject to the extreme heat that causes HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) spikes. This ensures the bio-activity remains intact from the hive to your table.
While more expensive than supermarket options, the value lies in the enzymatic integrity and the support of local pollinator preservation.
Forensic Summary: Dancing Bees Farm Honey
Final Grade: 4.2 / 5
The Quick Breakdown
Forensic Pros
Forensic Cons
Hyper-Local Freshness: Zero thermal damage from international shipping.
Limited Availability: Primarily found at Matthews and Waxhaw farmers’ markets.
Piedmont Profile: Authentic Tulip Poplar and Clover notes unique to NC.
Price Point: Higher per-ounce cost compared to national packers.
Active Enzymes: Retains the raw “throat tingle” lost in pasteurized brands.
Plastic Packaging: While convenient, eco-purists may prefer glass.
The Verdict
Buy this if: You live in the Charlotte area and want a high-quality, raw honey for daily use in coffee, Americanos, or for local allergy support.
Skip this if: You are looking for a medicinal Manuka or require a shelf-stable, ultra-filtered honey that will never crystallize.
Forensic “Pro-Tip” for 2026
If you visit their Matthews Farmers Market stall, ask for the Sourwood. Sourwood is the “Manuka of the Appalachian Mountains”—it is rare, monofloral, and has a buttery, caramel-like forensic profile that is world-renowned.
Honey – Wildflower, Clover, Poplar Tulip.
Flavor – Sweet, Floral, Low Acidity, Bright.
Aroma – Floral with that lovely nuttiness of wood.
Color – Golden Amber, what everyone expects.
Texture – Smooth, Silky, Slight tingle in throat.
Review Summary
Dancing Bees Farm Pure Raw Honey
The Honey Review
Dancing Bees Farm Pure Raw Honey Rating & Analysis
Honey
Flavor
Aroma
Color
Texture
Review Summary
Dancing Bees Farm sets the standard for North Carolina Piedmont honey. It is a clean, honest, and technically superior product that justifies its artisan price point through sheer freshness and floral complexity.
