Noob from SML, Virginia (And a question on honey)

[Jfultz]

Hello all! Been reading about beer and home brew for about a year now (since the day I found out that was something you could even do), and I've finally had the means to make it happen.
I've got myself a simple setup and a Brewer's Best cream ale kit that I plan on starting in a couple of days. I've been knocking around the forum for ideas to substitute for the corn sugar (without mashing), and I thought honey would make a nice addition. I read a thread on literally the same kit and subject, and there was a lot of debate on whether or not to boil, and no actual results. I'm curious to know from anyone with experience with honey has any concise information on how/when to add the honey to make the flavor a actually come through in the brew. Aside from that, wish me luck! I'll keep you posted.
Cheers! Josh

 

[GaBrewZoo]

Honey is antimicrobial so try adding it after flameout when your wort is still warm so the honey will be easier to get mixed in.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

I think your only chance at getting some of the honey flavor to come through from honey in a beer, would be to caramelize the honey first.
I've done a number of experiments with honey in beer in varying portions and at different [points in the boil, and my general advice is to use about 5% max if you are using a standard ale yeast/ beer recipe. Any more and the beer takes on a winey or cidery profile that I wasn't crazy about (too thin).
Although, my last batch with nearly 20% fermentables from honey turned out pretty nice with a belle saison yeast and warmer fermentation temperatures. The Saison characteristics really made up for (or covered up) the lack of body caused by the honey.

I haven't tried out the caramelization technique myself, but it is up next on my to do list. It sounds promising for helping the honey retain some complex sugars post fermentation.

 

[Jfultz]

Thanks for the advice. I'll look up techniques on caramelizing.

Edit: here's a link to the process. Looks super simple.
http://ifood.tv/techniques/179543-how-to-caramelize-honey