Priming with Honey

[devilssoninlaw]

Getting ready to do a 5 gallon batch of Honey Brown Ale and was considering priming my bottles with honey. My questions are this....

Will the honey primer increase the honey taste or will that ferment out ? I assume it will enhance the flavor, as the addition of honey at the end of the boil is still present at bottling time.

If you've done this, how much honey did you use for 5 gallons ? I realize there's more variables than using processed sugar.

Should I boil it down with some water to thin it out ?

Thanks!!!

 

[RPh_Guy]

I haven't noticed honey taste in beers or ciders I've primed with [cheap clover] honey. Stronger honey varietals might impart more flavor.

I always recommend a priming sugar calculator.
https://www.morebeer.com/content/priming_sugar_calculator

Yes, the sugar content of honey is variable, but not enough to have a major impact on carbonation level (expect +/- approx 10%). If you measure your honey ppg you can do more accurate math.

I would definitely dilute it with water & bring to a boil, just like any other priming sugar. If using raw honey you at least need to pasteurize it.

Cheers

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

I have not noticed any additional flavor either, but in my mind at least there is some extra goodness to be noticed. (I haven’t done a side by side with different priming sugars on the same beer)

This source supports the idea that honey adds a little extra floral notes, though not actual flavor.
https://beerandbrewing.com/priming-sugar-alternatives/