Aberfeldy Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the whisky known around the world as the ‘Golden Dram’, is launching its Barrels & Bees initiative in Australia.

Bee populations are under threat around the globe. Destruction of their natural habitat, intensive farming practices, and pests and diseases are just some of the complex reasons driving a decline in both the number and diversity of bees. 

The Aberfeldy Barrels & Bees platform educates people about the plight of bees, while advocating provenance and the use of quality ingredients.

Abefeldy, which is part of the Bacardi family, is collaborating with the Urban Beehive to teach bartenders in Melbourne and Sydney about how honey is made, the types of honey available in Australia, conservation and why bees are important and, of course, how to use honey in drinks.

The Urban Beehive puts beehives in city backyards, businesses, community gardens and on rooftops; from Bondi to Marrickville – even the Botanic Gardens. It will supply local honey to bartenders for experimentation.

“Just like honey, Aberfeldy whisky is available across the world,” said Georgie Mann, Aberfeldy Brand Ambassador. “Urban beehives are thriving across Australia and we are proud to partner with local producers, incorporating delicious tasting honey which is unique to each site into Aberfeldy cocktails.”

Following their bee experience, bartenders will head back to the bar with their new found knowledge and get creative. Their task is to put their spin on the Aberfeldy classics – the Hot Toddy (pictured above) and the Golden Dram.

These cocktails will then be on offer to consumers, with Aberfeldy making a donation for each cocktail sold to research that addresses the national and global threats to bees.

Keen to make a honey cocktail at home? Try this thirst quencher:

Honey Highball

Tall and refreshing, this is a slightly unusual twist on the classic whisky highball featuring chilled herbal tea as the mixer.

50ml Aberfeldy 12

120ml Sweetened chilled chamomile tea*

5ml Lemon juice

Garnish: Lemon slice

*Once tea is brewed, add 1tsp local honey and stir to dissolve before chilling.

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