From Mighty Oaks, Volcanic Soil & Protected Slopes: Giorgios’ Mount Othyrs Oak Honey

The journey

Back on a June day a couple of years ago, Asterios (our man in Greece) took me to a rendezvous in a sleepy village where we met Giorgios. After showing me his organic allotment, he drove us towards Mount Othyrs. We left the metalled roads and eased onto a rough mountain track — a slow, body-shaking ascent with meadows and scrubland on either side. Higher up, the air felt sharper and cleaner.

Among the oaks

At around a thousand metres the landscape shifted. There were wide-trunked oaks with stretches of meadow between them. They looked old and well-rooted in very fertile soil. Standing there, I felt the richness of the land passing straight into the honey.

Geologists describe Mount Othyrs as a mix of ancient oceanic crust and old volcanic flows — which may explain the mineral-rich soils that feed these oaks and give the honey depth. Much of Othyrs also lies within a Natura 2000 protected area, set aside to safeguard habitats and wildlife. It’s a reminder of how unspoilt this mountain still is — and why the bees thrive here.

Where the bees collect

As we stood among the oaks, a flock of goats clattered by, bells ringing as they headed up the mountain. Giorgios pointed out an acorn cluster with golden sap weeping from it. Unlike blossom honeys, oak honey comes from tree sap — honeydew. The bees turn it into something dark, thick and full-bodied, with earthy depth and strong mineral notes.

Taste & character

Compared with Antonio’s and Thomas’ oaks, Giorgios’ has a different edge — bolder and fruitier, with strong hints of molasses, a follow-through of malt and stewed summer fruits, and a lingering mineral finish. When you open the jar, it looks almost black with amber highlights. The aroma is earthy and fruity, with those unmistakable oak notes.

This year's honey has some Sidr in it as well, maybe this is why it is so potent.

Potency & uses

This batch tested at Active 32.5.  Very potent — on a par with strong Manuka — though of course this is from Greek oaks. People often use oak honeys to soothe sore throats and ease coughs; some apply it to minor burns or sores on the skin. Giorgios’ honey is very thick and full-bodied.