Hope "Queen Bee" Honey Blonde Ale

Local honey. International collaboration. A golden celebration of craft.
Queen Bee is a very special limited-edition release from Hope Brewery, created to celebrate 10 years of brewing excellence and collaboration. Brewed together with sister brewery Brouwerij Hoop from the Netherlands, this elegant Honey Blonde Ale brings together Irish ingredients, Dutch brewing heritage, and a shared passion for creating distinctive craft beers.

At the heart of Queen Bee is locally sourced Fingal ivy honey from Figures Crossed Farm, carefully selected to bring its own character to the beer rather than simply adding sweetness. The honey creates a delicate golden richness, complementing the clean blonde ale base while allowing subtle floral and natural notes to shine through.

The beer is built around balance and elegance. European hops add gentle aromas of honey, melon, and fresh herbs, while the finish carries a smooth sweetness alongside delicate minty and woody nuances. The result is a refined blonde ale that feels both approachable and unique — a celebration of local produce, international friendship, and thoughtful brewing.

For craft beer lovers in Ireland, Queen Bee represents exactly what makes modern independent brewing so exciting: collaboration, creativity, and a connection between the brewer, the ingredients, and the community around them.

Why we love it:
Queen Bee is a beautiful example of how a single ingredient can transform a beer. The honey does not overpower the style; instead, it adds depth, softness, and a subtle natural sweetness that works in harmony with the crisp blonde ale base. The collaboration between Hope and Hoop adds another layer of interest, creating a beer that feels like a meeting point between Irish creativity and Dutch brewing tradition.

It’s elegant without being complicated, refreshing without being ordinary, and a perfect showcase of how craft beer can tell a story.