The Outer Banks BeeKeepers’ Guild is pleased to announce the winners of the Third Annual Honey Contest held in November. With samplings of 12 unique Outer Banks honeys from Guild members’ hives, each with it’s own special features, the judges and attendees again had their work cut out for them.  Many thanks to all who contributed to the evening, either with food or beverages, raffle and door prize items, or just their delightful presence!

Guest judges were Rick Coor, president of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association, Paul Newbold, incoming president of the NCSBA, and Joey Russo, owner (and chef) of one of Kitty Hawk finest eateries – Russo’s Bistro and Bar. Chef Russo also created the delicious main course for the evening’s potluck dinner.

The individual honeys’ qualities such as density, clarity and flavor were compared, votes were tallied, and the winners were:

Judge’s Choice – Light: Lenie & Tom Taylor (Wanchese).
Judge’s Choice – Amber: Denise Deacon (Kitty Hawk).
People’s Choice: Bobby Dupree (Kill Devil Hills).

Special Mentions:
Judge’s Second & Third Place – Light: Virgil Lanning (Kitty Hawk) and Don Babin (Rodanthe)
Judge’s Second & Third Place – Amber: Melissa Warner (Manteo) and Sophie & Amy Johnson (Kitty Hawk)

The Outer Banks BeeKeepers’ Guild welcomes anyone who would like to know more about honey bees and beekeeping to join us at our monthly meetings, usually held the second Wednesday of each month. Please visit outerbanksbeekeepers.com for more information, or contact OBBG president Denise Deacon at (252) 722-3118.

L-R: Joey Russo, Bobby Dupree, Tom Taylor, Lenie Taylor, Paul Newbold, Denise Deacon, Rick Coor