Judging honey in a competition is a careful, structured process. Entries in the Tasmanian Honey Competition will use appearance, aroma, flavour, and texture as the main criteria. Each entry will be given a score out 100 points. Here’s a clear breakdown:
1. Appearance (20 points)
- Clarity: Honey should be free from impurities like wax, propolis, or air bubbles. Some honey naturally crystallises, which is okay if it’s smooth and fine.
- Colour: Evaluated against the expected colour for the type of honey. There’s usually a standard for light, amber, and dark honeys.
- Consistency/Viscosity: The body should be uniform, not watery or excessively thick (unless crystallised naturally).
2. Aroma (20 points)
- Swirl the honey gently in a clear glass and smell it.
- Key points: Clean, fresh, and characteristic of the floral source. Avoid any off smells (fermentation, sourness, or burnt notes).
- Judges often use a “sniff test” to detect subtle floral, fruity, or herbal notes.
3. Flavour (20 points)
- Usually tasted on a spoon at room temperature.
- Sweetness: Balanced, not overly harsh or cloying.
- Complexity: Good honey has layers of flavour reflecting the nectar source—floral, fruity, herbal, nutty, or even caramel notes.
- Aftertaste: Should be pleasant, not bitter or metallic.
- Judges often do a “slurp test” to coat the tongue, which helps detect subtle flavours.
4. Texture & Mouthfeel (20 points)
- Smoothness is ideal—no grittiness (unless it’s coarse crystallised honey, which is acceptable if expected).
- Should coat the mouth lightly and dissolve easily.
5. Overall impressions / Balance (20 points)
- Judges consider the harmony of appearance, aroma, flavour, and texture.
- Exceptional honey has a clean, bright aroma, a complex and balanced flavour, and a pleasing mouthfeel.
Judges are given a judging sheet that is designed to help them grade each of the criteria above – supporting fair, consistent and educational judging for beekeepers and judges alike.
What’s next?
Before entering, and before preparing your honey, please read the competition rules.
Ready to go?
Now that you understand how it all works, please enter the competition.