Happy Earth Month!

Around here, April isn’t just another month—it’s Earth Month, a time to celebrate and deepen our commitment to sustainable business practices. At The Hive Taproom, sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s woven into everything we do, from the ingredients we choose to the way we craft our session meads. Here’s how we’re raising a glass to the planet, one sip at a time.

Sourcing Locally: A Taste of Wisconsin

Sustainability starts with knowing where your ingredients come from. That’s why we keep it local, sourcing raw honey, Rishi tea, and Wisconsin-grown hops from trusted local suppliers. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint of transportation, but it also means you get the freshest, most flavorful ingredients in every can. When you drink our mead, you’re not just supporting a small business—you’re supporting a network of Wisconsin farmers and beekeepers who share our commitment to the environment.

Better Packaging: 100% Recyclable Aluminum Cans

We believe that what holds your drink is just as important as what’s inside. That’s why we package our session meads in aluminum cans—one of the most recyclable materials on the planet. Aluminum can be recycled infinitely without losing quality, and every can you toss into the recycling bin has the potential to be back on the shelf in as little as 60 days. It’s a small change with a big impact, keeping waste out of landfills and reducing the demand for new raw materials.

Water-Wise Brewing: Less Waste, More Flavor

Did you know that making session mead requires significantly less water than producing alcohol from crops like wheat, barley, corn, cane sugar, or grapes? Our brewing process is inherently water-efficient, and it doesn’t stop there. The honey our bees produce comes from flowers nourished by natural rainfall, not large-scale irrigation. Every drop of our mead represents a more responsible use of water resources—something worth toasting to!

Supporting Local Bees: 180 Colonies and Counting

Healthy pollinators mean a healthier planet, and we take our role in supporting them seriously. Between our own 30-50 beehives and the honey we source from local beekeepers within a 60-mile radius, we actively support around 180 bee colonies. These hardworking bees aren’t just making honey for our mead; they’re also pollinating crops, flowers, and wild spaces that sustain our local ecosystem.

Organic Beekeeping: Keeping It Clean for the Bees

We also raise our bees using organic methodology and keep toxic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides off our property. By maintaining a chemical-free environment, we ensure that our bees thrive naturally, producing pure, high-quality honey while supporting the health of the broader ecosystem. Protecting pollinators means protecting biodiversity, and we take that responsibility to heart.

Restoring the Land: 3.5 Acres of Native Perennials

In fall 2022, we took another step toward a greener future by planting 3.5 acres of native perennials. This diverse, pollinator-friendly habitat provides food and shelter not only for our honey bees but also for native pollinators like butterflies, bumblebees, and solitary bees. By restoring native plants, we’re helping to create a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity and strengthens the environment for future generations.

Cheers to Earth Month!

Sustainability isn’t just a talking point—it’s a way of life. Every time you choose our session mead, you’re making a choice that supports local farmers, protects pollinators, conserves water, and reduces waste.

So here’s to Earth Month—to the bees, the blooms, the brews, and to you! Thank you for raising a glass with us to a greener, more sustainable world. Cheers!