The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of Austin County hosted the Black Jar Honey Contest on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The event brought together beekeepers and honey enthusiasts from across Texas to celebrate locally produced honey.
Beekeepers from Austin, Bexar, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Schleicher, Walker, Waller and Washington counties submitted entries. Each participant offered a sample that represented the flavor, aroma and craftsmanship of Texas honey.
Black Jar Honey Contest Focuses on Flavor
Unlike traditional honey competitions, the Black Jar Honey Contest does not judge entries by color or appearance. Instead, the format allows judges to focus on taste and aroma.
“This contest gives honey a chance to speak for itself,” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Stacie Villarreal said. “It highlights the incredible diversity of flavors that bees and beekeepers can produce, from delicate floral notes to rich, complex flavors.”
The judging process also demonstrated how much honey can vary from one location to another. Flowers, plants, weather and other local conditions can influence the aroma and flavor of each batch.
Bexar County Beekeepers Win Top Award
Bob and Diane Mahan of Bexar County won the 2026 Black Jar Honey Contest. Judges described their entry as having a floral and fruity aroma. They also noted its fruity flavor and floral undertones.
Glen Frey of Walker County earned second place. Judges summed up his entry as “autumn in a jar.”
Tom Shaughnessy of Austin County placed third. His honey featured a fruity, cider-like aroma. Judges also described it as fruity upfront with a warm finish.
The contest included a People’s Choice Award. Members of the Extension office sampled the six highest-rated entries before selecting their favorite. Brian Jessogen of Colorado County received the People’s Choice honor.
Contest Promotes Beekeeping and Pollinator Education
The Black Jar Honey Contest supports a broader effort to promote beekeeping and educate the public about honeybees. It also encourages greater appreciation for pollination and locally produced honey.
“We are grateful to everyone who entered, judged, volunteered and supported this year’s contest,” Villarreal said. “Events like this bring attention to the hard work of beekeepers and the important role honeybees play in our communities and agriculture.”
For information about upcoming events or local beekeeping activities, contact Villarreal at 979-865-2072 or visit austin.agrilife.org.
