Dundee Honey Brown 12Pk

Dundee Honey Brown 12Pk is a 4.5% ABV honey brown lager sold in a twelve-pack of 12 oz bottles, brewed with pure Manitoba White Clover Honey. Introduced in 1994 by the Genesee Brewing Company in Rochester, New York, it is credited as one of the first American beers to incorporate real honey into its recipe — a distinction that earned it a Gold Medal at the 2004 World Beer Cup in the Special Honey Lager or Ale category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.5%  |  Origin: Rochester, New York, USA  |  Style: Honey Brown Lager  |  IBU: 10  |  Brewery: Genesee Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Genesee Brewing Company, one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the United States, has been brewing in Rochester, New York since 1878. Dundee Honey Brown Lager is built on a base of premium barley and hops, with pure Manitoba White Clover Honey added during the brewing process — not as a flavoring additive, but as a genuine fermentable ingredient that shapes both body and sweetness. At just 10 IBU, the hop bitterness is deliberately restrained, allowing the honey and malt character to lead the flavor profile. The result is a smooth, accessible lager that helped pioneer the honey beer category in American brewing when it debuted three decades ago.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Golden caramel and toasted malt greet the nose first, followed by a gentle, floral honey sweetness. There is a light nuttiness underneath that rounds out the bouquet without becoming heavy.

Taste: Honey is evident from the first sip, weaving into toasted malt and light caramel at the entry. The mid-palate fills out with a velvety, full-bodied texture that belies its moderate 4.5% ABV. Nutty undertones emerge as the sweetness stays controlled — present but never cloying.

Finish: Clean and crisp, with honey sweetness extending gently into the aftertaste. The finish is medium in length with a smooth, slightly toasty fade that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Honey Brown

Honey Brown drinks best chilled to around 40–45°F, poured into a pint glass or lager glass that lets its deep golden color show. It is a straightforward, satisfying beer on its own, but also works well in simple beer cocktails. A Bee Sting (honey lager with a splash of orange juice) plays up the citrus-honey interplay. A Shandy made with fresh lemonade pairs naturally with the beer's existing sweetness and crispness. And a Boilermaker alongside a bourbon with honey notes creates a complementary pairing without clashing flavors.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and casual summer gatherings where easy-drinking beer is essential
• Introducing craft-curious friends to beers with more character than standard lagers
• Pairing with grilled or smoked meats at a cookout
• Stocking a home fridge for weeknight unwinding with a reliable, flavorful lager

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Honey Brown taste like? Dundee Honey Brown delivers toasted malt and real honey sweetness up front, with nutty caramel undertones and a crisp, clean finish. It is smooth and full-bodied for a lager, with a sweetness that stays balanced rather than sugary.

How does Honey Brown compare to Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss? Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss is a wheat-based beer with a lighter, more citrusy profile, while Dundee Honey Brown is a lager built on barley malt, producing a fuller body and more pronounced toasted, nutty character. Both use real honey, but Honey Brown leans darker and maltier at a slightly lower ABV of 4.5%.

Is Honey Brown good for beginners? Its low bitterness (10 IBU), gentle honey sweetness, and smooth body make it an excellent gateway beer for anyone transitioning from mainstream lagers to more flavorful options.

Where is Honey Brown made? Dundee Honey Brown is brewed by the Genesee Brewing Company in Rochester, New York. The brewery has operated in Rochester since 1878 and remains one of the oldest in the United States.

What foods pair well with Honey Brown? Pulled pork or smoked ribs complement its toasted malt sweetness. Roasted chicken with a honey glaze echoes the beer's core flavor. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a satisfying contrast with its smooth body. Grilled stone fruit like peaches plays off the honey notes. Honey mustard-dressed salads align naturally with the lager's gentle sweetness.

What sizes does Honey Brown come in? This listing is a 12-pack of 12 oz bottles, which is the standard multipack format. Dundee Honey Brown is also commonly available in 6-pack configurations.

Is Honey Brown worth the price? Dundee Honey Brown positions as a value-tier craft lager — offering noticeably more flavor and character than a standard domestic lager while remaining one of the most affordable options in the honey beer category. Its 2004 World Beer Cup Gold Medal adds legitimate credential to its price point.

Why Honey Brown?

Dundee Honey Brown earned its reputation by being early and authentic. Launched in 1994 with real Manitoba White Clover Honey at a time when honey beers were virtually nonexistent on American shelves, it helped define a category that dozens of breweries have since entered. The 2004 World Beer Cup Gold Medal validated what drinkers already knew — this is a well-constructed, honest honey lager. Three decades later, its combination of toasted malt depth, real honey sweetness, and clean drinkability at 4.5% ABV keeps it relevant in a crowded market, proving that a simple idea executed well doesn't need reinvention.