Frequently asked questions
What's in a name?
Smoky is homage to the cloud of smoke from the ‘hive smoker’ beekeepers use when working hives and the “Veil” refers to the protective face covering that helps shield them from stings.
Why smoke? When bees detect smoke, they instinctively move deeper into the hive, believing a fire may be nearby. The smoke also helps mask the alarm pheromones, helping to keep the colony calm. This response allows beekeepers to access the hive with minimal disruption.
Where are your products manufactured?
Our products are manufactured locally in the Waikato. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
IS THERE ANY ADDED ALCOHOL?
No, there is no added alcohol. We take a freshly emptied barrel from Pōkeno Whisky and fill it with our delicious honey. The honey then draws the flavours out of the barrel.
Allergens/Nutrition
Our honey may contain trace amounts of alcohol because our empty barrels have previously held whiskey that was made with grain. Please be mindful of this if you have sensitivities.
Why has my honey gone hard?
Pure honey naturally crystallises, especially in cooler months – this is completely normal and doesn't affect quality. We recommend keeping your bottle in a warmer spot to help it stay liquid.
If it has already set hard, place the bottle in hot water and stir to soften it. A skewer works well for stirring inside the bottle. Warm and mix until the honey returns to a smooth, liquid texture.
Our multifloral barrel aged honey isn't creamed, so it's designed to be pourable – but it may still crystallise depending on its natural characteristics. Sometimes crystallisation can look like separation or change in texture, as heavier crystals sink to the bottom. Just warm and stir as above.
What is the difference between UMF™ and MGO in Manuka Honey?
Both are ways of measuring the potency of mānuka honey. We use the MGO rating because it directly measures the amount of methylglyoxal in the honey – the higher the number, the higher the concentration. UMF™ is a trademarked grading system used by some producers.
Our New Zealand mānuka honey is independently tested at a certified laboratory, fully traceable from hive to jar, and is certified to meet New Zealand’s government standards for authenticity and purity – ensuring every jar is genuine premium mānuka honey.
We have confidence in the mānuka honey we use as the same honey is sold to other businesses who sell it under their own UMF™ brand.
How do I use my barrel-aged honey?
A single, delicate drizzle of barrel-aged honey introduces a depth of natural sweetness that effortlessly enhances and balances any dish.
Discover our favourite ways to indulge:
Spoonful: the simplest ritual of all – a spoonful a day, the way elders have done for generations, for everyday wellbeing. The perfect energy boost before golf or a gym session.
Savoury: elevate your cheese charcuterie board. Drizzle over roasted vegetables with feta whip and chilli crisp.
The Ultimate Cheese Pairing: drizzle over warm, baked feta, baked camembert, seared halloumi scattered with fresh herbs and toasted nuts
Reinterpret tradition: by layering over a crisp, white pavlova adorned with fresh figs and vanilla bean cream.
From the Flame: bestow a glossy, caramelised glaze upon BBQ meats or pan-seared King salmon just before serving.
Elevated Staples: transform the everyday by swirling into overnight oats, or cascading over light, fluffy buttermilk pancakes.
The Liquid Element: lace the interior of a crystal glass to add sophisticated depth to an espresso martini, ‘bees knees’ cocktail, or a chilled iced latte.
Sustainability & Packaging.
Follow a circular supply system as we give life back to a used barrel which then is used to create a new whisky again.
We work with ethical beekeepers who have a genuine passion for bees and the environment. They focus on optimising bee health, gentle handling, and not over-populating hive sites – so there's always plenty left for the bees to forage.
Our team have also been actively involved in planting projects over the years to help regenerate the environment.
We spent a lot of time thinking about the right packaging for our honey. Glass was the clear choice – it best preserves the aroma and flavour of aged honey, it's easy to warm to re-liquify the honey, and it's what our customers prefer.
We also wanted packaging that encourages reuse. Our jars are great for homemade salad dressings, work lunches, storing leftover sauces, or decanting bulk liquids into easier to use smaller bottles. We strongly encourage reusing them as many times as possible before recycling.
We have opted for minimal courier packaging – a more sustainable unboxing experience.
Travelling with honey?
Many countries allow you to carry New Zealand honey as a personal gift in your luggage – just check the import rules and volumes for your destination (and ports of call if on a cruise) before you pack. Products generally must be in their original, unopened, and commercially manufactured packaging.
You will need to check it in, in your checked luggage (cargo). Do not put in your carry-on (cabin luggage) as it is classified as a liquid and may be confiscated before you board. You need to declare it on arrival to the destination country as a “bee/animal product”.
Australia (except Western Australia as no NZ honey is allowed there sorry), USA & Canada allows 4kg net honey per person. EU & GB allows 2kg per person. Asia usually allows 4kg but again please always check your countries border control regulations to confirm limits.
Do you ship internationally?
Not yet – we currently ship within New Zealand only. Honey is an animal product subject to strict export regulations, biosecurity requirements, so international shipping isn't something we offer yet. If it is a large order get in touch via email and we can see what we can do.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is calculated based on your location and the items in your order. You will always know the shipping price before you purchase. View our shipping policy here.
When will I get my order?
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Do you do Corporate Gifting?
Yes, Smoky Veils offers corporate gifting options and offers custom labelling for your business gifting or promotions. Whether you are looking to impress clients, reward your team, thank speakers at your event or let suppliers know they’re important Smoky Veils is an intriguing, delicious, universal crowd pleasing option. For all enquiries contact us via email smokyveils@gmail.com