Nothing says summer like fresh juicy blackberries or a snifter of port on a warm summer's eve by a backyard firepit with friends. This latest batch combines the best of those two summer favorites. In collaborated with Abbey Creek winery, I received two port barrels that had recently housed blackberry port, made with Kotata blackberries. The port itself was dry and tart, with a hint of sweetness. The Blackberry honey was sweet with big juicy flavor and together it's like eating blackberry jam with a slight tannic bite. The wood was saturated with color and port was just pulled into the honey, like a enthusiastic hug from an old friend.

*Pictured: Berry inspired Gin and Tonic from Freeland Spirits, using Freeland Blue Gin, Batch 111: Blackberry honey aged in blackberry port barrels, FeverTree tonic and orange bitters.