Written by I was recently sent a sample of the Dundee Honey Brown Lager to sample for The Brew Club. Trying to be a good beer reviewer, I like to look into the beer itself and learn something about the brewer as well as the beer itself if I can. I’ve found that the Dundee ‘Original’ Honey Brown Lager has an interesting story.
Apparently, this ‘beer brewed with honey’ was a big hit for many years, and then for whatever reasons – maybe people’s tastes changed – its popularity began to wane. The people who brew the Dundee beers happen to be the same people who crank out Genessee beers from the same brewery in Rochester, New York.
The Dundee lineup went through something of a makeover, and all the beer styles got a new look similar to the label on the right in the picture.
I happen to like the new look that they came up with – but the sales of honey brown lager didn’t seem to bounce back as expected.
So, what was decided was that after a couple of years with the new look, Dundee thought that going back to the ‘classic’ label (bottle on left) would bring back the old fans of the beer who perhaps went away because they were confused by the new label. The old label emphasizes “HONEY BROWN” while the new one emphasizes the brand – Dundee.
It’s an interesting story and an interesting marketing idea – I’m curious to know how it turns out for them – if sales of honey brown lager go back up as a result of the new ‘old’ label or not. I’m not sure if they are going to retro-label the rest of their beer lineup or not. Anyone know? I actually like the new look of their beer lineup but I was never a Honey Brown buyer to begin with so I guess it doesn’t matter as much to me.
So, not that’s behind us so let’s check out the beer. Dundee Honey Brown Lager weighs in at 4.5% ABV and pours a very nice and clear (surprise!) honey-color. The picture below shows a decently sized foamy head that had pretty good retention.
I had the beer from the fridge so it was on the cold side, and for the most part smelling the beer didn’t reveal too much. It was mostly sweet smelling but I’m not sure I would say it smells a lot like honey. Not much else going on here really.
Getting on to the taste, the Honey Brown is also sweet and it has some nice malty 
flavors to it, but if I had to sum it up I would say that it tasted like a typical lager, with a little bit of a honey kick to it. I wouldn’t say that this beer screams honey flavors – just a touch and I found it to be more pronounced actually in the aftertaste. Otherwise, eh.
Mouthfeel and body were typically lager. Watery and thin, this beer won’t overly excite your tastebuds but hey, its a lager!
Overall, I think that the Dundee Honey Brown Lager, in whatever label they choose to dress it in is an OK lager. Its a definite step-up from the standard lager scene and might make a nice change from Corona or Bud at the BBQ this summer. It’s light which is nice during the hotter months – but its not all that complex or interesting as far as beers go.
The big thing with this beer is HONEY, and honestly it was less than spectacular in that regard. While a completely different style, I found that the Samuel Adams Honey Porter was much more honey-focused, and for a lager I thought that Pacifico, the Mexican-brewed lager did the honey thing a little bit better.
So, I’m going to give it 2 stars, mainly because it was OK, but turn up the honey flavor a bit more! Rating: 
This was one of my first craft beers when I started getting into the hobby. I remember we got on old case for $15 or so, just because it was old. Great deal for a college kid. The next time I went back they had changed all of their labeling, and I think it looked a lot better. All of their different styles looked like they belonged together. When I went to the store yesterday I noticed it was back to their original bottles.
It isn’t a bad tasting beer, but it doesn’t stand out at all. Very one note.
.-= Nate´s last blog ..Importance of commerical beer to the homebrewer =-.
@Nate – I think that sums it up well. Not a bad beer, but very one-dimensional.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Avery Hog Heaven-Barleywine Style Ale =-.
This was one beer that helped me bridge the gap between light lager and craft beer. IMHO, it’s a stepping stone beer. Not bad, but not all that good either. It’s quaffable and refreshing on a hot day, but then so is Mirror Pond Pale Ale.
.-= Big Tex´s last blog ..Riverside Delta Homebrew =-.
I think it is ridiculous the changes they are making. Sales dropped off, so they change the label? Then when sales continue to drop they go back to the old label? How about fixing the beer? Obviously the american beer drinker has moved beyond this brew, so they should change the brew, not the label!
Oh, and Big Tex, with all those NW Beers you keep being a proponent of , you might consider changing your handle to Big Grunge…Just sayin’
.-= Don´s last blog ..Teasing Don with Troegs Flying Mouflan =-.
@Big Tex – I’d agree. Seeing something like this in an ice bucket along with something like Newcastle Brown Ale would be better than having just Coors or the like. Its not an offensive beer and I hope that’s not what came across in the review – its just kinda blaaah.
@Don – I suppose you’re right. I guess it was a winner at some point but people’s tastes changed. Looking @ a sixer in the store this week, it was priced up there @ $7.99 which is more than some good craft beers are priced. Problem is if they sell it too cheap it gets lumped in with the ‘cheap’ beers.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Chalky’s Bark and Chalky’s Bite Beer =-.
Hey, Don! I may live near Seattle, and drink tons of NW beers (because that’s what readily available at the store), but my heart’s still in Texas. I’d say that Southern Star’s Pine Belt Pale Ale is also quite refreshing after mowing the yard in 100 degree summer heat… as I’m listening to Robert Earl Keen.
.-= Big Tex´s last blog ..Riverside Delta Homebrew =-.
Really, Big Tex. Hmmm, I’d have pegged you as a Nirvana fan!
.-= Don´s last blog ..Teasing Don with Troegs Flying Mouflan =-.
I used to really like Honey Brown…my guess is Budweiser swooped in and bought them out….can’t remember if I saw them in Beer Wars or not…I got a mixer 12 a few months pack and everything to me was just bland…
.-= Ales to Lagers´s last blog ..Hop of the Week: Palisade =-.
@Ales to Lagers – Thanks for stopping in! I’m pretty sure they are not owned by AB – I think they are brewed by the same people who make Genessee and a bunch of other beers.
http://www.pitchengine.com/thegeneseebrewingcompany/north-american-breweries-invests-in-change/13550/
I think what happened is a lot of people used to like it – perhaps it was very special but with all the great choices available now its hard for it to stand out. I haven’t tried any of the other beers in the Dundee line – not sure I’d go out of my way.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Lomza Polish Beer – This Week’s Lawnmower Beer =-.
Hey one of my home town brews made it here, sweet.
Honeybrown has been around since long before craft brewing and micro brewing were even a term people talked about. At least it seems that way. It’s a solid brew in my opinion and a favorite by my podcast partner, Rob.
Although I’d appeal for one more star I do agree they could turn up the honey flavor a notch. Dundee/Genesee has been trying more and more craft style beers of late but many of them kind of feel the same way to me, they are on the right track but could use more of oomf compared to what others are doing.
The exception to this are their two most recent seasonal selections, the Irish Red (now out of production) and their Summer wheat (Just hitting shelves around here now.)
Both are pretty good brews from the boys across the river, and hopefully starting a trend of better brews out of the old Genny plant here.
.-= Wolfman-K´s last blog ..$18 a bottle for Pumpernickel Porter, available at the Tap &… =-.
@WolfmanK – thanks for the local perspective! I think you’re the second or third person who recommended their Summer Wheat. If I see it I’ll be sure to give it a try!
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Stone Pale Ale =-.
I think two stars is a fair rating for this beer. This is a beer that has been around a long time, and it needs more than a label change to find it’s niche again.
I agree with WolfmanK that a lot of the Dundee beers lack “oomf.” They are trying to straddle that line between mass appeal and craft credibility. I’ll have to try the Summer Wheat now and see what’s up.
I tried it for the first time last weekend and I was surprised with the quality taste of The Honey Brown beer. Excellent product.
@Blake – sorry for the reply-delay! You make a good point about where these beers seem to be positioned, except that’s also the best place for a brand to remain/become invisible!
@jgalvis – Glad you enjoyed it. Have you tried any of the other Dundee offerings?
I love this beer. I don’t drink regular beer anymore since I found this one. I’ve tried hundreds of different beers… lots of imports, malts, ales, lagars, and pilsner. Honey Brown is the smoothest lagar I’ve tasted. That’s what I like about it… that I can drink it often. Some are so strong that its something u want once in awhile. Honey Brown is my main beer, whenever I have a beer. Its best ice cold! I can’t get it anymore. I went t jrs. And they said they sold the company, and they can’t order it anymore… I’m so bummed about that. If anyone knows anything, please post it here. Thanks. THIS BEER I AWESOME!!!!
THIS BEER IS AWESOME!!!!!!!
@lorrie – Hadn’t heard anything about the beer not being made anymore. Maybe its an issue with the local distributor being sold or something? I saw a bunch of it in my local place in August, but that doesn’t mean anything. If I hear something, I’ll put it here.
I can’t say I have the same enthusiasm about this beer that you do, but I will agree that it sucks that you found a beer you really like and can’t get it anymore!
I am local to the genesee / high falls brewery that made this brand. The genesee brewery was sold a few years ago but the new owners have kept all the brands and labels running as well as bringing back a few that had disappeared over the years. Dundee honey brown is still being made and readily available.
Its possible the distribution deals changed with the new owners but I wouldnt have thought so. It sounds to me like you shoul maybe inquirer at a different store.
Thanks Wolfman-K!