Blog

Why Bees Matter More Than Ever

Why Bees Matter More Than Ever

This World Bee Day, May 20th, we’re sounding the alarm—and sharing hope. Beekeeper Ayla reports losing 50% of her colonies this year, while beekeepers nationwide face losses up to 80%, threatening not only the bees but the foods we rely on them to pollinate—like almonds, which yield 10x more with bees. But we can help turn things around: by planting native flowers, avoiding harmful neonicotinoid pesticides, and supporting local, organic farms. Every small action adds up. Together, we can protect the bees and build a better buzz.

Happy Mother’s Day to All the Queens!

Happy Mother’s Day to All the Queens!

The Ultimate Mother: The Queen Bee What does that mean? Well, here at The Hive, we have 30 extraordinary mothers to honor—our queen bees! Each colony has a single queen,...

The Power of a Passionate Team: Why Joyful Energy Makes All the Difference

The Power of a Passionate Team: Why Joyful Energy Makes All the Difference

At The Hive Taproom, we believe that our greatest ingredient isn’t just the raw, local honey we brew into every pour—it’s the people behind the bar who make every visit...

Welcoming 200,000 New Bees: A Fresh Start for the Season

Welcoming 200,000 New Bees: A Fresh Start for the Season

Spring has officially arrived at the apiary, and with it, a major milestone in the beekeeping calendar. Last week, Beekeeper Ayla welcomed 200,000 new honeybees into her buzzing ecosystem—20 screened...

Leave the Leaves: Why Your Spring Yard Cleanup Can Wait

Leave the Leaves: Why Your Spring Yard Cleanup Can Wait

As spring arrives, so does the urge to tidy up our yards, clearing away winter’s remnants to make room for fresh growth. Here at The Hive Taproom, we get it—the...

Happy Earth Month!

Happy Earth Month!

Around here, April isn’t just another month—it’s Earth Month, a time to celebrate and deepen our commitment to sustainable business practices. At The Hive Taproom, sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s...

Spring Reset: Refresh, Renew, and Realign

Spring Reset: Refresh, Renew, and Realign

The Spring Equinox marks a powerful shift—a time when day and night stand in perfect balance, and nature begins to awaken wih new life. As the earth renews itself, this...

Want a green lawn that also benefits the bees?

Want a green lawn that also benefits the bees?

Bet you didn’t think we’d have snow on the first day of spring! That last gasp of winter might feel like a setback, but for savvy gardeners and eco-conscious lawn...

Spring is on Its Way: The Bees Know It, and So Do We

Spring is on Its Way: The Bees Know It, and So Do We

Something about those crisp 50-degree days and the extra hours of sunlight signals it—spring is heading our way! Here in Wisconsin, we know the reality: winter isn’t quite done with...

Shrinking vs. Expanding

Shrinking vs. Expanding

Ayla here. In nature, there’s a balance of new growth and death. Neither are good or bad, it’s just is. I think of the oak trees by the Taproom –...

Can a Beverage Make You Smile? We Know So.

Can a Beverage Make You Smile? We Know So.

We all carry stress—on our shoulders, in our minds, deep in our bones. It builds up in ways we don’t even realize, from the pressure of never-ending to-do lists to...

An Ode to Snow: A Beautiful Connection Between Weather and Altruism

An Ode to Snow: A Beautiful Connection Between Weather and Altruism

This week, we experienced both the crisp joy of snowfall and National Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Day. As the snowflakes gently fell, there was something almost magical about the...

Raise a Glass to Love: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Dry Session Mead

Raise a Glass to Love: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Dry Session Mead

This Valentine’s Day, why not surprise your sweetheart with something a little different? Instead of the usual flowers or chocolates, why not give the gift of a beverage as pure...

Winter Wonders: What Bees Do When the Cold Sets In

Winter Wonders: What Bees Do When the Cold Sets In

Ah, February in East Troy — a time when the snow (if we have it!) sparkles like diamonds, the wind howls through the trees, and the local beekeepers are holding...

Meet Ayla and Tim: The Heart and Honey Behind The Hive Taproom

Meet Ayla and Tim: The Heart and Honey Behind The Hive Taproom

Hello and welcome! Whether you're new to our journey or have been following along since the beginning, we’re excited to reintroduce ourselves and share a little more about who we...

What’s the most meaningful compliment you’ve ever received?

What’s the most meaningful compliment you’ve ever received?

As you know, we’re all about nurturing human connection. Yes, we sell wine, but we exist because we believe there’s a better way to live, and that’s building connections between...