Sun Bear Tupelo

Sun Bear Tupelo is a link in Cornell & Diehl's Sun Bear series, built around varieties of honey. Bright and red Virginia leaf are joined by 2019-harvest Basma and 2018-harvest Izmir Orientals; the blend is presented as flake. It takes its name from tupelo honey gathered from Florida's wetland forests; the casing adds notes of silver tequila and elderflower alongside the honey.

On the flavor side it builds an intense but creamy, round profile; the Oriental leaf carries the floral side, Virginia the sweet base. Being a limited-quantity release, it isn't currently available on the market; records indicate production was capped at 20,000 tins. The flake cut and this composition make it well suited to cellaring.