A few years ago, I was looking for a way to settle a restless mind. My head could get quite busy, and I found that the constant internal noise wasn't helping. I eventually found a different rhythm outdoors, working with the bees.

I will never forget the first time I opened a colony; the air instantly humming with the mesmerizing buzz of hundreds of tiny wings taking flight. Beekeeping, in that moment, truly grounded me. In the apiary, the noise finally stopped.

When I chose to give up alcohol, I was looking for non-alcoholic options that weren't loaded with refined sugar, artificial additives, and honestly cheap ingredients. I wanted something different—clean, functional, and good for you.

I started experimenting, combining the green tea I was drinking for focus with the honey from my own hives here in Hampshire.

What emerged from those trials was something I hadn't seen before: a sparkling cold-brewed tea, sweetened only with honey. It isn’t kombucha, mead, or soda. It’s just a simple, balanced drink made with a bit of patience.

Black Bear started as a personal project—a way to find a bit of clarity for myself. It’s grown since then, but the process hasn't changed. We still use the same honey, the same slow brew, and the same care.

Stephen x