Michael Mahar: Rethinking Frames, Varroa, and Bourbon Honey (396)

What happens when a beekeeper with a zoology background, a manufacturing business, and a tendency to question conventional wisdom starts redesigning beekeeping equipment? In this episode, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Michael Mahar of 21st Bee, an Arkansas beekeeper and manufacturer who has spent years developing his own approach to bees, equipment, and even value-added honey.

Michael explains how frustration with assembling and repairing conventional frames led him to design an injection-molded plastic frame intended to withstand years of abuse. He discusses communication passages built into the frames, multiple cell sizes, drone foundation, small-cell foundation, and the practical considerations behind his designs.

The conversation then moves into more controversial territory: Michael's small-cell, treatment-free approach to Varroa management. Michael describes the selection process behind his locally adapted colonies, his unusual use of drone brood, and why he believes small-cell comb is only one component of a much larger management system. Becky adds important perspective on the research surrounding cell size and Varroa, while the group emphasizes that management strategies must account for location, colony genetics, neighboring beekeepers, and individual goals.

Then things take a completely different turn.

Michael reveals his painstaking process for producing bourbon-infused honey using carefully selected bourbon-soaked oak, different char and toast levels, temperature cycling, and months of tasting and adjustment.

Frames, Varroa, genetics, bourbon and honey—this conversation covers a remarkable amount of ground.

Websites from the episode and others we recommend:

• 21st Bee Website: https://www.21stbee.com
  
  
• Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org
• Project Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.org
• The National Honey Board: https://honey.com
• Honey Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com

Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC

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Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order.

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com.

We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies.

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com

Thank you for listening!

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Faraday by BeGun; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Christmas Avenue by Immersive Music; Red Jack Blues by Daniel Hart; Bolero de la Fontero by Rimsky Music; Perfect Sky by Graceful Movement; I'm Not Running Away This Time by Max Brodie; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott.

Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC

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Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC