The tip on getting to know a beekeeper is a good one. I get a 5 gallon
pail for $50 to $60 US. I knew I was getting it cheap but did not know
how cheap...

It makes great mead.

Joe

Buying honey in small jars is expensive but a gallon will make a 5
gallon
batch and local honey can be bought for $25 per gallon in most areas.
I
will pay $35 for specialty honey from another area for a special
batch.
Even at $35 that is only $1.50 to $1.75 per bottle.

If you are playing around with mead you might want to check out the
rec.crafts.meadmaking group. It is a sort of sister group to this
one but
specializes in mead. There are subtle differences.