Why does my hive smell?

[meade kampe]

I opened up one of my hives yesterday so that my daughter could take some photographs for an art project.  It smelled very sour, like wet wood.  My daughter said it smelled like old bread or yeast.  Everything looks "normal"  But the smell is very heavy and disturbing.  What could it be?

[indypartridge]

It's very likely goldenrod.  Very pungent, smells like wet, dirty socks.

This is the time of year when I can smell my hives nearly 100 yards away.

[AllenF]

Ya, ditto.   

[Kathyp]

it's even more disturbing in an observation hive in the house!   :-D

[AllenF]

Disturbing?  Or disgusting?

[meade kampe]

It was disturbing because I didn't know what it was!  I am so glad my girls have taken advantage of the golden rod in my area!  Thank-you for your replies!!

[harvey]

Once the honey cures the smell will also go away and it is some of the best honey around!!!!  Darker than most and very flavorfull. 

[AllenF]

This afternoon about dark, was the first time this year I could smell the goldenrod honey outside the hives. 

[ArmucheeBee]

Harvey seems to have a discriminating palate!  Seems like most beeks here say to leave the goldenrod honey for over-wintering cause it does not taste good.  I have never tried it and leave it for winter because of smell and what others say here.  So, should I try it Harvey?

[AllenF]

I think most beeks leave the goldenrod honey because it is the last bit of honey the bees are going to get and it keeps the fall feeding down.   Supers are off the hives and let the bees fill the deeps with honey.

[meade kampe]

I sampled the goldenrod honey..... and its lovely! ;)