>> This smell is more than likely from goldenrod honey that the bees are
 
>...if golden  rod is an american plant, I don't think that would be the
answer.
 
I can also attest that there is NO goldenrod anywhere in my vicinity,
but my bees produce this smell now and then.  As I say, I keep having the
feeling there is a pheromonal component in it.  Hives run by biochemistry.  ;-)
 
Jane B.