A new beer – well, sorta new -- is making its debut this week at retail locations in Northeast Ohio. Chef Kimberly McCune Gibson, who has appeared on the Food Network and is owner of Hungry Bee, collaborated with Black Box Brewing Co. in Westlake to create ReHive Ale.

The beer, which clocks in at 5.5 percent alcohol per volume, is made with spices, orange peel and fresh honey from her family’s McCune Family Apiaries in Geauga County.

“It pays tribute to my Geauga County roots as a beekeeper’s daughter,” Gibson said.

She developed the recipe and then relied on Black Box owner/brewer Jerome Welliver to make the beer.

ReHive Ale has made an appearance at a special chef event last year, but it’s now available in six-packs at all Heinen’s grocery stores. The beer is distributed by Beverage Distributors in Cleveland and retails for $10.99.

ReHive Ale hit stores on Monday and is flying off the shelves, Gibson said. Gibson, who is a level two sommelier, said she has seen the growing popularity of beer, especially as a beverage paired with food. "Beer is the next big thing to hit these restaurants," she said.

Gibson will hold a few beer tastings this weekend. She will be at the Heinen’s in Aurora from 4 to 8 p.m. today (Nov. 9) and the Heinen’s in Bainbridge from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

She noted that honey is great for allergies. "I recommend that people with allergies drink our beer," she said, laughing.