Honey is ideal as opposed to other sugars to quickly fuel the brain during depletion to hinder release stress hormones which lead to protein wasting (muscle tissue). This lead to impairments such as glucose and insulin resistance.

Honey improves blood sugar control during endurance events as compared to other sweeteners. Tolerance to honey is better than to sugar and glucose alone. Antioxidants found in honey reduce oxidative stress as well.

Look for raw and upocessed hony and might want to look into molasses too.

Why would you take honey over a gel? Seems like you're still going to bonk with honey sooner/worse than with a complex carb. I just finished a half ironman and gels have been working well for me. I've learned a ton this summer from a guide by Steve Born: http://www.hammernutrition.com/downloads/fuelinghandbook.pdf?utm_source=fuelingbook&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=fuelingbook

They sell this at REI.  It's a honey-based energy gel.  I tried a couple and didn't much care for the taste so haven't pursued them any further.

http://www.honeystinger.com/index.html

Joe