Hemp is having a moment as the superfood pops up in vodka, gin, and even beers.
Have you noticed that hemp is everywhere at the moment? It’s showing up in breads and mueslis, being mixed into protein shakes, touted as a miracle oil in cosmetics, spun into fabrics for clothing, and even being explored as a biofuel. It was only a matter of time before we saw the ultra hip ingredient make its way into drinks, with hemp vodka, gin, and even beers now available at your local Dan’s.
Before we go any further we should clarify exactly what hemp is — and separate it from it’s infamous cousin. Hemp is a species of the cannabis sativa plant, but unlike marijuana it contains extremely low levels of the THC compound that makes marijuana psychoactive. In short, hemp and hemp products won’t get you high. (Not even a little bit).
Various parts of the hemp plant have been used for centuries. In fact, when the British First Fleet invaded Australia one of the first things they did was establish hemp crops to make sails and rigging for their ships. But during the early 1900s hemp fell out of favour. It’s only recently that hemp claimed back the spotlight — especially in food and drinks thanks to its high nutritional value and distinct flavour.
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One of the first drinks companies to experiment with hemp was unconventional rum brand Dead Man’s Fingers. The British label launched their Hemp Rum back in 2017. It’s an exotic blend of Caribbean spiced rum infused with natural hemp buds to create a distinct flavour.
“Infusing with the hemp buds gave this big hit of lime and cola flavours. And also some nuttiness,” says William Borrell, one of the developers behind Dead Man’s Fingers Hemp Rum. “When you combined them it totally changed the dynamic of the rum. The taste of hemp is not for everyone — kind of like Vegemite. But as a flavour, there’s no denying that it’s quite unique, powerful, and interesting.”
The unique, herby flavour of hemp isn’t too far removed from another one of its plant relatives: hops. That’s why brewers like Maku from Victoria’s Yarra Valley have taken to using hemp in addition to hops in beers like their Hemp Session Ale. The combination of hops with premium Australian-grown hemp creates a familiar pale ale style beer with an interesting twist.
If the full-flavoured punch of an India Pale Ale is more your style, Zytho Brewing have a Hemp IPA that ticks all the boxes. A heap of hops and hemp deliver a contemporary piney taste they describe as ‘dank and resinous’. With tropical overtones, a solid malt backbone and the right balance of bitterness, it’s the kind of beer you drink when you want something with proper gusto.
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Hemp Gin 700mL
Infusing hemp isn’t the only way it can be used, it can also be added during the distillation process of spirits. The Natural Distilling Co. uses elements of hemp in “the wash” (the first stage of distillation), and also use hemp terpenes to flavour their spirits. Terpenes are the essential oils that give hemp its distinctive aromatic and flavour qualities, they also help to draw out other botanical flavours.
The Natural Distilling Co.’s Hemp Vodka focuses on the organic compound myrcene to present crisp notes of mandarin and lemongrass. While their Hemp Gin is made using limonene to create a citrusy burst of flavour that mingles with notes of juniper and soft spice.
When it comes to hemp beverages, William Borrell from Dead Man’s Fingers thinks we’ve only just seen the beginning. “I think it’s got a really big future,” he says. “It’s a combination of the flavour element and the unique selling point. People around the world are really embracing it.” And as they do we’re sure to see people use the ever-versatile ingredient in even more creative and unique ways.
Anyone for a hemp gin Martini while we wait?
