Hemp-derived THC products, including beverages, have exploded on the market in recent years as producers take advantage of a federal legal loophole that leaves the products legal—or at least not-illegal—in many states. Much of this nascent beverage market is focused on seltzer-style minimalism or sweet, fruit-forward drinks, but Connecticut’s Float House is making the case for beer aroma and flavor as the category develops.
In this episode, cofounders Gordon Whelpley and Jared Emerling—alumni of Connecticut and New York breweries that include Two Roads, Sixpoint, Twelve Percent Beer Project, and Stony Creek—discuss their approach to making hop-driven THC beverages that drink like nonalcoholic beers. Along the way, they touch on:
- launching a THC beverage brand in an uncertain environment
- the current regulatory framework for producing and selling hemp-derived beverages
- creatively designing beer-focused beverages in a space with infinite possibility
- building balanced flavor and mouthfeel in hopp-forward NA brews
- creating body using novel hop products
- the difference between nonconverted and converted hemp-derived THC
- how CBD modulates the body’s uptake of THC
- the benefits of beverage-sipping as a slow ingestion mode for THC
And more.
G&D Chillers
For years G&D Chillers has chilled the beers you love, partnering with 3,000+ breweries across the country. We’re proud of the cool partnerships we’ve built, offering 24/7 service and support. We build with nonproprietary parts, expert craftsmanship, and constant innovation! Our in-house engineering crew have been piping breweries, wineries, and distilleries for more than 30 years. We offer FREE piping design and consultation with the sale of every chiller we build. Reach out for a quote today at gdchillers.com or call to discuss your next project.
Brewers, what if your yeast could do more than just ferment? With Berkeley Yeast, it can! We bioengineer ordinary strains and make them extraordinary—enhancing the flavors you want and eliminating the ones you don’t. Now, in addition to competitive pricing, we’re offering free overnight shipping on 5+ barrel pitches. Try it out—if you don’t love it, we’ll happily refund you. So why settle for ordinary when you can brew with better yeast? Visit berkeleyyeast.com to learn more and start brewing with science on your side.
Every beer menu could use a refresh button on the fruit flavors. That’s why it’s time to revisit Old Orchard’s flavored craft juice concentrate blends, where the latest additions include Fruit Punch, Guava, Kiwi, and Pomegranate. We aren’t stopping there and welcome flavor suggestions from the brewing industry. More information and free samples are waiting at oldorchard.com/brewer.
Indie Hops brings Oregon’s natural wonder to brewers. Celebrating 16 years of delivering compelling new hop varieties along with classics that thrive in Oregon’s terroir, Indie is the original source for Strata, Luminosa, Lórien, Meridian, and their newest variety Audacia. Release your creativity with the magic of pure, uncut Oregon hops from Indie. Indie Hops — Life is short. Let’s make it flavorful.
XTRATUF has been making rugged and reliable boots for 75 years. Built for the harshest conditions, our Legacy Collection styles are oil-, acid-, and chemical-resistant with a nonslip rated outsole. Be prepared for whatever comes your way and shop the latest XTRATUF boots on xtratuf.com.
If you’re launching a brewery or acquiring an existing one, consider our brewery workshop and new brewery accelerator, September 14 through 17 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Over four days, we engage in panel discussions, technical brewery tours, networking, and small working-group sessions that help you better understand and prepare for the challenges of brewery operation. Tickets are on sale now. Visit breweryworkshop.com for more information and to secure your spot.