Episode 176 | Applying The Science: Brewing With Cannabis
Oct 23, 2024
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Jordan Folks, a Brülosophy contributor and co-host, dives into the science of brewing beer with cannabis. He explores the intersection of hop flavors and THC, alongside the legal considerations of cannabis in beverages. The conversation covers sustainability in brewing practices, personal stories, and techniques for infusing cannabis flavors without raw materials. Folks also discusses the complexities of combining cannabis and alcohol, making sure to highlight the future of this innovative brewing trend, including unique flavor profiles and superb moderation.
Brewing with cannabis offers unique flavor opportunities while navigating legal restrictions, particularly concerning THC in alcoholic beverages.
Non-THC cannabis products can add distinctive flavors to beers, allowing home brewers to experiment without intoxicating effects.
The shared botanical relationship between hops and cannabis presents exciting possibilities for flavor replication and innovative brewing strategies.
Deep dives
Exploring Special Order Yeast Options
Imperial Yeast offers a diverse selection of brewing yeasts, including special order options not found in their core strains. Home brewers looking to experiment can request specific strains, such as Britannomyces and Kviek, although a minimum order of 10 liters applies. These special strains can enhance the brewing process by allowing customization and unique flavor profiles. Interested brewers can contact Imperial Yeast directly for further details and availability.
Legal Considerations for Cannabis in Brewing
The podcast discusses the current legal landscape regarding cannabis in brewing, noting that while adding THC to alcoholic beverages is largely restricted, home brewers in some states may legally create their own cannabis-infused beers. The conversation highlights how non-THC cannabis products can similarly impart flavor without the intoxicating effects. This opens avenues for brewers curious about incorporating cannabis flavors into their beers. The hosts acknowledge their diverse perspectives, particularly their varying experiences and comfort levels with cannabis consumption.
Methods for Brewing with Cannabis
Brewing with cannabis can include several methods, with tinctures being a popular approach to extract flavor without THC intoxication. By infusing cannabis in alcohol, brewers can create tinctures that can be added to beer for a nuanced flavor profile. However, the importance of decarboxylating cannabis prior to infusion is stressed, as this process activates the psychoactive properties of THC. Additionally, incorporating proper emulsifiers can further enhance the effectiveness of cannabis flavor extraction.
Understanding Hops and Cannabis Flavor Profiles
The similarity between hops and cannabis is underscored, given that they belong to the same botanical family and share similar terpenes and aromatic compounds. Specific hop varieties, such as Columbus and Summit, are emphasized for their cannabis-like flavors, which can replicate the desired 'dank' notes in brewing. Home brewers are encouraged to explore using these hops as alternatives to actual cannabis, particularly to avoid the complexities and costs associated with THC products. As the market for cannabis beverages evolves, experimentation with hop selections remains a key strategy for creating unique beer profiles.
The Future of Cannabis in Brewing
The potential for integrating advanced hop products and terpenes into brewing is highlighted as a promising future, allowing brewers to craft beers that capture cannabis flavors without the psychoactive effects. The discussion emphasizes the importance of balancing flavors and suggests that utilizing these advanced additives can enhance overall beer complexity. The hosts express excitement about upcoming developments in the brewing industry related to cannabis-infused products and encourage exploring various methods to achieve sophisticated flavor profiles. Overall, this evolving space offers numerous opportunities for brewers aiming to innovate in their craft.
Brülosophy contributor Jordan Folks joins Cade in the lab to chat about the information discussed in the last episode on brewing beer with cannabis.
The Brü Lab is brought to you by Imperial Yeast who provide brewers with the most viable and fresh yeast on the market. Learn more about what Imperial Yeast has to offer at ImperialYeast.com today.
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