Welcome to your ultimate guide on hemp seltzer tasting in the beautiful region of New England! Whether you’re a seasoned hemp seltzer enthusiast or just starting out, this guide will give you all the tips and information you need for an enjoyable tasting experience. With gentle, friendly advice and a focus on making your journey fun and educational, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. Let’s get started!
What is Hemp Seltzer?
Hemp seltzer is a refreshing beverage infused with hemp extracts. It’s known for its unique flavor profiles and the potential benefits of hemp, including relaxation and wellness. Let’s delve into what makes hemp seltzer special and why it’s gaining popularity in New England.
One of the intriguing aspects of hemp seltzer is its diverse range of flavors. These can vary from subtle herbaceous notes to more pronounced fruity and floral undertones. The infusion of hemp gives each seltzer a distinct, earthy taste that sets it apart from traditional seltzers. Moreover, hemp seltzer typically contains cannabinoids like CBD, which is touted for its potentially calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
The growing popularity of wellness beverages has certainly paved the way for hemp seltzers. Many people are exploring healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks or sugary sodas, making hemp seltzer an appealing choice. Not only does it quench your thirst, but it may also offer wellness benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. It’s a delightful way to unwind at the end of the day or enjoy a refreshing drink at social gatherings.
History of Hemp Seltzer in New England
The history of hemp seltzer in New England is a fascinating tale of innovation and acceptance. We’ll explore how this region became a hub for hemp seltzer production, the pioneers behind the movement, and how it has evolved over the years to become a beloved local beverage.
New England has always been a region of pioneers and innovators, and the hemp seltzer industry is no exception. The early 2000s saw a burgeoning interest in cannabis and hemp products, leading to the establishment of some of the first hemp seltzer brands right here in this region, namely Shimmerwood Beverages. Companies started experimenting with hemp extracts in beverages, aiming to provide a healthier, non-alcoholic alternative that also offered the benefits of CBD.
As the legal landscape for cannabis and hemp began to shift, New England saw an influx of new hemp-infused products, including seltzers. Enthusiasts embraced these beverages not only for their distinctive flavors but also for their potential health benefits. Today, New England hosts a thriving hemp seltzer industry, with many local producers gaining recognition for their innovative and high-quality offerings. Shimmerwood made its home in Maine due to how forward-thinking the state is when it comes to hemp regulations.
How to Taste Hemp Seltzer Like a Pro
Tasting hemp seltzer is an art. This section will guide you through the steps of tasting like a pro—from the initial sniff to the final sip. Learn how to appreciate the subtle nuances and flavors in each sip, ensuring you get the most out of your tasting experience.
Begin your tasting experience by taking a moment to observe the seltzer’s appearance, we of course recommend grabbing a can of Shimmer Seltzer. A good hemp seltzer should have a clear, sparkling look with the occasional hint of natural color from its added flavors. Our Razz Lime Shimmer Seltzer dawns a beautiful red to pink color from the real red raspberries we use. Swirl it gently in the glass and notice the effervescence—it’s a precursor to the delightful tasting experience that awaits.
Next, bring the glass to your nose and inhale deeply. Much like wine tasting, the aroma of hemp seltzer is an integral part of the experience. You may detect earthy notes from the hemp or fruity and floral hints from its additional flavorings. This step helps prepare your palate for the diverse flavor profile. The beauty of Shimmerwood’s seltzers is that each uses real fruit and cocktail bitters to create an enriching experience between all your senses, not just the way they taste. Our Ginger Orange Shimmer Seltzer uses real ginger, so you will smell it’s spicy aroma before you even taste it.
When you take your first sip, let the seltzer linger in your mouth for a moment. Notice the initial flavors and how they evolve as the drink moves across your palate. High-quality hemp seltzers will offer a balanced taste, where the hemp’s natural flavors complement the added fruit or botanical notes without overpowering them. Finally, observe the aftertaste—good hemp seltzers will leave a clean, refreshing finish. Every can of Shimmer Seltzer will coat your palate with a slight bitter and herbal taste from the hemp, inviting you to take another sip.
Pairing Hemp Seltzer with Food
Pairing hemp seltzer with the right foods can elevate your tasting experience. We’ll provide tips on the best food pairings for various hemp seltzer flavors, helping you create delightful combinations that enhance both the beverage and the cuisine.
Herbal or botanical hemp seltzers, which often have subtle savory undertones, pair wonderfully with charcuterie boards, cheese platters, and herbed flatbreads. The complexities of the seltzer can balance the richness and saltiness of such foods, offering a sophisticated tasting combination. Here we would recommend Shimmerwood’s Chai Cherry flavor, with its earthy tones from the chaga mushroom and decaffeinated chai.
And don’t overlook dessert! Pair a berry-flavored hemp seltzer with chocolate treats or a citrus-flavored one with fruit tarts for a sweet symphony of flavors. The effervescence of the seltzer can also cleanse your palate between bites, making every mouthful as enjoyable as the first.
Looking for a simple hemp seltzer that is reminiscent of a club soda? Look no further than Shimmerwood’s Just Hemp Shimmer Seltzer. Boasting zero calories, zero carbs, and zero sugars, this guilty-free hemp seltzer can pair with just about any meal to quench your thirst.
Hemp Seltzer Tasting Events and Festivals
Each state in New England regulates hemp seltzers differently, we at Shimmerwood started in Maine and have been expanding throughout the state since our inception. We have also expanded into Rhode Island into bars/restaurants, grocery stores and more. Our team has been attending farmers markets and festivals year round, so you can try our hemp seltzers before you buy.
You can find Shimmerwood sampling and selling our full line of hemp seltzers at the Kittery Community Market every Sunday from 10am - 2pm through November 24th this year. We also attend the Kennebunk Farmers Market every Saturday from 8am - 12:30pm through October 5th this year.
Fall events are ramping up with leaf peeping season steadily approaching all around New England. If you’re looking to add hemp seltzers into your fall season, you can find Shimmerwood Beverages at the Freeport Fall Festival, a 3 day festival the first weekend of October that brings together over 225 of the best New England artists, makers and local food producers on the L.L.Bean campus, in the Mallard Parking Lot behind the Freeport Historical Society, on the lawn at 135 Main St, Freeport Town Hall, and in Freeport Village Station in Freeport, Maine.
DIY Hemp Seltzer Tasting at Home
Can’t make it to an event? No problem! Learn how to host your own hemp seltzer tasting at home with friends and family. We’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to set up a fun and informative tasting session in the comfort of your own home.
Start by building your custom Shimmer Box so you can have every flavor of Shimmerwood to provide your party with a variety of options. This diversity will make your tasting session more interesting and give your guests a broader experience. Prepare tasting notes for each seltzer, including details about the brand, flavor, and any unique ingredients. These notes will guide your guests and help them appreciate the nuances of each seltzer.
Consider setting up pairing stations with light snacks that complement the flavors of the seltzers. For example, have a cheese and fruit station for fruity seltzers, and a selection of crackers and nuts for earthy, herbal seltzers. Encourage your guests to try different pairings and share their thoughts. This interactive element can make your tasting session more engaging and enjoyable.
Finally, don’t forget to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Use decorative elements like fairy lights, fresh flowers, and elegant glassware to enhance the overall experience. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can host a memorable hemp seltzer tasting event that your friends and family will talk about for months to come.
Happy Tasting!
Embarking on a hemp seltzer tasting adventure in New England is not just about the flavors; it’s about the experience, the people, and the memories you create along the way. With this guide, you are well-equipped to explore, taste, and enjoy the diverse offerings of hemp seltzers. Don’t hesitate to share your newfound knowledge and favorite finds with friends and fellow enthusiasts. Happy tasting!