Bluestone Brewing Company is releasing a hemp-infused lager in collaboration with a Pembrokeshire farmer.
The brewery, based just outside of Newport, sourced the hemp seed from a farm in Pembrokeshire that has decided to diversify. Previously a dairy farm, it has dipped its toe into the world of hemp seed.
Originally sourced from Finland, the Finola hemp seed was sown in Pembrokeshire in June last year and supplied to Bluestone Brewing Co to use in a new recipe. The seed is EU approved and certified.
Bluestone head brewer, Tom Dunn, said: “I have never brewed using hemp seed before, so we had to do some reading to make sure that we got as much flavour out of the seed as possible.
“We decided to toast the seeds before adding them to the brew. It gives the beer a slightly nutty flavour and more depth. It’s been fun brewing with a new ingredient and it’s a real bonus that it’s been grown locally.”
While the Hemp Seed will add a lot of flavour to the beer, there is no need to worry about its influence on the drinker. THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, is not naturally contained in the seed.
The Botanist will be released in a 440ml can and will be available for general sale from Monday (18th July). The brewery will also have some of the beer available on draught at its taproom and its St Davids venue, Grain.
