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s u m m e r 2 0 1 7 | 7 3 On each table was a collection of five herbs and a taste of Humboldt's Finest, a cannabis sativa-infused vodka produced by Humboldt Distillery. It might seem like random potpourri, but as the event got started it was quickly apparent that lavender, lemon peel, black pepper, hops and pine needles represent- ed the most commonly found terpenes. "Terpenes are organic aroma molecules," explained Jagger. "Each plant you associate a scent with has a certain terpene profile. Cannabis is a chemically complex plant, and these scents are associated with how they smell and what they do." "In these terpene cups, you'll find ingredients you're already using as chefs and bartenders," chimed Burkons. "You are already familiar with the flavors in cannabis, whether you're aware of it or not." Within each terpene cup, a specific varietal of hops was included, as a way to approximate the aromas and flavor of cannabis, which is a relative of the hops plant. The floral-sweet scent of linalool is represented in the lavender; bright and uplifting lim- onene is found in lemons; spicy black pepper kernels represent carophyllene; the earthy musk of myrcene is found in hops and pinene is reminiscent of a damp pine forest. Just like the aromas and flavors of all these plants represent a combination of terpenes, so does cannabis. The last cup on the table included a taste of Hum- boldt's Finest, made from industrial-grade hemp and with a nose and taste so complex and floral, you'd be inclined to mistake it for a gin. Master Distiller Abe Stevens has capitalized on the merging between can- nabis flavors and alcohol with this fully legal quaff. The end result doesn't have any THC but still incorporates the flavor profile of cannabis. "We can't do a THC-infused product, but it is infused with a locally grown hemp," said Stevens. "Hemp has a lot of familiar terpenes and provides a product that people can use in their cocktails." But what if you're looking to use THC? When it comes to ingesting cannabis, the panel cautions that finding one's perfect dose is essential. "There are different effects between ingesting and inhaling," said Burkons. "While you will feel the effects of can- nabis smoke almost instantly, and they will wear off within an hour, ingesting cannabis takes 45 minutes to an hour to take effect and the high can last for several hours. People also metabolize cannabis dif- ferently, so it is very important to find a dose that is personalized to your body. Start small, around five to ten milligrams." KIVA Confections showcased their high-end edibles in a blackberry panna cotta and bullet coffee drink, both created by Jagger, who explained that working with premium cannabis brands' existing products is a great way to introduce edibles into at- home cooking. "Because it's already been perfectly dosed, you can use it to take the guesswork out of KIVA Irish Bullet Coffee by Chef Holden Jagger Serving size 4 fluid oz. 3.6 mg to 4 mg THC per serving. • Brewed coffee • 1 gram KIVA Mint Irish Cream • 2 drops mint oil • 1 Tbsp. grass-fed butter Brew a full French press of coffee to desired strength. Portion a 1 gram section of KIVA Mint. In a small blender combine the grass-fed butter, 1 gram of KIVA Irish Cream and mint oil and blend on high for one minute. Pour into a coupe, being careful to capture all the foam that has been generated. Top with a grated garnish of KIVA Irish Mint. Sativa Sipper • 1½ oz. Humboldt's Finest cannabis vodka • ½ oz. Dekuyper Fleur • ¾ oz. raspberry-thyme simple syrup • 1 oz. lemon juice • Float bubbles There are few ways to legally incorporate cannabis into your bar, but Humboldt's Finest is one of them. Look for cannabis cocktails to become a leading customer trend, and give them what they're looking for with a Sativa Vodka cocktail.

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