Aussie entrepreneurs unveil ‘world’s first’ cannabis gin

Melbourne-based start-up The Cannabis Company has launched what it claims is the “world’s first cannabis gin with terpenes”, selling out of its first release in just three days.

The Myrcene Hemp Gin takes its name from the most abundant terpene in cannabis – myrcene – which is also found in hops.

According to the company, used in high concentrations, it is valued as a “dietary health and wellness supplement” and is said to “produce joyful and euphoric effects alongside an overall feeling of relaxation”. It also cited its ability to ease symptoms of chronic pain and inflammation.

The Cannabis Company said that the idea to add myrcene to gin came about when they discovered that the pioneers of gin distilling in the 18th century often added such products to their spirit.

However, whereas once substances such as turpentine were added to gin to mimic the flavours of juniper and mask crudely-produced spirits, The Cannabis Company is adding the terpene for its health benefits.

The gin is produced in column stills in order to create a “lighter more refined gin” while it’s described as having “bubblegum aromas blended with lavender, pine forest and sage, soft tones of violet interact on the palate with woodland flavours of rosemary and resin, cloves and woody spices”.

Distilled in Healesville in small batches, the first 300 bottles of the gin sold out in just three days. The company has now released a second batch of gin which is now available to preorder for AU$99.00 (£54.80).

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