Spirits at The Cervin Chalet ~ Humboldt’s Finest, Hemp Infused Vodka

Humboldt’s Finest was the very first hemp vodka produced in the U.S. and is infused with locally grown (Humboldt County in Northern California) hemp and legal for sale in all 50 states. If you need more cannabis in your life, this actually isn’t it. The amount is so small it won’t impact you, but the 40% alcohol might. My first question is always…why? What is the need for this? To be sure infused spirits have been popular for years now, so it made sense someone would use hemp. And, considering that Humboldt is known for lots and lots of pot farms, well, why not?

As a professional spirits judge, and the Chief Spirits Judge for the Critics Challenge Wine & Spirits Competition, I’ve tasted my share of hemp vodkas – most of them downright terrible. But distiller Abe Stevens, who started his distillery in 2012, gets it right. Whereas this is more ideal for mixing cocktails, (one of their recipes from their website is included below) it can stand on its own, though I highly suggest a single pure cube of ice. The nose is menthol, green tea and citrus, floral and bright. Once on the palette the herbal notes take over, along with menthol, fresh cut grass, celery, and a spicy finish. In one sense, it almost seems like a hearty botanical gin. Is it something of a novelty? Yes, but it’s also well made and delivers for the price, and is something unique to add to your home bar.

ORIGIN: Humboldt, California

ALCOHOL: 40%

PRICE: $25.99 /750 ml

SCORE: 91 POINTS

Humboldt's Finest

(PHOTO, Humboldt's Finest)

High Thyme

1.5 oz Humboldt’s Finest
.75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
.5 oz honey syrup
2 hearty sprigs of fresh thyme

To prepare honey syrup, dissolve 2 parts honey in 1 part hot water, allow to cool. At bottom of cocktail shaker, add 1 sprig thyme, give a quick muddle, add Humboldt’s Finest, lime juice and honey syrup. Shake vigorously, strain into double old fashioned glass with ice, garnish with a hearty thyme sprig.