Hawke's Bay hemp oil features in Garage Project's latest beer Bhang Thandai. Inspired by a traditional Indian drink spiked with edible cannabis, the Garage Project version uses Kanapu Hemp Seed Oil.
It's milk stout, meaning lactose is added for sweetness, a sweetness that remains because yeast cannot convert the lactose into alcohol. But at 7.7 per cent alcohol it is no lolly water. Flavour is plentiful with almonds, watermelon seeds, green cardamom, saffron and black pepper included in the mix.
Tasting notes describe it as having "a rich spice and nut character that makes it a truly decadent brew".
Kanapu Hemp Seed Oil is grown in Otane and Kanapu director Isaac Beach said all samples sent to chefs resulted in an order.
"It is a premium product well placed to be ahead of the curve once hemp oil becomes more popular in New Zealand," he said.