Beer and Cannabis Terpenes
Terpenes give each beer a lot of its aroma and flavor. Every beer connoisseur has their preference. You might prefer a crisp and subtle flavor, something hoppy, or maybe dark and robust. The essential oils in plants called terpenes play a major role in shaping that flavor profile. Terpenes are also found in cannabis, and create a lot of the flavor in the bud.
Massachusetts’ craft breweries have something for everyone. Big names like Sam Adams and Harpoon are Massachusetts borne brews. Craft microbreweries are everywhere, too. They usually produce small-batch and handcrafted products. Many are only available for purchase in Massachusetts.
We’re going to look at a few of the favorite Baystate beers, and identify the terpenes that might be behind them. Terpenes are also what you smell in perfume and fresh flowers. Whatever your favorite is, much of its flavor traces back to these compounds found in that beer’s ingredients.
Treehouse Brewing Company - King Julius
(Limonene)
First up on our list, King Julius. It is a New England IPA, and features orange and mango notes. Beer drinkers that love King Julius are likely hunting for the limonene terpene, which are heavily concentrated in citrus peels! Limonene is known to be energizing and uplifting, and some claim it helps them with digestive troubles, including heartburn. King Julius can be picked up at Treehouse Brewing Company in Charlton, Massachusetts.
In addition to being heavily concentrated in citrus peels, limonene can be found in mint, rosemary, pine, juniper, and fennel. Limonene is thought to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, too! It is what is responsible for the taste of cultivars like Super Lemon Haze and Lemon Diesel. Different studies show that limonene may eventually prove to be helpful in a number of ways, including promise on cancer cell tests in a lab setting.
Ipswich Ale Brewery - Ipswich Ale Oatmeal Stout
(Myrcene)
The Oatmeal Stout Ale by Ipswich is (not) for the faint of heart. If you like it, then you already know that. It’s dark, and bold. The beer has hints of chocolate and coffee, and is sometimes compared to an espresso. It’s rich. The brewery uses malt additions like oats to contribute to the mouthfeel of the drink, and add to its flavor.
There’s an additional layer to its flavor from a surprising source. Myrcene. Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in many different cannabis “strains”, or cultivars. According to Leafly, roughly 40% of cannabis sold in the US is a myrcene-dominant strain. Myrcene is also found in hops.
The spicy and peppery taste of hoppy beers can be attributed to this terpene. It has a musky, earthy, and slightly sweet taste to it. Some people compare it to the taste of overripe mangoes. For those that love this oatmeal stout, we recommend myrcene-heavy strains.
Night Shift Brewing - Viva Habanera
(Beta-Caryophyllene)
The Massachusetts brewery formulated this pale ale with spicy rye malts and habanero peppers. The habanero peppers clearly add a spicy kick, and Viva Habanera fans love it. It is a spicy beer through and through. Perfect for anyone that likes the heat.
If you like Viva Habanera, your terpene is definitely beta-caryophyllene. Sometimes just referred to as caryophyllene. Caryophyllene is found in black pepper. It gives black pepper its spicy taste. It is also found in other aromatic herbs and spices like rosemary, clove oil, and basil.
Beta-caryohyllene carries interest for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. One of the most interesting things about this terpene is that like cannabinoids, it binds to CB2 receptors. As far as scientists know, this is the only terpene that possesses this capability. The CB2 receptor activation may play a part in pain and inflammation reduction.
Springdale Beer Co. - Lavenade
(Linalool)
Lavenade is full of flavor, packing a punch with floral notes. It is described by the Massachusetts brewery as a “lemon-lavender sour ale”, and those who have tried it explain that the lavender isn’t at all overbearing. It makes fresh lavender a great way to garnish a glass of it.
Lavenade lovers may find that linalool is their terpene of choice. Linalool is responsible for giving lavender its light and floral scent. It’s in other herbs and spices like cinnamon and coriander, as well as cannabis.
Linalool may have many therapeutic benefits. It has antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. More research is needed on how best to use its varied properties. Many like to relax with lavender and it’s linalool-rich essential oil.
Cultivars like Amnesia Haze and Master Kush typically have high amounts of linalool. Some purple strains are linalool-heavy, too.
So what?
Well, we can identify what we enjoy the most. So that’s good. Hops are in the same plant family as cannabis. Although there are many things that create a flavor. Terpenes are one of the measuring sticks that give both of them their distinct aromas and flavors.
Cannabis beverages and craft beer can be a lot of fun. The most important thing is to consume responsibly. Consuming safely makes for the most happiness in the long run. Always check with your doctor if you have any concerns about trying a cannabis product. And enjoy your drinks, your cannabis, and stay safe!