New ‘hemp’ gin hits the shelves in Melbourne — and sells out in three days

A NEW style of gin is coming to Melbourne and is sure to raise a few eyebrows — with the company behind the spirit hoping to reinvent one of its controversial ingredients.

A new gin made from cannabis will change the way you look at the controversial ingredient, the company behind the drop says. Picture: File.

A NEW gin made from cannabis will change the way you look at the controversial ingredient, the company behind the drop says.

Orders for The Cannabis Company’s The Myrcene Gin went live on Thursday last week and by Sunday all 300 bottles had been sold.

The small-batch of hemp-based gin, made in Healesville, is hoping to release at least another 500 bottles for sale this week.

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The Cannabis Company has released a new hemp-based gin. Picture: Supplied.

The Cannabis Company co-owner Cormac Sheehan said he was overwhelmed by the success of the new style of gin.

“We’ve received no hate mail … people love it, it’s been well received,” he said.

“It’s a testament to how the conversation is changing (about cannabis). People are becoming more aware it’s not just a drug that makes you hungry, giggly and a bit stupid.”

Contrary to what the name suggests — you won’t actually get high from drinking this gin.

“It doesn’t have the psychoactive chemicals in it, like THC or CBD,” he said.

“Both of those chemicals are present in the drink, but only trace elements.”

Last November, Australian laws changed to allow The Cannabis Company to start making and selling cannabis related products.

The company said it had taken years to get the science right, but only 12 months to produce the spirit.

Mr Sheehan said gin, opposed to vodka, was a more natural fit to create a hemp-based spirit.

“Traditionally gin is made with a lot of botanicals, so gin was the right fit,” he said.

“You want gin to have character, you want flavour from it. Those springtime, citrus notes.”

The Myrcene Gin has earthy and fruity flavours, with bubblegum aromas, lavender, pine forest and sage.

Mr Sheehan said Australian laws prevented the use of the word ‘cannabis’ or ‘marijuana’ on all packaging, hence the abbreviated company name ‘The Canna Co’ on the bottle.

A total of 300 bottles of the gin went on presale last Thursday and by Sunday night had sold out. The bottles sell for $99 each.

He hoped the company would list at least an additional 500 bottles for sale, with deliveries made before Christmas.

www.cannabiscompany.com.au/products/the-myrcene-hemp-gin

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