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5 Questions Skunk Magazine

GET TO KNOW ARTIST EMILY EIZEN & HER ‘60S PSYCHEDELIC INSPIRED WORKS

Upon first glance, artist Emily Eizen is certainly creative, working in the mediums of painting, sculpture, photography, modeling, and performance. Visually intriguing, Emily is a free spirit. Her ‘60s psychedelic-inspired works showcase the beauty, freedom, and diversity she considers essential to establishing equity in the cannabis space and beyond. Emily’s portfolio and commissions highlight her ability to adapt to different styles and aesthetics across spectrums of gender and sexuality, defying convention. A painter by passion, Emily has harnessed her creativity in PAX’s recent More Flowerful Campaign. It all sounds really intriguing to me, and I hope to see her work up close someday soon. 

Photo credit: Jessica Miller for PAX’s More Flowerful Campaign

Please tell me about yourself, what do you do for work? Where are you from? Live now? What did you want to be when you grew up?  

I am a full-time freelance artist, photographer, model, and creative director. I am originally from the South Bay in Southern California. I grew up at the beach all the time and could be found roller-skating or hanging out at Noble Park in Hermosa Beach with other misfits and artists. Now, I live in West Hollywood. I love living in such a vibrant queer community. When I was in high school, my goal was to get into political science and be an activist. I even went to school for a year in DC but found that there wasn’t a community within that political science major focused on arts and self-expression. That’s when I discovered cannabis and moved back home to LA to start a different journey. 

What are you working on right now? Do you have a six and twelve-month goal? What makes your craft different from your peers?

Right now, I am doing creative work for a few major cannabis brands, but also bonbuz, a nonalcoholic functional spirit. It has been fun to venture outside of my cannabis comfort zone. My six-month goal is to have my debut art show which was put off two years ago because of the pandemic. My twelve-month goal is to continue to grow in my craft and use my platform for social justice initiatives around cannabis policy reform. What makes me stand out is my ability to switch roles the way I do. One day I am hiding behind the camera and shooting. The next, I’m in full glam, ready for my close-up, and on top of all of that, I also focus on my own artistic practice as a painter. 

What obstacles stand in your way currently, how do you anticipate removing them? Do you have a mentor or teacher who is valuable in your path?

Photo credit: Jessica Miller for PAX’s More Flowerful Campaign

Currently, obstacles in my way are fighting with the social media algorithms so that people actually see the work that I work so hard on. Also, there are some people in the cannabis world that don’t see the value of paying creatives and expect us to work for a product. I hope, as an industry, we can start paying creatives what we are worth. I realize all of these obstacles are nothing compared to what many people face in the cannabis industry and in this country. I want to use my privilege in a productive way to help remove even bigger obstacles, such as the impact of the War on Drugs. Some of my mentors as a creative in the cannabis space have been Roze Volca, Nesha Torres, and many other creative women that have been in the cannabis community since before legalization. 

Indoor or outdoor-grown cannabis? Favorite strain right now? When you enjoy cannabis, do you have a favorite food that you prepare? What about your favorite restaurant?

Photo credit: Jessica Miller for PAX’s More Flowerful Campaign

I don’t discriminate against any type of cannabis; I will smoke indoor and outdoor flowers. I enjoy the sustainability of outdoor greenhouse farming practices but obviously enjoy the taste and potency of indoor as well. I am a snacks fiend; the munchies always slap me so hard, and I am a sucker for junky snacks—chips, Hostess snacks, candy, you name it. My favorite restaurant was Souplantation (RIP), another casualty of COVID. 

What is your passion? 

My passion is definitely the intersection of art and social activism. Using creativity to help people is the ultimate goal of my career, and nothing brings me more satisfaction.

__

Feature Photo Credit: Jessica Miller for PAX’s More Flowerful Campaign

https://skunkmagazine.com/get-to-know-artist-emily-eizen-her-60s-psychedelic-inspired-works/?v=f24485ae434a
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Skunk Magazine

Dr. Greenthumb’s x Gpen: Stealthy, Sophisticated, and Fun!

Idon’t know about you, but even with newfound rules on smoking weed in public, I still look over my shoulder when smoking a joint around others. It’s just the smell that sets stigmatized folks off, and rightfully so with a forty-eight or so hours out of circulation that I experienced once in New York City. I learned how important it is not to antagonize others with weed smoke. Everyone should know this. The terminology in play here is called common sense. My correlation to this would be smoking a joint in the street in NYC. It still makes me nervous.

Imagine my appreciation when I received a brand spanking new Dr. Greenthumb x Gpen smoking device at my doorstep. This vaguely pickle-sized (and colored) cannabis smoking device was certainly an easy study. It came fully charged (a big plus), and it holds that first and subsequent charges through many sessions. The learning curve for this device was not outlandish. All I did was go to their YouTube and watch any number of videos with instructions that even a person of my age and intellectual capacity could appreciate under the influence of certain substances. This learning by watching methodology is definitely appreciated!

Photo credit: Gpen

But back to the Gpen Dash. I’ve owned several of these over the years, and none have been as intuitive and smooth on my lungs as the new Dr. Greenthumb version. Filling with just about ¼ of a gram of nicely chopped flowers from my Gemini grinder is the start. Then I gently heat my secret blend in the Gpen to the lowest temperature. I’m catapulted into a realm of easy and nice, all at the same time. And that’s what the experience of smoking cannabis should be, at least for me. I want the experience to be simple and forthright. It’s important for this device to work silently and easily, just as it is important to be easy to clean and keep charged, ready for the next sesh.

What I like about this device:

It doesn’t get hot in my hand. That is a plus, so I’m not worried about setting my pocket on fire.

It does not shout the vapor as those “vape” cartridges do. The mist dissipates quickly and without much fanfare. A real plus when walking down the street when you don’t want to shout, look at me, I’m smoking weed. This device is especially easy to clean and keep clean. It doesn’t get mucked up with resin, nor does it change the flavor of your strain. The experience is pure and comfortable from start to finish.
I love mine. Fun to use and easy.

Cheers.

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5 Questions Skunk Magazine

G-Putt: Tapped In, Micro Production Gourmet Cannabis Flower

Photo Credit: Zaul Zamora of Complete

Today seemed like a fantastic day to crawl out of my comfort zone smoking low THC medical cannabis, even for just a moment. That opportunity finally presented itself to me with a couple of grams of G-Putt’s newest gourmet cannabis effort named, Tapped In. 

This opportunity is for something I don’t usually get the chance to smoke or even review. Because of the kindness of others, I’m able to offer my thoughts on the salubrious strain named Tapped In. 

Photo Credit: Zaul Zamora of Complete

Rolling in over 27% THC, Tapped In is a potent reminder of why I love smoking cannabis that is clearly out of my normal wheelhouse. Not that I’m a “lightweight” on smoking cannabis. It’s something that I’ve enjoyed for nearly fifty years. I travel extensively for gourmet cannabis and enjoy indoor and outdoor-grown with my bias towards sun grown in natural soil, which dates back to having grown up on a Biodynamic farm in the 1960s and ’70s. I love the premise of terroir, a sense of place in both the cannabis field and the vineyard when I’m writing about wine. Much can be said for the taste of the place. That’s why my bias moves towards sun-grown cannabis. 

The medical staff I usually have from the NJMMJ (med system) is decent enough, but they have a long way to go to catch up to California. In my somewhat biased opinion, this is because I was born and raised— and live — in NJ! They’ve come a long way, but not far enough yet. Not like the Tapped In varietal. This stuff really is the sprawl. 

It’s refreshing to know that the fine cannabis that is woven into Tapped In is indoor grown with passion. You can taste it in every puff. The flowers ooze with what I call red fruits. I could be in Spain or the South of France with the exotic quality of the aromatics, shown in each generous pull. Gourmet, groomed, tended, cured. All done with love, this is obvious. I dig what I tried and will try to seek it out. This is the good stuff. 

One suggestion would be to take a couple of dry hits through your pipe or joint before lighting the cannabis. Why? Well, to gain an appreciation for the terpenes. You’ll know my intent here when you smell the terps. It’s purifying. 

Cannabis as good as Tapped In offers an entirely different experience, one with which I felt immediately comfortable. I wanted to share my thoughts as Tapped In is really my new and best cannabis friend. 

Photo Credit: Zaul Zamora of Complete

Tapped In opened up my intellectual and considerate thoughts (what few that I have left!) and allowed me the honor of sharing my passion by writing the “WB” tasting notes of Tapped In; this is really high-quality cannabis and deserves even more compliments (In my opinion of course!) 

Tasting Notes: 

Nose: Early Spring rake-turned black loam in the nose spinning your inner dreams with opulent dollops of brown butter-soaked bread pudding. Each generous slice of this confection is covered with a smoky bourbon hard sauce. 

This modern-day indoor-grown cannabis is philosophically different from the cannabis of the 1960s and 1970s that I grew up smoking. Possessing potent scents of candy sugar-dusted sizzling hot cream-filled donuts, each whiff of the perfectly cured and trimmed bud offers the unique experience of smelling the cannabis. This moment in time, just before it is ground in my Gemini grinder, then smoked. Jutting my nose into a small scenting jar that I use to gain an appreciation for the terroir, I immediately savored the earthy aromatics that wafted deeply into and up my nose. This precise moment in time led to a dollop of corn pudding covered in a tangle of cozy brown butter with a touch of petrol and a flurry of freshly grated nutmeg at the finish. 

Ok, so it finishes sweet out of your nose if you exhale that way. With a touch of sizzled lemongrass and shallot, please. 

Palate: The smoke itself is soft across the tongue, plunging down into the lungs. The art of curing is spot on; no coughing here, impressive indeed. Notes of Saturday night butterscotch sundaes and further sprinkles of bartender’s sugar (very, very fine sugar) predominate the path down the throat to neither region of the mind. 

This groovy cannabis is elegant and potent, with splashes of my favorite, hot and spicy Pickett’s Ginger Syrup on the finish across my tongue. Impressive indeed. 

Photo Credit: Zaul Zamora of Complete

Finish: Upon reaching the body, the effects take place very quickly with a richly warming sensation that creeps up from the base of my spine up to the places where time has been remembered and then forgotten again, like most of my memory, not really, but you get this concept. Tapped In is very analytical cannabis with the importance of deep tête-à-tête and the metaphysical unearthing of the inner self. 

The High or the Stone: As we discussed above, the overall THC level is just north of 27 %, making it quite intriguing for the person who is chasing THC, in other words, looking only for high THC varietals. I think that Tapped In is world-class, exactly what they say it is. And yes, I get really blissful on just a couple of hits. This cannabis truly is Premium Indoor Cannabis Flower. They can also say expertly cured and perfectly trimmed, Premium Indoor Cannabis Flower. This cannabis really opens my mind, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Tapped In will do exactly as you expect it to do. And that is to really get you intellectually charged, and yes, you will be masterfully stoned and have a really nice afternoon. Find some crispy Vietnamese/Thai style wings, make ‘em spicy, and then feast yourself to a memorable experience for yourself. 

 Thank you. WB

Founder Gaurav Walia, better known as “G-Putt” to his peers and friends, has been a pioneer in the streetwear, music, and cannabis scenes for the past 20 years. Acting as a liaison between brands, celebrities, and tastemakers, he has connected and cultivated a close-knit community between these spaces and has used his passion as the “connector” of people to start his new endeavor. As one of the original founders of iconic brand Sherbinskis, G-Putt forged his connections to facilitate partnerships with Nike, Modernica, and COMPLEXION, establishing the elevated taste level and cool factor that drove the Los Angeles cannabis brand to global recognition.

His most recent collaboration is one with Carrots x Crocs (see him flexing in Hypebeast), which explores the concept of soil and how it serves as a foundation of life. Expect a full calendar of exclusive strain releases, fashion, and collaborations in the pipeline, including partnerships with minority artists on exclusive apparel and accessories art built around his iconic “G”.

Please follow his journey at @g_putt_diamond

For more on G-Putt: https://g-putt.com/

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Skunk Magazine

Mariam Saïd Digs Into Five Questions: PARA Bougie Cannabis Accoutrements

Ilove PARA. They’ve got really cool cannabis-centric stuff that is as at home in Brooklyn as it would be in Barcelona, Palm Springs, or Venice, California. Anyplace that mid-century modern design is held dear, this esoteric world of cannabis design tools fits very easily within.

 What kind of stuff am I speaking of? Certainly, if you are reading this, you’ll know that it’s cannabis paraphernalia that appeals to the intellectual and somewhat well-heeled stoner. What is that, you ask? Well, first of all, I would surmise that this person has great style, and they live somewhat frugally within that stratum of design. They hope to possess a lifestyle of architecture and authentic bougie design. I love all the products that PARA carries. I immediately thought that my book, Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails and Tonics, would be right at home alongside their erudite bongs, pipes, papers, and other “high-styled” ancillary tools of the trade. For those in the know, it’s like that veritable, hint, hint … It’s that secret handshake that I have found, without leaving my desk here in New Jersey. Like that carrier pigeon that finds its way to your door, carrying something unknowable. Now, where’s my confounded lighter? 

 PARA – a female-founded, BIPOC owned online shop housing a curated assortment of premium paraphernalia for the aesthetically high-minded consumer-based out of NYC. Partnering with numerous established designers from around the world, Para has curated an unparalleled assortment of modern pipes, bongs, papers, trays, scents, and much more. 

Para also donates a portion of revenues to the ‘Last Prisoner Project, utilizes only eco-friendly shipping methods, and continues to source from only ethical small businesses. 

Para was founded by Mariam Saïd, the OG Functional Stoner, who decided to utilize her knowledge of luxury fashion to propel a product category that she was personally more passionate about. In 2020, Mariam, along with a large portion of humanity, turned to cannabis for anxiety management. She specifically started utilizing cannabis as a de-stressor and a sleep-aid but soon found additional positive side effects; a decrease in physical pain, an increase in creativity, and focus (negating her expectations that she would simply be lethargic).

 Perhaps it was the intimidating atmosphere of the corner bodega (her source for rolling papers) or the fact that she burned her hand every time she used her pipe- that led her down the cannabis accessories path, but Mariam could not stop formulating questions and needed answers

PARA is a really cool store. Click through to visit!

Warren Bobrow: Please tell me about yourself. Why cannabis? What brought you to the plant? When was the first time that you became aware of the plant? 

Mariam Saïd: I am the Founder & CEO of PARA, an online shop that offers modern paraphernalia & home goods for aesthetically high-minded consumers with a focus on affordability. I was born in Egypt, grew up in Massachusetts, and currently live in Brooklyn, NY. 

Prior to starting PARA, I worked in the luxury fashion space for over a decade- working for Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren, and Frame Denim, to name a few. 

2020 was what brought me to the plant. I, like a lot of people, was very overwhelmed by the pandemic and subsequent happenings that followed. I found it harder and harder to justify myself continuing to work in the fashion industry, given the world’s circumstances. I am very appreciative of the professional and personal growth I’ve experienced during my tenure in fashion, but there was a stark contrast between how I was spending my time and how I wanted to spend my time. I started to feel like I had more to contribute. 

At that time in 2020, I wasn’t much of a cannabis consumer. I had occasionally smoked socially, but it was never with any intention other than to “party.” It was also in 2020 that I started to develop very heightened levels of anxiety and depression. I was prescribed medications, but it took about two years for my doctor & me to configure the right medicine that works for me. It was during those two years that I started to develop a conscious, more purposeful relationship with weed. My boyfriend at the time instigated my interest in the plant because he would have a joint or a packed bowl ready for me to help alleviate my anxiety. Smoking gradually became part of my evening routine to unwind and cure my anxiety. 

I am a very inquisitive person and wanted to know more about what it was that I was actually consuming. I had so many questions about the plant as a starter, and I assumed others did too. So, thus began my re-introduction to cannabis. I wanted to learn it ALL! I did copious amounts of research and consumed so much information. It became a very informative hobby for me, in a way, to learn how I could cure anxiety and depression with plant medicine instead of prescription drugs. 

It was my newfound hobby, coupled with the gradual disliking of my career that I found comfort in learning about cannabis, refining my relationship with the plant, and seeing results in the form of genuinely feeling better after consumption. I learned about strains, types of consumption, measurement, historical roadblocks, and future possibilities. And finally, the accessories! 

With my background in fashion and love for a good aesthetic, I was immediately drawn to the accessories end of cannabis. Not only is the type of weed important, but how you prepare and consume it is just as important, so I started the quest of learning about optimal ways of doing so. Being the shopper that I am, I decided to really honor my ritual and get my own setup: a sleek grinder, a non-phallic-looking pipe, a cute rolling tray, and maybe a storage box. I was SHOCKED to find that such a place did not exist near me. But how? I live in New York City! We have everything! 

Turning my research to the internet, I noticed two things:

1. There are actually quite a few modern, ethical, innovative smoking accessories brands out there- from all over the world. 

2. There aren’t enough centralized locations where you can buy your whole setup without having to stick to one brand or do extensive research on 20 different brands. 

I was thinking, “Where is the Saks Fifth Avenue of weed accessories?” It wasn’t long before I bid my fashion career adieu and started the blueprint for PARA. 

WB: Tell me about the ritual of well-being? Please tell me about your company and how well-being fits your ethos? How do you choose your products? 

MS: I am naturally very driven and very goal-oriented, which sounds great, but because of it, I have a strong tendency to ignore my sense of well-being. I am a workaholic by trade, and I sometimes work so much that I could go an entire day without eating, moving, resting, going outside, you name it. And being that I am a small business owner with big dreams, I allowed the work of launching PARA to eliminate any ritual I once established. 

My current ritual is super simple in that it consists of me walking my dog Marlo 3 times a day- no matter what. It anchors me and forces me to take a break from my work. It makes me bond with another little soul of love. 

My main brand and personal ethos are 1) Trust in the quality of the product. To be a trusted resource among our customers and 2) Being known for being an ethical company with a positive contribution to the world. At the end of the day, I want to be there for people who are just starting their cannabis journey, similar to how I started mine. 

PARA is a welcoming, honest, and caring company. There are certain big-box companies whose name became synonymous with evil, high CEO salaries, disregard for the community and planet. If and when PARA becomes a household name, I want it to be synonymous with philanthropy, kindness, trust, overall goodness.  

Before starting PARA, I knew that my next career move, whether working for myself or somebody else, I had to be proud of my contribution beyond monetary success. And that feeling really stemmed from my experiences in 2020. 

Products at Para are picked with design and functionality. I do a lot of research online. I did my initial buying round by literally googling variations of “weed accessories” and just went from there … websites, articles, social media presence, partnerships, the founding members… all with a few questions in mind: do they give back to the community? Are they original? Are they small? What it boils down to is are they a company I want to ethically support as well? 

WB: What kind of obstacles do you face? How do you remove those obstacles? What are your six and twelve-month goals? Do you have a mentor? 

MS: There are many obstacles that are presented when dealing with- even in an ancillary capacity- a plant that is not federally legal in the US. This includes everything from high banking fees, social media restrictions, fewer funding options, etc. Those types of obstacles can’t be removed in the short term. You just have to anticipate them financially and work around them creatively. Having said that, despite the obstacles, I do think it’s a very exciting time to enter the cannabis space because I feel like I’m experiencing history in the making. 

I have BIG goals for PARA, so I want to make sure I establish a company with a strong foundation and set it up for longevity. Over the next year, the goal is:

· To continue to grow our audience and customer base

· Invest in the right categories, learn from customers’ feedback

· Increase our philanthropic endeavors 

· Release our first in-house product 

I was so fortunate to have had strong women who invested time in mentoring me during my early years in fashion. I am certain that their guidance contributed to my success in a difficult industry. As a solopreneur and a cannabis industry novice, I would love nothing more than to have an informed sounding board to help me navigate. I welcome any passionate advisors to reach out, as I would happily be a mentee! 

In the meantime, I seek guidance from the small community that PARA has created. I’ve reached out to vendors for funding advice and banking options, to content creators with social media advice, etc. I am always met with a plethora of advice and tips. There is a collective sense of community and willingness to help, which is why I love the cannabis community. 

WB: What kind of food do you enjoy? Do you cook? If so, who taught you? Do you have a go/to when you enjoy cannabis? Favorite food memory from childhood? 

MS: I have become such a stereotypical New Yorker when it comes to food- living off dinner plans and takeout- a fact that I became painfully aware of during the pandemic. 

Every food is my go-to when I smoke! But dessert in particular- I have such a sweet tooth. 

Like I mentioned earlier, I “prepare” meals for myself- mostly to take mental breaks from work and add structure to my day. But real cooking, I wouldn’t say I know how to do that. My mom is actually an amazing Chef, and I’ve always had great meals growing up. I joked that we have to partner up and start a cannabis-infused restaurant when it’s fully legalized. Knowing her, she’s probably putting together a menu as we speak. 

My favorite food memory from childhood is definitely of my mom’s early years as a cook experimenting with different menu items. My mother was actually a stay-at-home mom throughout my childhood and didn’t enter the workforce until her mid-thirties as a cook. She was an overachiever who concocted these unique dishes and desserts at home before introducing them to the Chef. My brother & I were her testers, and we were tough critics.  

WB: What is your passion?

 MS: I have different passions at different levels of importance to me. At the top of the list, I would say community. Over the past few years, I have really developed a passion and somewhat of an obligation to help. The biggest instigator of that is my transition into cannabis and learning about the injustices people face. I can’t operate a profitable business knowing that others are in jail for pioneering an industry that we are currently benefiting from. 

My passion extends to more than just my immediate cannabis community. I want to bring awareness and make meaningful contributions to climate change and mental health advocates. I want to help others, which all ties into my ethos of doing GOOD! 

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Cannabis Cactus Magazine Recipes

Infused Cocktail: Cucumber Melon Mint Cooler

Cucumber-Melon-Mint-Cooler

I’m a massive fan of cocktails and mocktails that use puddles of summery melon (grilled first-trust me on this), along with coins of cucumber and tangles of well-washed, fresh mint.

Sometimes I make this take on a punch with a medicated rich simple syrup and other times I

use infused Rhum Agricole from Martinique or a combination of the two. In this case, I’m sticking to the mocktail version. It’s true that the Rhum Agricole method is quite salubrious, but you can add the Agricole Rhum on your own time. It’s breakfast-time here in New Jersey (where I’m writing this), ten degrees out and I’m not yet ready to drink before the sun is warm over my toes. It’s not like I’m chillaxing by the town pool, that is frozen solid right now! Brrr. Perhaps this drink will enlighten you into believing that it’s in the mid-eighties outside and you just might need an inspirational dollop of amusement in your day. Please remember the reason why you enjoy a cannabis infused beverage in the first place. They are non-confrontational. Smoking a fatty in the street will get all kinds of attention. Some positive, but most negative. When you smoke cannabis, everyone knows your business. Stigmas aside, I prefer to let people draw their conclusions about me through the things I say, not the weed I smoke. Although in some circles it couldn’t hurt!

But I digress. This is not about smoking cannabis in the street, but it is about enjoying one of the finest craft cocktails you’ve ever sipped, packed full of your favorite healing herbs. You know what kind of herb I’m discussing, right? The main ingredient in the mocktail happens to taste pretty darned good at this time of the year, as some of the best melon I’ve ever tasted comes to NJ in the winter months. Melon or if you can get it, the more exotic, musk-melon, offers a deeper and more exotic sensory experience. Then when you draw your chef’s knife and make two inch slices in the melon, sprinkle a little sea salt over the top of each slice. You will have prepared a grill, either outside with fire, or inside using a cast iron grill pan. Whatever way you choose, the fun thing is watching the sweet fruit caramelize against the flame. But don’t cook the fruit too much, I’m only looking for a golden brown hue- not burnt. And remember, when you take hot food off the fire it will continue to cook, so please keep that in mind. Set aside the crescents of melon and let them cool. European cucumbers are those long, slender vegetables that often come packaged in a sealed plastic covering. This is to protect the tender skin of the cucumber from bruising. It also allows you to use the fragrant skin and the oils in your mocktail without peeling the cucumber first. A win/win. Cut several cucumbers into coins, about an inch around and set aside with a clean and damp cloth on the top of them.

In a punch bowl, muddle the grilled melon along with the coins of European cucumber. Add the medicated honey syrup into the mix and top with a 750ml bottle of cool sparkling water, stir to combine and slap a bunch of mint over the top. Add some ice and stir. Dot the top of this drink with cucumber bitters, I think Fee Brothers makes a fine version of this artistic liquid.

Recipe: Cucumber Melon Mint Cooler

Ingredients:

  • 1-3 small Melons/Musk Melons cut into crescents about an inch or two in diameter (grilled and set to cool)
  • 2-3 European Cucumbers, cut into coins
  • 2-3 bunches, well-washed, fresh mint
  • Fee Brothers Cucumber Bitters
  • 1-750 ml bottle of sparkling water
  • ½ cup, medicated raw honey simple syrup- made 1:1/honey to spring water and 1 ounce of decarbed cannabis infused into each fluid cup of the simple syrup… It sounds like a lot, and it is!

These drinks will be potent… Common sense will tell you not to drink more than one per ½ hour.

Pro Tip:

Wash mint well, let dry in a cloth towel. To Slap mint, place it in your hand, and slap it. Just like that! This releases the oils in the mint and makes it more fragrant.

Pro Tip:

Raw Honey Simple Syrup (with decarbed cannabis) Decarb your cannabis to reveal the THC, from THCA- Activating it. This is accomplished by heat and time. 220-240 degrees for 45 minutes, well covered, or I use the Ardent device to decarb – a much better idea – no burnt batches! Let cool, covered if you use an oven. And it’s going to stink, unless you use the Ardent, which gives off virtually no odor. Something to keep in mind. https://ardentcannabis.com/

I also own a Levo2. This machine does everything I’ve discussed in making an infused simple syrup. Decarbing and infusing. 1 do a 1:1 syrup in the Levo2 as well. The Levo2 does one cup batches so cut the liquid to ½ cup honey to ½ cup spring water in this device… I use ¼ ounce per batch in the Levo2. https://levooil.com/

Instructions:

  1. In a punch bowl, muddle the grilled melon along with the coins of European cucumber.
  2. Add the medicated honey syrup into the mix
  3. Top with a 750ml bottle of cool sparkling water 
  4. Stir to combine and slap a bunch of mint over the top 
  5. Add some ice and stir
  6. Dot the top of this drink with cucumber bitters, I think Fee Brothers makes a fine version of this artistic liquid
Categories
Articles

7 Easy Ways To Make Any Cocktail You Make Taste Better Well, almost.

I’m a firm proponent of craft cocktails. But with that said, not just any cocktail is worthy of the label, “craft.” Just like not every spirit is really craft when it says so on the label. For all intents and purposes this should be your rule of thumb. According to the American Distilling Institute, which is the go/to for all thing that are craft in the United States, a spirit may qualify as a craft spirit if and only if they produce fewer than 52,000 cases of that spirit per year in their own distillery. So not to confuse you, this means 52,000 cases of a spirit distilled under their own roof qualifies.

READ MORE HERE AT THE FRESH TOAST

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Events

Stonington Harbor Yacht Club Event

Stonington Harbor Yacht Club Event

Single Malt Scotch Tasting

Saturday October 21, 2017 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

A Virtual Cruise to the Isle and Highlands of Scotland- A Single Malt, Scotch Whisky Tasting

Back by popular demand, Warren Bobrow, noted international judge, journalist and food writer, the “Cocktail Whisperer” will share his knowledge of Single Malt, Scotch Whisky. From the Isle to the Highlands, you will taste 12 different Scotch whiskies, from the bland to the beautiful. From the bottles that you can buy anywhere to something special from his own stock. Warren will have us tasting the difference between the stuff your father drank and the fine bottles we should be drinking!

The cost per person will be $35.00 for tasters. Accompanying tea-totalers and designated drivers will be admitted free. This tasting is limited to the first 30 members and their guests to register.

This is sure to be an educational and memorable event.

The tasting will be followed by a Scotch themed dinner at the club. Have your kilts pressed and dust off your bag- pipes for a wonderful evening.

CHECK OUT THE DINNER MENU!!

Categories
Articles

EX-BANKER TURNED CANNABIS COCKTAIL KING

Meet Warren Bobrow, The Ex-Banker Turned Cannabis Cocktail King

Photo Credit: Warren Bobrow

You’d be hard pressed to find an authority figure when it comes to cannabis cocktails. But Warren Bobrow, the author of Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails and Tonics, doesn’t think that’s because the combination is a bad idea. He should know — he literally wrote the book on the subject. He’s a strong believer in a good cannabis cocktail. It’s just that everyone else (other than a few brave bar owners) is too scared to tackle the subject.

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Articles

Musings on Whiskey

My influence for writing Whiskey Cocktails is one of a most circuitous nature. Whiskey has rough and tumble roots for me. Initially I looked at whiskey as something that was rough and harsh across my palate. I wasn’t a whiskey fan until a couple of years ago. Rum was more my forte, I was a rum judge for the Ministry of Rum in 2010. I also wrote about food, and, of course wine. It’s very tough to make a living being just one more voice in the room of food writing or even wine writing.

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Articles Recipes Reviews

Triibe: A Marvelous Spirit Welcome To Many Recipes

TriibeThe Reformed Spirits Company, makers of the World Renowned, Martin Miller’s Gin has created a crystal clear, uncolored, ‘Irish Cream’ liqueur that is mesmerizing in mouthfeel, quality and overall finesse. What they have created, using Irish Malt Whiskey, is a bourbon, chocolate, milk punch without any caramel color added at all. In fact, what they have done is rectify an authentic spirit base with a plethora of marvelous flavors that say rich and creamy in the glass without a drop of artificial color to further confuse the consumer with layers of provenance that just doesn’t exist.  

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