For the last decade, Maine’s industries of both craft beer and cannabis have experienced unprecedented growth. Interestingly enough, both breweries and dispensaries have had success independently from each other without much crossover. However, due to changing trends and preferences, industry leaders have endeavored to give consumers other options to enjoy. It was only a matter of time until cannabis would be a budding new alternative for Maine drinkers, and Alte Beverage Company is one of the companies creating quite the buzz. Alte Beverage Co. produces a non-alcoholic, THC-infused adult beverage that assures consumers quality and consistency.

Though based in Pennsylvania, Alte Beverage Co. partnered with Fred Forsley, Nappi Distributors, and Pine State Beverage in January to make Alte Beverages available for Mainers in more than 400 locations statewide.

Founder Michael Dunn said, “I set out on a mission to figure out how to create something that was all natural and healthy. Our products are meant to enable people to either to still participate in social situations or relax at home with no regrets about hangovers.”

A little background on this, since many readers may be asking themselves, how is this even legal in the first place? Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive component in both hemp and marijuana that can produce a “high” for people. Hemp has 0.3% or less THC, while marijuana contains 0.3% or more THC.  The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized THC extraction from hemp. That aside, like anything new, regulation and quality control are slow to materialize.

With an extensive background in both the brewing and the hospitality industries, Dunn saw an opportunity to improve the method of producing this new category of adult beverages. Alte Beverages is committed to both compliance and quality standards, much like those of the brewing industry. They are also committed to transparency by posting a certificate of analysis on their website, which shows THC potency and safety measures.

Photo courtesy Alte Beverage Co.

Typically, the average consumer wants two things from an adult beverage: flavor and effect. And each of those factors requires nuance and precision. Several products that Dunn had tried previously were either inconsistent or “off-putting” flavor-wise, either too sugary, too artificial, or too pungent, tasting like “bong water.” Instead, Alte Beverages has taken on a more culinary approach, offering more complex recipes than standard flavors like cherry or orange. They currently have three 5 mg flavors: 1) Pineapple Mojito Mint with Lime, 2) Tangerine Cranberry, and 3) Watermelon Basil Jalapeno. They recently released a 10 mg Blackberry Lemon Vanilla flavor as well. Organic agave nectar is added to each beverage for balance. All of this enhances the cannabis flavor, not diminishes it.

“We didn’t have to use any artificial ingredients or bitter blockers that would mask or disguise that traditional cannabis taste or aroma,” said Dunn.

The THC-delta 9 must undergo an extraction (THC removal from hemp) and emulsion (stabilizing/infusing the THC concentration) process. Alte Beverages has a “solvent-free” method that uses water, not chemicals such as propane or ethanol, making it healthier and more consistent in flavor and effect. Consumers can be assured of no surprises when they partake in an Alte Beverage, as opposed to the unpredictability of eating gummies or smoking it straight. The effect of each beverage acts quickly and lasts about an hour, the same time it takes one’s body to process an alcoholic beverage.

“Everyone cares about what they put in their body,” said Dunn. It has resonated well in Maine where sustainability and mindfulness of consumption are important.”

Mystic Cove, a product line developed by Sebago Brewing Company, offers another alternative to alcohol. Mystic Cove represents Sebago’s non-alcoholic creation that features a very popular and tasty THC-infused beverage line, which also uses an all-natural extraction process with water.

Photo courtesy Sebago Brewing Co.

Kai Adams, co-founder of Sebago Brewing Company, said, “The hemp extract used is 100 percent naturally derived hemp. The hemp comes from a full-spectrum extract with a native percentage of Delta-9 THC that is physically extracted without chemical synthesis or conversion.” After several inquiries by customers, Adams said that Sebago had a perfect opportunity to make a quality, non-alcoholic option for consumers at their four locations.

“Retailers and Wholesalers were concerned initially since it’s all so new,” said Adams. “But, we’ve had a fun time with it. Interestingly, Mystic Cove customers are skewing older than we expected.”

Recent market trends suggest that young drinkers prefer non-alcoholic beverages. In trying to attract either younger drinkers or cannabis enthusiasts, are producers gaining an entirely different demographic unintentionally? Perhaps this beverage offers folks a more palatable option than traditional edibles or smoking. Or does it give the curious yet reluctant consumer a predictable cannabis option?

“I was not a traditional cannabis consumer,” said Dunn. “I have seen a positive outcome, however, in drinking these beverages. I’m getting better sleep. It’s been a tremendous benefit to me personally, which is very serendipitous.”

All and all, both Alte Beverages and Mystic Cove offer quality alternatives to alcohol for their consumers, no matter if you are planning to socialize or relax at home.   

Story by John Breerwood. John is an English teacher and a writing advisor at Lewiston High School. His first novel, Sinking Dixie, is about a dystopian New Orleans future. He lives in Topsham with his wife and two children.