Sunset Lake Cannabis , a farmer-owned cannabis cultivator in South Hero, VT, is proud to announce the release of High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider. Sunset Lake Cannabis teamed up with their South Hero neighbors at Hackett's Orchard to craft a crisp, off-dry sparkling cider infused with sungrown cannabis grown right down the road from each other. Cannabis drinks are increasing in popularity with Vermonters who are choosing to cut back on drinking alcohol and are seeking alternative ways to consume cannabis without smoking or vaping. This new and innovative cannabis drink offers an authentic taste of two iconic Vermont crops and showcases the terroir of South Hero and the spirit of camaraderie between farmers.

High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider is made with fresh-pressed apple cider and a field blend of Climate Neutral Certified sungrown cannabis. "The fine bubbles are reminiscent of Prosecco," says Rev Baker, a Certified Cider Professional and the Director of Marketing for Sunset Lake Cannabis. "And since there's no added sugar, High Branch is off-dry and lightly sweet from the apples themselves." Each 12oz can contains two 5mg THC servings, making it perfect for sharing with friends, especially during the holiday season.

"High Branch Cider is unique because it's born out of collaboration between two neighboring farms which embody the past, present, and future of Vermont agriculture," says Sam Bellavance, owner of Sunset Lake Cannabis. "We want to weave cannabis into our existing notions of what it means to be a Vermont farm, and a big part of that is working with your neighbors and celebrating the small businesses that make South Hero so special."

"High Branch Cider is as local as local gets!" says Devin Hackett, orchard manager at Hackett's Orchard. "I can practically see their farm from our orchard, and in the fall, I can even smell it!" 

The team at Hackett's crafted a blend of apple varieties primarily composed of McIntosh and Crispin. "These are two classic Vermont Apples that give you a real taste of the orchard," says Hackett.

"Our goal is to produce a beverage that showcases an authentic taste of South Hero," says Rev Baker. "We're after what French winemakers refer to as terroir - the unique ‘sense of place’ where a product is produced." Baker, who is certified by the American Cider Association, describes the taste as off-dry (lightly sweet), with crisp acidity and light tannins that provide balance and add finesse. "You can really taste how fresh the cider is. The bright fruitiness is complemented by subtle citrus and pine notes from our sungrown cannabis."

"Besides being neighboring farms, Hackett's Orchard has always had a special place in my heart," says Bellavance. "My grandmother was a sister of Celia Hackett. I remember getting tours of the orchard from Celia and Ron when my family would go there to pick apples in the fall. When I had the thought of doing a cannabis cider, they were the first folks I thought of!"

High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider should be served chilled and can be enjoyed straight from the can, over ice, or in your favorite non-alcoholic cocktail. Sunset Lake Cannabis has created a riff on the classic Stone Fence cocktail, calling it the Stoned Fence. The original Stone Fence has a long history in Vermont and was the drink of choice of the Green Mountain Boys in 1775.

 Product Highlights

• Name: High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider
• Package: 12oz classic aluminum can with child-resistant resealable closure
• Dose: 10mg THC total per can (two 5mg THC servings)
• Fresh-Pressed Cider Blend: McIntosh, Crispin, and other varieties
• 40 calories per 6oz serving (10g naturally-occurring sugar per 6oz serving)
• Now available at licensed Vermont cannabis retailers ("dispensaries")

Learn more about High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider and find the Stoned Fence cocktail recipe at https://www.sunsetlakecannabis.com/high-branch-sparkling-cannabis-cider.

 About Sunset Lake Cannabis

Sunset Lake Cannabis is a farmer-owned cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, and retailer. As Vermont's only Climate Neutral Certified cannabis farm, the team at Sunset Lake Cannabis is passionate about sustainable sungrown cannabis and preserving their land for future cultivation. Sunset Lake Cannabis produces a broad portfolio of products, including hand-trimmed cannabis flower, prerolls, vapor cartridges, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Visit their retail location, Lake Effect Vermont, in South Hero, and find their Climate Neutral Certified products at a Vermont dispensary near you! For more info, visit  sunsetlakecannabis.com

About Hackett's Orchard

Hackett's Orchard is a family-owned, diversified farm & market that has been growing and selling 47 varieties of apples since 1967. The current orchard manager, Devin Hackett, is proud to continue the work his grandparents started and to provide Vermonters with fresh, local, and sustainably-grown apples and apple products. As part of their sustainability efforts, Hackett's has partnered with Efficiency Vermont to reduce their electricity needs and is planting smaller & more productive apple trees. Their farm market offers a variety of apples, fresh cider doughnuts, fresh-pressed apple cider, cider slush, and apple crisp. For more info, visit hackettsorchard.com