CIDER MEETS CANNABIS
Jan 14, 2025 03:27PM ● By EMILY PARKER
When local farms unite, the results can be magical. Such is the case with Sunset Lake Cannabis and Hackett’s Orchard, whose partnership brought forth High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider.
This innovative beverage combines Vermont’s apple-growing tradition with its emerging cannabis industry, creating a product that is as bold as it is rooted in the state’s heritage.
COLLABORATION ROOTED IN HISTORY AND COMMUNITY
The partnership between Sunset Lake Cannabis and Hackett’s Orchard grew naturally from a shared history and proximity. Sam Bellavance, owner of Sunset Lake Cannabis, explains, “Hackett’s Orchard has always had a special place in my heart. My grandmother was the sister of Celia Hackett, one of the orchard’s original owners.” Childhood visits filled with apple picking and family tours left an impression, making Hackett’s the obvious collaborator for the project.
For Orchard Manager Devin
Hackett, the decision was equally
straightforward. “They’re as local
as local gets!” he says. “I can
practically see their farm from our
orchard.” This closeness allowed the two businesses to work together
seamlessly, merging their expertise to
craft something truly unique.
WHAT MAKES HIGH BRANCH CANNABIS CIDER SPECIAL
High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider stands out in the crowded cannabis beverage market for its simplicity and commitment to quality. “There are a lot of tasty cannabis beverages in Vermont,” says Rev Baker, director of marketing at Sunset Lake Cannabis, “but High Branch is crafted with fresh farm produce—no chemical flavors or added sweeteners, just crisp apples and sun-grown cannabis.”
Hackett’s Orchard provided a blend of Macintosh and Crispin apples, two Vermont staples that balance tartness with natural sweetness. Sunset Lake Cannabis added sun-grown cannabis, known for its robust terpene profile, which balances the cider’s flavor with a subtle bitterness. The result is a crisp, effervescent drink with fine bubbles reminiscent of Prosecco.
PERFECTING THE BLEND
Creating High Branch was a meticulous process. Hackett’s Orchard developed a cider blend that highlighted its apples’ terroir, the unique flavor profile shaped by the land. Sunset Lake Cannabis worked with Taunik, a well-loved Vermont cannabis drink manufacturer, to refine the recipe. “It took a lot of taste tests,”says Rev, “but we found the perfect balance of sweetness and cannabis complexity.”
A NOD TO VERMONT TRADITION
High Branch is more than just a beverage; it’s a reflection of Vermont’s agricultural roots. “Vermont has been growing apples since the 1600s,” Rev shares, “and now, with cannabis legalized, we’re merging two iconic crops in a way that’s authentic to the state.”
The drink even pays homage to history with its Stoned Fence Cocktail, a nonalcoholic twist on Ethan Allen’s favorite libation.
STONED FENCE COCKTAIL
6 oz. High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider (5mg THC)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Lemon peel twist
Crushed ice
Pour the cider over crushed ice in a glass, add bitters, and garnish with a lemon peel.
ENJOY RESPONSIBLY
Each can of High Branch contains two 5mg THC servings, designed for sharing or sipping slowly. High Branch is made with fast-acting nano-emulsified THC, so most people will start to feel the effects within 10-20 minutes. However, Sunset Lake Cannabis recommends that newcomers start with one serving and wait up to an hour before enjoying another.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
Hackett’s Orchard and Sunset Lake Cannabis are deeply committed to sustainability. Hackett’s keeps its apples fresh year-round with energy-efficient refrigerated storage, implemented in partnership with Efficiency Vermont. In the fields, smaller, more productive apple trees reduce labor and environmental impact.
Sunset Lake Cannabis takes its efforts further as Vermont’s first Climate Neutral Certified cannabis farm. “Sustainability is central to every decision we make,” Sam says. Their eco-conscious practices prioritize land preservation and responsible farming, setting an example for Vermont agriculture.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The success of High Branch has inspired plans for future collaborations. “We’re already brainstorming new recipe ideas,” Sam shares, hinting at what’s to come. But no matter the next steps, the cider remains a celebration of Vermont’s community, crops, and creativity.
Whether you’re a cider enthusiast or a cannabis connoisseur, High Branch offers a taste of Vermont like no other—refreshing, balanced, and undeniably local.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNSET LAKE CANNABIS
SUNSET LAKE CANNABIS
South Hero, VT
