FAQ's
Curiosity is at the heart of The Pathfinder. From apothecaries of the 1830s to the cocktail bars of today, seekers have always asked what lies behind the bottle. Here you will find answers to the most common questions about our hemp based spirit, its history, and the many ways to enjoy it. Consider this your cabinet of curiosities, opened.
About the Spirit
How is The Pathfinder Hemp and Root Spirit made?
Our elixir comes to life through a careful three step process. First, we ferment naturally harvested hempseed. Next, we distill the fermented liquid to capture its character. Finally, we perform a botanical maceration, our modern version of 1830s apothecarial alchemy, blending herbs, roots, and botanicals into a spirit with depth, balance, and complexity.
How is The Pathfinder fermented and distilled without becoming alcoholic?
We ferment hempseed with carefully selected yeast strains to minimize alcohol while maximizing flavor. The result is then distilled, concentrating complexity but keeping alcohol content below 0.5 percent ABV, no more than a ripe banana.
What is a botanical spirit? Is this a non alcoholic gin?
Botanical spirits include gin, absinthe, aquavit, and amari, all flavored primarily with roots, herbs, barks, and spices. The Pathfinder was not designed to imitate gin or any specific category, but to stand alone as a distinct botanical spirit with complexity equal to the finest alcoholic beverages.
Inspiration and History
The Pathfinder has such a unique look, feel, and taste. What inspired it?
The Pathfinder draws from the golden age of hemp in the 1830s, when physicians prescribed hemp based remedies for a wide range of ailments. Combined with the traditions of apothecary elixirs, this history inspired both the recipe and the design of our spirit.
Hemp and Ingredients
Is hemp the same as weed? Does The Pathfinder contain CBD or THC?
No. The Pathfinder is made from hempseed, which contains no cannabinoids. It undergoes fermentation and distillation to ensure it remains free of CBD and THC.
If there is no CBD or THC, what are the benefits of hempseed?
Flavor, flavor, flavor. Hempseed provides the perfect foundation for our Northwest botanicals, delivering complexity, richness, and mouthfeel. It is also naturally rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins B and D.
Serving and Enjoyment
What is the best way to enjoy The Pathfinder?
Start by sipping it neat to appreciate its layers of flavor. Then try the Pathfinder Spritz, one of our favorite and easiest cocktails to make at home. From there, explore our recipes to see how versatile it can be in both simple and complex cocktails.
If The Pathfinder is a non alcoholic spirit, should it never be mixed with alcohol?
Quite the opposite. While The Pathfinder shines in non alcoholic cocktails, it also plays beautifully with alcohol. Split your tequila in a margarita, swap it into tiki classics, or use it as a stand in for amaro or vermouth in stirred drinks. A Pathfinder Negroni lets you stretch a Negroni hour into a whole evening. Even whiskey fans can swap half the bourbon in an Old Fashioned for The Pathfinder to add layers of flavor and a lighter finish.
Does the bottle need refrigeration after opening?
No. The Pathfinder is shelf stable for up to 12 months at room temperature. Chill it if you prefer a cold pour, but it can live proudly on your bar cart.