When it comes to both coffee and cannabis, most people are only mindful of the end results. They want their consumed goods to get them energized in the case of coffee, and undoubtedly stoned, as is applicable to weed (obviously). The average coffee consumer might think they only have quintuple or octuple espresso shot drinks to get them to where they want to be. Likewise, stoners end up looking for the strains they know work or that they had a great time with in the past. But as we proceed further down the paths of legal pot and baristas who want to re-energize their craft, new options emerge. And just because something is newer to the scene shouldn’t minimize the legitimacy of its effect or potency.
Since its emergence a few years ago, 9 Pound Hammer has been a quintessential Pacific Northwest staple. One of the beauties of this cannabis strain is just how hybridized it is, though it does lean more on the heavy indica side of things. As a combination of Gooberry, Jack the Ripper, and Hell’s OG, 9 Pound doesn’t really exemplify any aspects of its parent’s strains and instead becomes its own beast, its own experience. Named after the 9 Pound Hammer that John Henry wielded while taking on the steam engine, this strain gets the job done just like he did. After 4 or 5 tokes, you feel like you’ve been kicked in the head and shortly after, your body melts into a euphoric, stoney haze.
Like wildfire, cold brew has spread through the coffee scene and has shown no signs of slowing down. Once only offered by third-wave coffee shops, cold brew can now be found in corner stores, bodegas, or branded with a certain local siren at your nearest supermarket. People gulp it down with vigor and there are plenty of reasons why. Brewed at room temperature for at least 12 hours (though usually longer), cold brew has a higher caffeine content than almost any of its other coffee counterparts. Additionally, the long, low-temperature extraction makes for a smoother beverage, generally well known for having sweet, bright, or caramel notes.
As a combination, this pair might not be for the faint of heart. Even the daily consumer can be put through the wringer, on both a stimulating and relaxing rollercoaster ride. You’ll assuredly be lifted up by your iced coffee deliciousness and pounded right back down by The Hammer. Don’t let that deter you though; this is for people looking to actually experience something significant out of their coffee and cannabis. There are no subtleties here and no doubt that these two are doing exactly what they should be.
Meanwhile, the flavor pairing of these two hits the nail on the head (pun intended). While the myrcene and pinene rich 9 Pound Hammer provide hints of sour grapes, berries, and herbaceous pine, the cold brew compliments with those tart and syrupy flavors. While consuming these, one might consider creative but stationery pursuits like compulsively editing something on photoshop for too long or working on that “tight 5” for the neighborhood comedy open-mic. Or if those two are still high energy for you, try just distractedly daydreaming out the window. You’ll stay entertained for hours. Conclusively, 9 Pound Hammer and cold brew, though perhaps not for novices, makes for quite the fun combo. Give it a try on your next day off.
Words: TJ Gagnier
Photos: Jesse Codling