Beer
Tannins
Cushwa Brewing Company Dense Fog Double New England IPA
Cushwa Brewing Company in Williamsport has earned a reputation for bold hop-forward beers, and its Dense Fog Double New England IPA shows why. At 8.3% ABV and 65 IBU, it pours with the signature hazy body of an IPA, softening the intensity while delivering big flavor. Beer does not contain tannins in the same way that wine or tea does, but Dense Fog creates a similar drying effect through hop polyphenols and layered bitterness. The combination of Simcoe, Mosaic and Amarillo hops bursts with juicy mango and papaya on the first sip before shifting into pine and resin that coat the palate. The pillowy malt base cushions this bitterness, giving the beer balance and length. This structure works in the same way that tannins do in wine, adding depth, contrast and a finish that lingers.
8.3% ABV, 65 IBU
Williamsport, Marylan
cushwaradpiestaproom.com | @cushwaradpiestaproom
Terpenes
BL^CK MRKT No Mas Flower
On the Cannabis side, BL^CK MRKT’s No Mas flower delivers a terpene profile that feels just as multidimensional. Testing at 25% total active cannabinoids and 4% total terpenes, it is dominated by myrcene, which brings earthy depth along with subtle sweetness. Limonene contributes a sharp citrus lift, while linalool softens the edges with a floral calm. When smoked, the inhale is tropical and rich, and the exhale trails into a smooth floral finish.
25% TAC, 4% total terpenes
Top three terpenes: myrcene, limonene and linalool
blvckmrktofficial.com | @blvckmrktofficial
Pairing
The overlap lies in their shared abundance of myrcene. The IPA’s juicy hop character mirrors the flower’s tropical aromatics, creating immediate harmony. At the same time, the beer’s piney bitterness is softened by the floral influence of linalool. Limonene acts as a bridge, providing a citrus note that cuts through the resinous weight of both beer and flower. The result is a pairing that is bold yet balanced, moving from juicy fruit to resinous depth before closing with a refreshing, lingering complexity.
Wine
Tannins
Old Westminster Winery 2024 Albariño
Old Westminster Winery, located in Westminster, was recently named one of three finalists for VinePair’s American Winery of the Year, a distinction that reflects both its innovation and dedication to quality. Among its standout releases is the 2024 Albariño, which is made from 100 percent hand-harvested grapes and aged for six months in stainless steel. This approach allows the varietal’s bright character to shine, while sur lie contact adds subtle texture and creaminess. The wine opens with aromas of honeysuckle, white peach and lemon zest, creating an inviting bouquet. On the palate, flavors of citrus, green apple and stone fruit are supported by crisp acidity and a lightly creamy midpalate. The Albariño grape doesn’t have a high tannin level, but the stainless steel and lees aging provide a sensation of structure that echoes the role tannins play in red wine. There is a gentle grip and lingering mineral finish that balances the fruit and keeps the profile refreshing. This texture gives the wine depth without sacrificing its hallmark freshness.
Westminster, Maryland
oldwestminster.com | @oldwestminsterwinery
Terpenes
Eden Solventless Fruit Gushers Cold Cure Live Rosin
Fruit Gushers Cold Cure Live Rosin processed by Eden Solventless captures the essence of the flower at its freshest. Testing at 83% total active cannabinoids and 6.5% total terpenes, it delivers a concentrated expression of citrus, spice and florals. Limonene is the leading terpene, bringing aromas of sweet orange and tangerine candy. Caryophyllene adds warmth and peppery spice that lingers on the exhale, while linalool softens the edges with a floral lift. The cold-cure process gives the rosin a velvet-like texture that melts smoothly, coating the palate in bright citrus.
83% TAC, 6.5% total terpenes
Top three terpenes: limonene, caryophyllene and linalool
alchemistlabs.co/eden-solventless | @alchemistmd_
Pairing
The wine’s delicate honeysuckle notes are complemented by the rosin’s orange-citrus aromatics, creating a fragrant opening impression. On the palate, Albariño’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the rosin, while its sur lie creaminess mirrors the concentrate’s smooth mouthfeel. Limonene enhances the wine’s citrus flavors, caryophyllene adds a spicy counterpoint to its mineral edge and linalool aligns the floral softness with the wine’s bouquet. The result is a pairing that feels indulgent yet refreshing, memorable long after the last sip and exhale.
Mocktail
Tannins
Alpine Cocktail Bar Grapefruit Gelato Mocktail
Bright and refreshing, the Grapefruit Gelato Mocktail immediately grabs attention with layers of citrus, spice and tropical fruit. Crafted at Alpine Cocktail Bar in Hagerstown, it features Seedlip Spice 94, a distilled nonalcoholic spirit. Fresh grapefruit and lime juice drive the zesty backbone, while mango juice contributes sweetness and a gentle edge of bitterness. Cream of coconut smooths everything into a silky texture that lingers across the palate. Although the drink is alcohol-free, the spice elements of Seedlip provide structure and depth that function much like tannins would.
Seedlip Spice 94 Non-Alcoholic Spirit
0% ABV
Hagerstown, Maryland
alpineplantbar.com | @alpinecocktailbar
Terpenes
District Cannabis Grapefruit Gelato Live Batter
District Cannabis, also based in Hagerstown, captures the flavor of Grapefruit Gelato in its live batter, a concentrate that tests at 86% total active cannabinoids and 8% total terpenes. The terpene profile is led by myrcene, with earthy undertones that ground the experience. Linalool follows with soft florals, while limonene delivers a vivid burst of citrus reminiscent of grapefruit zest and lemon peel. The live batter’s whipped texture enhances these flavors, unfolding in stages upon the inhale.
86% TAC, 8% total terpenes
Top three terpenes: myrcene, linalool and limonene
districtcannabis.us | @districtcnbs
Pairing
The mocktail’s citrus elements amplify the limonene-driven brightness of Grapefruit Gelato, while mango juice locks into the myrcene-rich tropical core of the strain. Cream of coconut mirrors the concentrate’s velvety mouthfeel, creating a seamless bridge between sip and inhale. Seedlip’s spice brings complexity that plays against the strain’s earthy undertones, tying it all together. The result is a pairing that is vibrant, tasty and distinctly local, celebrating both Alpine Cocktail Bar and District Cannabis as leaders in their craft.
Food
Tannins
White Rabbit Gastropub Rasta Pizza
Spicy, sweet and layered with flavor, the Rasta Pizza immediately draws the eye and tempts the palate. Crafted at White Rabbit Gastropub, this pizza features jerk chicken, tropical fruit salsa, fried plantains, pickled red onion and fresh basil, and it’s finished with a tasty mango tango sauce. Nestled in the heart of Frederick, this gastropub has become a destination for locals craving inventive, thoughtfully crafted dishes. Each component balances heat, sweetness and herbal notes, creating a complex flavor profile that unfolds bite by bite. The richness of the plantains and the brightness of the fruit salsa give the dish a full-bodied structure reminiscent of tannins in a fine wine, while the jerk seasoning adds a peppery backbone that lingers on the tongue.
Frederick, Maryland
whiterabbitgastropub.com | @whiterabbitgastropub
Terpenes
Curio Wellness Morning Wood Flower
Morning Wood flower from Curio Wellness provides an ideal complement to the Rasta Pizza, with 28% total active cannabinoids and 3% total terpenes. Its terpene profile, led by caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene, brings a complexity that mirrors the pizza’s layers of flavor. Caryophyllene delivers a peppery spice, while limonene and myrcene highlight more tropical notes. Carefully cultivated by the team at Curio, this small batch strain offers a consistently high-quality experience.
28% TAC, 3% total terpenes
Top three terpenes: caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene
curiowellness.com | @curiowellnessbrand
Pairing
With over 1% caryophyllene, this flower naturally leans into spice, making it a perfect match for the Rasta Pizza. The jerk chicken amplifies the strain’s peppery notes, while the tropical fruit salsa and mango tango sauce bring forward its fruity, citrusy terpenes. Fried plantains and fresh basil provide richness and aromatic lift. The pizza is available all of September at White Rabbit Gastropub in Frederick
Coffee
Tannins
River Bottom Roasters Lockhouse Latte
The Lockhouse Latte combines turmeric and ginger syrup, a single shot of espresso, steamed milk and a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. Made at River Bottom Roasters in Williamsport, the latte balances the warmth of the spices with the natural bitterness and astringency of the espresso, which contains its own tannins that give the drink structure and depth. Steamed milk smooths the flavors, creating a creamy, cohesive texture.
Williamsport, Maryland
riverbottomroasters.com | @riverbottomroasters
Terpenes
Organic Remedies Neapolitan V2 Cured Sugar
Neapolitan V2 Cured Sugar from Organic Remedies tests at 85% total active cannabinoids and 6% total terpenes, with caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene leading the profile. It’s crafted from a blend of three strains — Super Boof, Pillow Lava and Hash Burger — which gives it a layered complexity. Caryophyllene brings a peppery warmth, limonene adds bright citrus notes and myrcene contributes earthy undertones.
85% TAC, 6% total terpenes
Top three terpenes: caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene
organicremediesmd.com | @organicremediesmaryland
Pairing
This caryophyllene-heavy concentrate blends three different strains, layered like Neapolitan ice cream with a spectrum of flavors and aromas. Just as perfumers use coffee beans to reset the palate, the deep aroma of freshly roasted espresso helped us uncover nuanced notes within the concentrate. The earthy warmth of turmeric and ginger brings out its spice-driven character, while a dusting of cinnamon ties the pairing together with a cozy, aromatic finish.
