Carasman, a young but fast-growing brand in Croatia, is pushing the boundaries of craft spirits by blending the worlds of hemp and alcohol. We recently had the opportunity to speak with the founders, Igor Šeler and Siniša Uštulica, about their innovative journey, which started on the slopes of Medvednica mountain in Zagreb and quickly evolved into a standout name in both CBD oils and cannabis-infused spirits. With just three years under its belt, Carasman has already achieved remarkable success, including winning two silver and one bronze medal at the 2024 London Competitions for its gins.

The Carasman Journey

Carasman began as a passion project during the COVID pandemic when the founders, both photographers and independent artists, found themselves with unexpected free time. What started as a venture into hemp cultivation and CBD oil production quickly expanded into the world of craft spirits, thanks to their collaboration with the renowned Sempervivum Distillery. Carasman’s early success in producing high-quality hemp oils laid the foundation for a unique twist in their business: infusing cannabis terpenes into gin and other alcoholic beverages. Today, their lineup of spirits—including gins and the Terraninno+ liqueur—has earned critical acclaim, and the brand’s growth shows no signs of slowing.

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Innovation Meets Tradition

The partnership with Sempervivum Distillery, a name synonymous with traditional alcoholic production, allowed Carasman to merge 20 years of distillation expertise with its modern, hemp-based innovations. The result is a series of spirits unlike any others on the market. Carasman is pioneering the use of cannabis terpenes, which are natural compounds found in cannabis, known for their distinctive aromas and potential wellness benefits. By utilizing advanced nanotechnology, Carasman has developed a method to make these terpenes soluble in both alcohol and water, enhancing the flavor profile of their spirits and offering a unique drinking experience.

What Sets Carasman Apart?

Carasman stands out for its innovative infusion of complex terpene compounds derived from well-known cannabis strains—something no other spirit producer has achieved at this level. Their flagship gin pays homage to the cannabis activist Jack Herer, who advocated for the use of cannabis in medicine, fuel, and other industries. This spirit is designed to capture the essence of terpenes, which have long been valued for their ability to create an 'entourage effect,' evoking feelings of euphoria or relaxation based on the dominant compounds used. Even without THC or CBD, Carasman’s gin has attracted international attention. Recently, the brand was invited to the 2025 Cannabis Drinks Expo in Chicago, a major event dedicated to THC and CBD-infused beverages. 

Image Credits: Carasman (10K Jack Sloe Gin)

New Releases on the Horizon

Carasman’s journey is far from over. In addition to their award-winning gins, the brand is actively developing new products set to launch by the end of 2024. These include a range of bitter drinks, as well as vodka and rum, all infused with their signature cannabis terpenes. This bold move reflects the founders' commitment to continuous innovation and their desire to create products that push the envelope in the spirits industry.

The Future of Carasman

Looking ahead, Carasman has ambitious plans to expand its product line and global presence. The founders are particularly excited about the possibility of infusing future beverages with cannabinoids like CBD and THC, once European regulations allow. Until then, they are focused on perfecting their existing terpene-infused spirits and expanding their distribution network. Currently in talks with key partners across Europe and the UK, the brand is also exploring opportunities in the U.S., thanks to their upcoming participation in the Chicago Cannabis Drinks Expo.

Carasman’s dedication to innovation, quality, and hemp-based products positions it uniquely within the spirits industry, and the future looks incredibly bright as they continue to blend creativity with craftsmanship.

Header image sourced from Carasman.

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