Strain: Carolina Souwahh (Lavender Soda Pheno)
Lineage: Buddha’s Hand x Alpen Gleaux (Both by High Alpine Genetics)
Chemotype: CBDA Dominant (Type III)
Breeder: Mountain Flowers Hemp
Cultivator: Mountain Flowers Hemp
Ethics Statement
The Flavor Chase received this order as a free sample from Mountain Flowers Hemp. Though we received this as a sample, we are not affiliated with Mountain Flowers Hemp and the company was not allowed to preview or influence the contents of this review prior to release. Every company that enters The Flavor Chase understands that the quality of the product has to speak for itself. And MFH is here to compete. So, let’s get into the review.
Appearance
As you can see from the photo, Lavender Soda is unique in its appearance. Similar to its sister sibling, 93, LS is a bit looser and more sativa leaning in structure. However, it appears LS has a little bit more sugar leaf present. Where LS differentiates itself is in its color, exhibiting the darker purple of its parent, Alpen Gleaux. The flower has plenty of trichomes and is sticky, borderline greasy to the touch. Though the color and trichome coverage is on point, I can’t help but wish it was a more dense flower. It’s more “fluff” than “fullness” and in this regard becomes one of its main critiques against the competition in the market.
Nose
I was however, pleasantly surprised by how bold and rich the nose on this flower is. The first three things I noticed were that it’s floral, it’s stinky and it’s pretty sweet & gassy. The floral elements are truly reminiscent of lavender and the sweetness of a grape juice/syrup. It’s a unique, room filling, pleasant funk that is somewhat reminiscent of Alpen Gleaux in the floral elements, but AG doesn’t dominate the terpene profile as it can when crossed to other strains. Once ground, the terpene profile of the flower doesn’t change in terms of complexity, but it does become even more bold and in your face.
The Smoking Experience (Taste and Effect)
The moisture levels on the cure are near perfect. Though a looser structure, it gives that perfect snap. The ground up flower also holds together perfectly, forming a joint with ease. I had 2 smoke sessions with this flower, 8 hours apart. The dry hit, like the nose, is floral and stinky, with undertones of sweet syrup and gas.
Lighting the joint with a hemp wick, the initial toke is pure smoothness. Very quickly, a resin ring formed around the joint and the ash was a beautiful heather gray. As far as flavor is concerned, the flower retains the floral and stinky elements from the nose. However, I couldn’t really pickup on the (nose) undertones of sweet syrup and gas. The floral lavender elements are immediately noticeable on the smooth inhale, and the funk comes out with each nostril exhale. It’s a great flavor, though I did prefer the gassy-chem profile of its sister, 93.
2/3 of the way into the joint, the effects begin to hit. For a CBDA dominant Type III cannabis flower, this is pretty potent. A noticeable head change and physical relaxation can be observed. Smoking this after walking the dog, I noticed relaxation from my shoulders through my legs, but not enough to be considered overpowering or “couch locked” with racing thoughts. I found it to be a middle of the road hybrid, with both cerebral and physical effects noticeable, but not for one to be too noticeable over the other. It’s an enjoyable effect that, personally, I recommend for mid-day or evening use. Those with lower tolerance may experience a little slowdown, so I recommend trying a little (.3g – .5g) and seeing how you feel from there. More experienced consumers will enjoy 1/2 – 1 gram.
Final Thoughts and Shelf Placement
It’s a beautiful time to be a Type III consumer. There was a time where a dominant portion of the flower on the market was Oregon CBD strains all grown from seed. With the rise of breeders such as High Alpine Genetics and Hoku Seed Co, we’re seeing an increase in popularity of open source CBD genetics. Mountain Flowers Hemp made an excellent decision to breed and sell their own exclusive strains. Lavender Soda and its sister, 93, are 2 beautiful phenotypes of the same cross. LS has a lot going for it in terms of its nose, taste and effects. In those regards, it smokes like a premium product. However, it just doesn’t look premium. That intensely deep purple color and glistening trichomes stand out, but the looser spear shaped density has a harder time against the competition on the market. The good thing is that’s the only real critique and something that I believe can be addressed in cultivation. Overall, those looking for true indoor organic from North Carolina need look no further. Though it may not be the prettiest flower, it smokes like something above its price point. And at $35 for 7 grams, is an excellent value. The Flavor Chase highly recommends checking this one out.
Grades
Appearance: B- (Loose, spear structure. Dark purple with heavy trichomes and orange pistils)
Nose: A- (Pungent floral and funky elements with sweet gassy undertones)
Taste: A- (smooth, floral and funky)
Effect: B+ (cerebral and physical. potent without becoming overpowering)
Shelf: GOOD MID
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