Strain: Strawberry Banana
Lineage: Phenotype of Sugar Queen (ERB x Queen Dream)
Chemotype: CBDA Dominant (Type III)
Breeder: Big Dog Exotic Genetics
Cultivator: Stoney Branch
Ethics Statement
The Flavor Chase is an affiliate of Stoney Branch and does have a coupon code “TFC10” that can help save you 10% when you make a purchase. That being said, I paid for this flower prior to becoming an affiliate with the company. Furthermore, in my conversations with SB, they want the open honesty from experienced cannabis consumers and it’s a reason why the rock with The Flavor Chase. Stoney Branch was not allowed to preview this review prior to release, nor have they attempted any sort of influence over the content. They are fully aware that in TFC, every product has to speak for itself. And they’re here to compete. So, let’s get to the review.
Appearance
The previously reviewed Queen Dream was already a beautiful flower. Strawberry Banana takes the best parts of Queen Dream and kicks it up to the next level. Buds contain the same wonderful trim job, beautiful heavy trichome coverage and light green color, but the density is even greater. It looks like top shelf flower that you’d find in a California cannabis dispensary. Truly impressive. As far as looks are concerned, I found this one to be 2nd to their Godfather OG (one of the best CBD strains of 2023. MUST TRY). I will admit though, I’d love to see a purple pheno of this flower.
Nose
Opening up the jar I was treated to a sweet and strawberry leaning profile. It reminds me of a frozen bag of strawberries and bananas for smoothies. The sugar queen phenotype has a more herbal leaning nose, this one leans more towards fruit. Off top, I prefer the nose on this pheno. It actually kinda reminds me of a phenotype I grew of Watermelon Dream Sauce (bred by High Alpine Genetics) that had that borderline Terp Smoothie nose. Prior to breaking the flower down, it’s louder than SB’s Sugar Queen, but not as loud in comparison to their Godfather OG. Once broken down, the aroma slightly changes up. The sweetness remains, but more herbal elements come to the front and the experience becomes a little more similar to Sugar Queen.
The Smoking Experience (Taste and Effect)
I rolled approximately 1 – 1.5 grams in a RAW Black hemp paper. Like all of the flower that I’ve had from Stoney Branch, the cure is on point. Grinding it with my Flower Mill Mini grinder, I was left with a combination of fine – fluffy ground up material. It easily took shape inside the paper and made for a quick rolling experience. The dry hit is similar to Sugar Queen. Herbal, with a berry-fruit sweetness.
Using a hemp wick to light the joint, the initial hit is very smooth. Immediately, light colored ash appears near the cherry on the joint. About 1/2 – 1/3 of the way into the joint the resin ring appears to wrap around the outside. The smoothness remains from inhale to exhale. In terms of the flavor profile, there’s a sweet herbal after taste left behind from nostril exhales. It’s very enjoyable and coats the pallet well. I would rank the flavor on this one as my 2nd favorite in the Stoney Branch lineup, just behind Godfather OG.
At about 1/4 of the joint left, effects have become more present. I notice a mild cerebral head change, with some physical pressure wrapping around the head. It isn’t overpowering by any means, but is like a relaxing massage. During this time my inner monologue is a bit more active. My upper body is also more relaxed. For the amount that I consumed, I don’t think I would’ve noticed it as strong had I only used .2 – .5 with a water pipe. This feels like a smooth middle of the road hybrid that I could see myself using in the earlier day – evening. If you spent some time exercising (pushups, pull-ups, or a long walk) then you’d definitely notice the muscle relaxation from this one.
Final Thoughts and Shelf Placement
After trying Stoney Branch I can confidently see why they’re an award winning cultivator. Every flower that I’ve tried from them has looked beautiful, had unique nose and flavor profiles, and noticeable effects for the Type III market. This Strawberry Banana is just another example. It has a beautiful top shelf appearance on par with some of the best flower out there. Dense, fat flowers that are tightly trimmed and covered in frosty trichomes. It looks like premium. The nose is present and enjoyable, but I would like to see it louder next time around. The nose leans towards a mouth watering sweet strawberry/herbal direction without smelling like a tea. The taste in a joint, while not necessarily strawberry leaning anymore, maintains a sweet-herbal flavor from beginning to end. I didn’t expect effects to hit as hard on this one, but they do. I was met with a long lasting and relaxing cerebral effect while also experiencing a potent body relaxation nearly on par with their Godfather OG. If you’re a fan of a sweet herbal taste, then The Flavor Chase confidently recommends this flower for one of your next smokes.
Grades
Appearance: A
Nose: B
Taste: B
Effect: B+
Shelf: Good Mid (Great, actually)
The Flavor Chase 