Working our way through the kaleidoscopic range of sativa-leaning strains
As promised, we have been smoking our way through dozens of strains that are currently sold in Massachusetts, all in continued service of helping Talking Joints Memo readers differentiate at the dispensary.
For this random roundup, we’re highlighting some grape and comparably fruity strains that seem to defy the conventions of their taste and color. With Grand Daddy Purp being well-known as an indica-dominant icon, heads including us tend to associate everything purple with that side of the scale.
But of course, purple isn’t just a color that comes from certain genetics and cultivation techniques—it’s also a flavor, and perhaps even a state of mind.
Without further ado, here are some selections that colored our collective brain distinctly purple, along with two cultivars that feel like they’re from familiar families …
Insa Grape Bambino
This one has the 360-degree purple effect—it looks like Barney, tastes like Formula 50 Vitamin Water (RIP), and performs like a people eater. An aesthetic showpiece that gets the job done, we also like how it comes in a sealed can like sardines for maximum freshness. Out of the park. Grand-fucking-slam. A pleaser for any party. Insa also has a Mass Concord Grape strain that is absolutely killer, but in our experience it leans more toward orange.
RiverRun Gardens Zuni
One of this cultivator’s most mesmerizing deep dark strains in appearance, Zuni is a heavy medicinal shadow cultivar in every way. Even the passionfruit and guava notes are dusky, invoking cherry or grape Robitussin. From there, cardamom, chai tea, and Cherry Coke are chased by Garnier Fructis and bubble bath. Beneath the sweetness there’s some styrofoam and television static for the old heads, but not enough to interrupt the fruit fandango.
Realm Grape Crostata
Don’t let the faint smell in the jar or the minimal taste fool you. This cut from Realm made for some great smoke, with ash that basically vanished. Most importantly, it got us very high, in an immediate and uplifting way.
AMP Sangria
All three of us who tested AMP’s Sangria wrote “wow” in their review notes. If you are into strains that smell, look, and intoxicate like their name, then pack a bowl and savor every mouthful like you would with a fine wine.
Advanced Cultivators Pink Zkittlez
If you’re not already proactively seeking out jars from Advanced Cultivators, then this exquisitely cured and developed banger is a good reason to start. Featuring bright orange hairs and purple surprises throughout, it’s pure candy with an organic sweetness. Despite some minor background fumes, unlike some of its peers, there’s no gas chaser screaming down the left-hand lane with these Zkittlez, which magically burn in perpetuity.
