Part 2 | The Science of Exotic Cannabis: Funky, Chemical, and Savory Aromas
In Part 2 of our Science of Exotic anthology, we’re diving into the funky, chemical, and savory notes of strains...
It’s third on the High Times list of 25 Greatest Strains of All Time, its origins are mysterious, and its flavor is unforgettable—it’s Sour Diesel.
Also known as East Coast Sour Diesel, it supposedly came about during the early 90s as a cross between Chemdog and Super Skunk. Regardless of where it came from, this Sativa-dominant strain has been a favorite ever since it appeared. Its effects are fast-acting, cerebral, and perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up.
Before we jump in too deep, we want to remind everyone that we offer both botanical and cannabis-derived terpenes. We work hard to isolate the specific terpene profiles of popular cannabis strains so both cannabis consumers and non-cannabis consumers can enjoy and benefit from them.
Read on and discover all the diesel-fueled details about this intensely powerful strain and the terpenes that make it so popular.
Reading Time - 5 min
We get it, this is juicy stuff! Here’s a quick rundown of all the major points we’re covering today:
Its name does a pretty good job of describing its overall flavor and aroma. Sour Diesel is fuel-forward with zesty notes of citrus. However, you might notice woodsy notes with elements of pine. None of that would be possible, however, without a unique ratio of terpenes. The most dominant terpenes in Sour Diesel are D-Limonene, Myrcene, Beta-Pinene, Alpha-Pinene, and Camphene.
D-Limonene gives this strain a hefty dose of citrusy sour goodness. This mouth-puckering isolate is sweet, sour, and found in fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. It’s one of the most common terpenes in nature and lends Sour Diesel effects like mood elevation, energy, and anti-inflammation.
Check out our Limonene Collection
Myrcene perfectly weaves all the various aromatic notes together. Found in mangos, lemongrass, hops, and thyme, myrcene has an aroma that’s fruity and earthy. It also lends Sour Diesel effects like pain-relief, anti-inflammation, and sedation.
Check out our Myrcene Collection
Beta-Pinene and Alpha-Pinene might sound the same, but they have important differences. Yes, they’re both commonly found in conifer trees. Yes, their chemical formulas contain the same individual chemical atoms. However, beta-pinene’s structure is an exact reflection of alpha-pinene. Identical mirror-image structures like alpha-pinene and beta-pinene are called enantiomers.
Alpha-Pinene lends Sour Diesel turpentine-like notes of pine and wood. It also provides some of the intense cerebral effects this strain is known for. Not to be outdone, Beta-Pinene adds a slightly camphoraceous, spicy element to Sour Diesel and works with alpha-pinene for even more powerful cognitive effects.
If that wasn’t enough, Camphene adds an even more woodsy, camphor scent—imagine the forest after a fresh spring rain. If you’ve ever wondered why Sour Diesel has such an in-your-face flavor, all these pine-like terpenes are partially to blame. The end aroma is something that’s fuel-forward, sour, and STRONG while the flavor is earthy, gassy, and perfectly citrusy.
Plus, the THC levels of this strain (17-25%) with CBD levels at roughly 2% make for a surprisingly balanced experience. Considering how intense some of the effects can be, that’s really saying something. While there are over thirty other isolates that make up this complex blend, these five are the main contributors to its unique flavor, aroma, and effects.
Speaking of effects, that’s the main reason why consumers keep coming back to this strain.
The full cannabinoid-infused Sour Diesel effect is recommended for daytime use because of the surge of cerebral energy users experience. Words like creativity, motivation, and invigoration come to mind. That being said, we highly recommend Sour Diesel for your wake-n-bake sessions. Admittedly, continued use throughout the day can lead to more of a couch-lock experience.
The mood-elevating properties of many of the included terpenes make Sour Diesel a great option for anyone needing a mental pick-me-up. Just don’t use it too late in the day, or you may find yourself cleaning house until the wee hours of the morning.
Our botanically sourced Super Sour Diesel Sauce is perfect for both cannabis and non-cannabis products. Obviously, combining this blend with cannabinoids will pump up the effects. However, non-cannabis products promoting an energetic, euphoric mood with get-up-and-go body effects will greatly benefit from this blend. While it’s no surprise that Sour Diesel is a hit in vape and distillate, its flavor and effects make it applicable in several industries.
First, we CAN’T WAIT until someone makes a morning beverage infused with Sour Diesel terpenes! Just imagine reaching for an infused tea, coffee, or sparkling water that has all the flavor and effects of this strain. We don’t know about you, but that sounds like the start to a particularly great day. Plus, we’re also imagining sports drinks, beers, and MORE.
But what are some other ways to make the most of Sour Diesel’s flavor, aroma, and effects? How about…
Honestly, the sky is the limit! This is an incredibly potent blend and we see this being a particularly popular terpene profile in 2022.
Can’t get enough of this pungent blend? Check out our Native Series Concentrate Kit and enjoy Super Sour Diesel Sauce alongside several other iconic profiles. You’ll get to sample other essential classic flavors like Hippie Crasher Rosin, Animal Mintz Rosin, and more!
Have a great idea? Contact us today and let’s talk about how to infuse your products with this beloved blend.
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