Savage Gardens has been dialing in its grow over the last few years and consistently dropping connoisseur quality flower. With flavors like Sherb Cake, G13 Hashplant and Apple Fritter, they’ve built an impressive lineup of sought-after genetics. But amidst their abundance of top-shelf offerings, it was their signature Thai Iced Tea that caught my attention.
A cross of Durban Thai and Blissful Wizard, one would expect a Cookie-leaning cross with some bonus terpinolene scents passed down from the Durban side of the family. Instead, we get an incredibly cerebral effect with big bright flavors and top tier bag appeal. A surprising combo that’s all at once new and familiar.
For someone with a fairly high tolerance and a relatively blunt endocannabinoid system, it’s a rare thing when the effect of a flower sends me running off to share the experience with my fellow Cannabis cognoscenti. Luckily I was encouraged to dig in by Savage owner and head cultivator Nik, who had experienced the unique effect of this flower firsthand – and warned me that it was a little intense.
Rolling up a generous joint for myself, I remarked on the intense pop of terpinolene as I broke the buds down – more complex, but less sweet than the classic Jack Herer profile I typically associate with Durban leaning strains. Digging in, there’s a deep and rich, bakery-thick base note accompanied by scents of warm bread and greasy hash. Above that, there’s a bouquet of clean top notes. Lavender and grassy florals are subtle but noticeable on the stem rub. A dry hit on the joint reveals plenty more terpinolene with a hint of diesel and a touch of industrial solvent, a bit like a sweet and funky rum. Altogether it makes for an interesting profile with some unexpected, but complementary, aromas.
Moments after finishing the joint I had to check in with myself. Did I forget something important? Was I running late for a test or did I forget to pick up a friend from the airport? It took a minute to register the energizing feeling and associate it with the Thai Iced Tea. With an electric buzz that could get a little racy if you don’t have a good handle on it, I hadn’t experienced an effect like this in years. With so many jars on the shelf marked “sativa,” it was nice to find some flower that felt like more than the average hybrid.
Thai Iced Tea is definitely not ideal for winding down after a busy day, but rather something to seek out and bring along to the music festival, or show off to your jaded Cannabis industry friends. For you excitement seekers and adrenaline junkies, this is the effect you’ve been searching for. It’s a bit like the rush and the risk of skydiving. It might not go as planned, but with the right mindset and prep, you’re going to have an incredible time.
This article was originally published in the January 2022 issue of Oregon Leaf.
View our archive on issuu.
