Origins and Backstory: After first hearing of the company, I was intrigued by the Aficionado image portrayed by their website and social media. I had seen pictures of their impressive packaging, and saw what seemed like an excessive price. It was all certainly enough to get my attention. I read about their seeds on their website, and decided that I would try out this highly-decorated strain of theirs. I germinated two packages of seed, and received bountiful yields of consistently-amazing pineapple flowers. I could have kept many phenotypes but ultimately selected one favorite. In the Pines is a three way cross of Pineapple Thai, Mean Gene's Pineapple, and Master Kush. I believe it has been bred to at least the third filial generation.
Appearance: Long, full flowers with spiked tops comprise the majority of In the Pines phenotypes. Some were more dense and stout, but most had a very sativa look to them. Even with a cold finish, there was zero purple color to be found. These buds are covered in resin and are pretty dense despite the long, thin, sativa-like character. Many phenotypes have tops that look like mild fox tails, but upon closer examination seem to just be an abnormal bud structure, and are not fox tailing. Green bud with orange hairs, nothing necessarily stand-out.
Aroma: The bouquet from this strain is absolutely unbelievable, and is undoubtedly some of the most compelling cannabis I've smelled to date. Most phenotypes were very floral with unmistakable notes of canned pineapple and syrup abounding. Other phenotypes exhibited the whole spectrum of citrus fruits, with only lime absent. Some were lemon, tangerine, orange, grapefruit, clementine, red apple, and even rotting mango. Vanilla was noted in some plants, and almost all expressed blossomy, floral notes. Some phenotypes were like candied pineapple lifesavers, some like canned pineapple syrup, and others still like pineapple upside down cake. There are forest-like scents in the background, not as prominent as the fruit but still very much present. It reminds me of Pacific Northwest forests in particular. The aroma of this strain is so incredible and enticing. It is truly incredible how much pineapple there is on the nose.
Flavor: As incredible as the aroma, the flavor is deep and complex. It indeed mimics pineapple, and all of the aforementioned fruits. There is so much citrus and pineapple to the flavor. Apt to the name, there are less bold flavors of pine trees and forest floor. The smoke is also very floral, providing a delicate and unique experience that is almost tea-like. It reminds me of connoisseur-quality white tea and pineapples, with so many subtle flavors coming through. One is even compelled to eat the flowers. Briefly stated, In the Pines tastes like a pineapple-cupcake-forest-flower.
Effects: I was mistaken when I thought the aroma and flavor were the highlights of this masterpiece. The effects truly exhibitthe finest character and highest quality that I have had the pleasure of experiencing in cannabis. It is so euphoric, feel-good, happy, uplifting, engaging, intriguing, and functional all the same. I feel very euphoric from In the Pines, as well as more positive, uplifted, and curious in all-things-happening in the world. Inspiring, it makes me want to call old friends, read new books, take a walk outside, express myself to loved ones, and engage with all the other beautiful activities in life. What I love the most is that overindulging in this flower seems to be difficult. Paranoia, social awkwardness, anxieties, and all of the other negatives that so-often accompany sativas is not remotely present. I am consistently calmed and uplifted from this cannabis, with never a negative effect it seems. This has become a favorite of mine across such a diverse array of activities and experiences due to its consistent nature. The character of effect from In the Pines is something truly special.
Overall Experience: Bravo. Encore. Aficionado takes the cake on this one. Excelling in all categories, In the Pines captures the essences of pineapple, flowers, vanilla, and truly enjoyable cannabis. It is pretty and somewhat classic in appearance, but shines to the olfactory senses and mind. The pineapple and dessert-like flavors are so prevalent and enjoyable, it is truly amazing to experience them in the form of smoke. The effect is even more enjoyable, which is hard for me to even say, as the aroma is so enticing on its own. This variety seems to embody all of the positive mental aspects that cannabis advocates rejoice over. It is happy, euphoric, positive, and gratitude-inspiring. In the Pines also seems to lack the paranoia, over-sedation, dysfunction, etc. that users typically do not appreciate about cannabis. This strain is truly something special, and I can't wait to see what else I can uncover from Aficionado's offerings.