Origins and Backstory: This sample of Rare Dankness's cup-winning Moonshine Haze was gifted to me by a very talented and dedicated grower. It was grown indoors organically, and then cured for three years in ideal conditions. It has the same sort of paled-aesthetic as outdoor-grown cannabis, but is every bit as potent and intense as fresh flower. A prolonged curing process like this one completely removes chlorophyll (and other components) that tend to make the smoke harsh. The result is an unbelievably smooth and tasty smoke. Moonshine Haze is a cross of Amnesia Haze and Neville's Wreck.
Appearance: The bag appeal on this sample would be underwhelming for most. The grower and I agreed on this--however, we also both agreed that those in the know would be able to examine this flower and immediately realize how high quality it really is. Resin content is relatively high, and buds are well-developed elongated fingers with long, wispy pistils. The actual flowers themselves are not airy at all, but have a surprising and satisfying density. Obviously, this sample is a much darker green than normal, because all of the green plant matter has ended up evacuating through the long process of curing. This lack of vibrancy is both what makes it appealing to smokers who have experienced long-cured cannabis before, and makes it unappealing to those who have not, and associate dark-colored flower with poor quality import cannabis.
Aroma: This cannabis reminds me of Amsterdam coffee shops. The aroma is that of Hazes, but has more than enough depth to stand out from the crowd. It is effervescent and bubbly, with definitive lemon and lime notes that bring Sprite and 7up to mind. There is a distinct spiciness in the bouquet as well, sandalwood and other hard-to-describe elements that are almost like juniper berries or gin. Once all is said and done, the incredibly distinguished aroma comes out smelling like a country club's golf locker room. It really is not too far off from smelling like your grandfather's classy and overly-spicy cologne, and I mean that in the best of ways. To capture such a combination of scents in cannabis is a huge part of what makes the plant so special.
Flavor: The flavor of Moonshine is absolutely a highlight. As nuanced as the aroma, the flavor possesses sweet, spicy, floral, herbal, and fruity characters. The sprite-like lemon/lime effervescence comes on strongly, layered with the sweet-spicy sandalwood quality associated with hazes. The flavor is strong and dangerously good, keeping the hits going without allowing the effects to fully set in. The elements of aftershave, cologne, shaving cream, and other bizarre notes that conjure up locker room memories are present in the flavor as well. This combination of factors makes for a uniquely tasty and distinguished flavor, an experience I would venture to guess is entirely unavailable outside of smoking cannabis.
Effects: Moonshine Haze is well renowned for her effects, a classic-yet-contemporary representation of Dutch Haze cultivars. She is zippy, heart-pounding, racy, and euphoric. Moonshine can be lighthearted and uplifting in small doses, perfect for a conversation and walk in the park on a sunny day. However, she has the potential to be terrifying in larger doses. With increased toking, odds for symptoms of paranoia and social anxiety go up. Visual acuity seems more intense as colors become more vibrant. Thoughts swirl around ones head making social situations difficult to navigate with focus and calm. The effects can be long lasting, especially for a sativa. The come down is almost like a terrifying roller coaster ride. Even if you were miserably paranoid, you will want to get back in line and hit the ride all over again. Scary fun!
Overall Experience: Moonshine Haze is a fun remix of old Dutch Haze genetics. I have sampled several phenotypes with aroma varying from granny smith apples to strawberries to lemon-lime. There is a common denominator of sweet-spicy signature pine and haze, and the buzz is always potent and uplifting. It is basically a universal factor with delicious sativas that you will inevitably smoke more than is ideal for your mental well-being; Moonshine Haze is no exception. There is no shortage of reasons to imbibe in Moonshine Haze when it's on the shelf, and it is almost always one of the quickest of my jars to empty out. Killer job by the grower on this euphoric and unbelievably complex flower.