You might not expect flavor to be such a large part of the conversation when discussing dank. When referring to reefer, the aroma of the herb typically takes center stage, and for good reason, as the smell can help you positively identify the type of cannabis which leads to a better consumption experience. Smell fits part and parcel with taste: the other sense that is becoming more and more important to Connoisseurs.
If you have consumed cannabis in any form, you have probably noticed that there is, indeed, a unique taste associated with it. No, not just the “weed smoke” taste. What may be harder to notice, is the distinct aromatic notes that combine to form the tasty clouds or how those flavors can vary from strain to strain (and we’re not talking about the terpenes of the plant).
How does one learn to pick apart the various flavors contained in a vaporized cannabis cloud? Let’s begin with a little anatomy lesson.
Salt-Baked Staff – Matt Crawley
Moving in on a pea-sized nug of GuavaChem reveals dark purple, orange hairs, and a fur coat of trichomes. Sorry, not a scratch and sniff.
Though usually associated with taste, the tongue can, in fact, only discern a limited number of tastes. The true nuance of flavor is found in the olfactory tract and then in the olfactory cortex. As substances enter the mouth, flavor molecules are diffused and passed into the olfactory tract through the top of the back of the throat. As the molecules come into contact with the olfactory tract, signals are sent to the brain to determine what the flavor is and whether the flavor is good or bad. In other words, flavor begins in the mouth, is found in the nose, and is interpreted by the brain.
We can draw some anatomical information from this simple understanding of how the human body senses flavor and apply it to your sensimilla sommelier adventures in some practical ways. Below are a few easy ideas of how you can further develop your cannabis palate. Remember to practice and make notes – a little note taking can go a long way!
Begin by focusing on the smell of the raw plant material. Perhaps grind some up or rub it between your fingers to enhance the smelling experience. Take note, and consider the aromatics you can identify right away. Take a break for a moment to allow your nose to rest, then take another quick sniff. Continue this process a few times until you have a consistent idea of what you are smelling. Take notes! Those same aromatics will vaporize in the consumption process and become the “flavors” that you taste. After identifying those aromatic features cold, it’s time to apply some heat and really open things up.
Once you settle on your heating method, the fun begins. Consider device temperature, water filtration, rolling papers etc. as each factor affects flavor. Upon inhalation, keep your pulls smaller than normal and focus on slightly slowing down your inhale. This allows a little more time for your olfactory system to catch a hold of some flavor. Pay attention to the adjectives that come to your mind and repeat as necessary. Take notes! Because remember, you’re going to be baked in a few minutes, so short-term memory may be limited. Personally, I find that it is fairly difficult to discern flavors on the initial inhale and that the exhale is where my real learning begins.
Salt-Baked Staff – Matt Crawley Understanding the strains that medicate best for you will enhance your medicating experience. It doesn’t stop there, by learning, practicing, and slowing down you may also find yourself more in-tune to other flavors that are all around you.
To get the most flavor out of the exhale, it is once more critical to slow things down a bit. Again, this is why your consumption method is important: too hot and this is going to be rough, too cold and you may not get a full flavor profile. As you are nearing completion of your exhale, keep a little vapor in the back of your throat and encourage it to stick around. You can do this by lightly exhaling through your nose or using your swallow reflex to “push” the flavor up to the top of your mouth, closer to the olfactory nerves. Close your eyes and taste. Take notes!
The aftertaste is your last chance to board the flavor train. A few seconds after you exhale you may notice some lingering flavors. By focusing on breathing through your nose and back of your throat, you can find these linger-longer flavors. This is another chance to learn and observe, though you need to act quickly, the aftertaste goes bad fast. So, again, take notes!
Applying some of these methods can help you get more enjoyment out of your cannabis consumption experience. Knowing the tools to better taste your greens is another way you can flex your cannabis muscles when your friends want to talk fancy. More importantly, the flavors of cannabis strains are becoming more and more diverse and delicious! You will be doing yourself a favor by learning to appreciate them. Why? Understanding the strains that medicate best for you will enhance your medicating experience. It doesn’t stop there, by learning, practicing, and slowing down you may also find yourself more in-tune to other flavors that are all around you.
Take one step closer to becoming a Utah cannabis connoisseur and find out what makes your cannabis smell in this Salt-Baked article.
