Although I must admit a preference for the more upbeat, energetic sativa’s, I do have a certain fondness for a good indica. Ideally, I look for indica’s that will provide the calming sensation I need after a long day, something that will make my whole body feel good and relax any leftover tension. Often I’ll find something with adequate potency, only to be dismayed by its soporific effect, which can leave me less than productive. On rare occasions I’ll find a strain that is spot on for the effect I want: relieving but not overpowering, subtle but not underwhelming. My current review finds itself in that niche and not just because of my love of its namesake: Chocolate
With a name like Chocolate, what exactly can you expect? A predominantly indica strain, most folks agree that it’s lineage probably contains some sort of Afghani Kush. It’s appearance certainly shares similarities with other indica-dominant kush’s: chunky bud structure, darker green leaves and a much lighter pale-amber coloring to the flower’s themselves, probably owing to the fact that its enveloped in resin. Unlike many of it’s kush counterparts however, Chocolate sports calyxes that are more swollen and developed than compact and dense. Although an impressive bud, nothing about it’s appearance screamed ‘Chocolate’, making me wonder if it were named more for its smell and taste.
With that in mind, I was expecting, or rather dreaming, that it would somehow smell like dark, rich hot chocolate. While that certainly isn’t the scent that I grab from the bag, I definitely find the smell on the unusual side. Lacking the true depth of chocolate, it’s aroma seems more like a subtle combination of vanilla and maple.
Once ground it has a sharp citrus sour, displaying a depth and complexity I was unable to appreciate just from the bag. The combination of odors and appearance always whets my appetite for a good sampling.
Unlike many predominantly indica strains, I do not find Chocolate particularly easy to roll. Instead of breaking down to a finer sand-like consistency, the larger calyx structure makes for a much chunkier grind. While rolling, I find myself fighting it into shape much more; a frustrating situation and not one most patients want to deal with. For that reason, I would probably recommend some other consumption method.
THC sparkle - Chocolate - Indica - PCC
Despite a difficult roll, the experience is just what I was looking for. At first, the taste gives you the best idea of ‘chocolate’: the near cloying combination of vanilla and maple, interspersed with a tickle of what I can only place as cinnamon. Although I’m not exactly screaming “Ghirardelli!”, I do find these flavors and sensations to be a welcome change and an interesting tease to my pallet. As I continued to smoke, the taste develops into the more familiar mouth-watering kush sweetness. Like many kush’s, the onset of the high is almost immediate: a rapid mental effect that eases your mind and plants a smile on your lips, while a tingling sensation spreads to your limbs and relaxes your body. I find it perfect for the times I need to relax and decompress after a long day.
I would highly, no pun intended, recommend Chocolate to folks looking for a solid indica that will lift your spirits and ease your pain, without that inherent heaviness that can make folks too lethargic.
