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Flavor Guide to 40 Terpenes

Sommelier-level taste profiles, mouthfeel descriptions, and palate impressions for every terpene worth knowing.

Table of Contents

Primary Terpenes

10 terpenes

Myrcene

Primary

Deep, earthy richness with a fermented fruit undertone. Full-bodied and coating.

Mouthfeel: Heavy, viscous, lingers on the palate

Limonene

Primary

Bright, zesty citrus that stimulates the palate. Crisp and lively.

Mouthfeel: Light, effervescent, clean finish

Alpha-Pinene

Primary

Fresh, resinous pine. Cooling and expansive across the palate.

Mouthfeel: Brisk, astringent, opens sinuses

Beta-Pinene

Primary

Softer pine with green wood and herbal freshness. Mild resin character.

Mouthfeel: Gentle, dryish, subtly cooling

Linalool

Primary

Luxurious floral sweetness like lavender honey. Silky texture on the tongue.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, smooth, comforting warmth

Beta-Caryophyllene

Primary

Warm spice like cracked pepper with a tingling sensation on the palate.

Mouthfeel: Prickly, warming, dry spice finish

Humulene

Primary

Dry, herbal, and slightly bitter with a distinctive hops-like character.

Mouthfeel: Dry, astringent, crisp bitterness

Terpinolene

Primary

Dynamic and evolving, shifting from citrus to floral to woody as it unfolds.

Mouthfeel: Layered, medium-bodied, surprising

Ocimene

Primary

Juicy, sweet, and tropical. Light and refreshing on the palate.

Mouthfeel: Airy, delicate, quick fade

Nerolidol

Primary

Deep floral wood like jasmine tea. Smooth and grounding presence.

Mouthfeel: Velvety, relaxed, meditative

Secondary Terpenes

15 terpenes

Bisabolol

Secondary

Gentle and soothing like chamomile tea. Creamy and comforting on the palate.

Mouthfeel: Soft, creamy, enveloping warmth

Rare & Specialty Terpenes

15 terpenes

Delta-3-Carene

Rare

Resinous and intensely sweet like fresh pine sap. Balsamic depth.

Mouthfeel: Thick, resinous, stoney

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