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Flavor Guide to 40 Cannabis Terpenes

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

Table of Contents

10

Primary Terpenes

The essential terpenes found in most cannabis cultivars

15

Secondary Terpenes

Supporting terpenes that add depth and complexity

15

Rare & Specialty Terpenes

Uncommon terpenes for the dedicated connoisseur

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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