Moonshine Haze

This hybrid stunned the world when it won the 2011 High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam for the "Best Seed Company Sativa" after being entered by first-time competitor Rare Dankness Seeds. Moonshine Haze is a classic fusion of some of the best Hazes the Dutch scene has to offer with just a little bit of Cali genetics (the Trainwreck) to spice up the package. Its spear-shaped and pointed colas take after the Trainwreck, but otherwise it takes most strongly after the sweet Amnesia Haze, carrying slight elements of the reedy, slightly musky Neville's Haze as well. Many of the photos below were from a batch grown personally by Scott of Rare Dankness Seeds and is from the same batch which won the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam.

Soma's Amnesia Haze x Nevil's Wreck (E-32 Trainwreck x Neville's Haze)

Scott, master breeder for Rare Dankness Seeds said that this strain resulted from conversations with friends over the years about what a strain must have in order to win a Cannabis Cup.  Amsterdam is known for its love of Haze genetics, but it's also the place where the judges are perhaps most jaded on the holiest of holy strains Amsterdam has to offer. This lead to Scott creating the Moonshine Haze, using the wonderful workhorse Nevil's Wreck male to impart extra potency, trichome coverage, and aroma to the Amnesia Haze.

The strain was entered in the sativa category and High Times Senior Cultivation Editor Danny Danko announced it as the Seed Company Sativa 1st place winner, eliciting a "rebel yell" from Scott, who was in the audience nearby.  This award finished off what ended up being a sweep for Colorado genetics in Amsterdam for the Seed Company cups.

The nugs tend to be more pointed than rounded, and have a very strong and bold green coloration, with a classic look thanks to the bright orange pistils.  It has large calyxes for its lineage and gets a boost of trichome density from the Trainwreck which makes certain areas of the buds look almost gray at times (especially the underside of leaves).

The scent definitely seems to be Amnesia Haze-dominant, with a lightly citrusy, sweet, fresh aroma that is easily-noticed as soon as the jar is opened, though it's more of a "what's that lovely smell?" as opposed to "whew, what stinks?" situation.  When ground apart, its already strong pungency increases further, bringing out a slight sandalwood/spice haziness which adds complexity to the exceedingly pleasant, floral Amnesia smell.  This strain brings to mind several of the best things about Haze, and lovers of that genetic line will undoubtedly find something to their liking here.

Sweet and floral elements are most prevalent on the inhale, but the hint of citrus comes out on the exhale, leaving a lingering Haze note on the palate.  The smoke perfumes the smoke perfumes the room like most good Haze tends to do and is very smooth on the throat and not particularly expansive.

Starting off with a near-immediate boost of internal energy and a buzzing sensation throughout the head and body, this sativa definitely feels as such early on.  Mood is elevated, sensory perception seems heightened, and the mind becomes very active, if a little bit jumpy and frantic at times.  It's not a very "facial" strain, only providing a little bit of eye and face buzzing early in the duration, residing primarily in the brain instead.  After the stimulating initial effects have subsided a bit (normally around the 1 to 1.5 hour mark), it becomes a wonderfully care-free yet clear-headed sativa which doesn't drop mood or "crash" at the end, but rather keeps the user on an even mental keel and fully able to function.  This is a great daytime choice for stimulating the mind and body and generally improving the tone of the day.

Scott [at time of original print] primarily grows in a very regimented hydroponic setup, and these plants are no exception.  As they take a long time to flower, it's advisable to flip lighting to 12/12 when they're under 18 unless high ceilings are available.  The plant responds well to SCROG techniques and will form a large footprint rather easily due to the candelabra-like side branching imparted by the Trainwreck.