Shaman

One of Dutch Passion's early crosses primarily meant for outdoor growing in the northern latitudes of The Netherlands, Shaman is known for most of its specimens turning a deep purple.  The plant isn't a big yielder, and it also isn't the most potent variety, but its pleasant uplifting Sativa effect and complex floral-pine-incense aroma make it a great daytime choice for beginner and intermediate users.

Purple #1 x Early Skunk

During the 1980's "Skunk Boom" in Amsterdam, one of the crosses that came out of the frenzy of Skunk #1-based breeding projects was a strain first called "Purple Skunk".  In 1997, the variety was renamed to "Shaman" by Dutch Passion.  The strain was originally bred to finish outdoors  in the short Dutch growing season, and manages to do that despite its Sativa phenotypical selection.

Dutch Passion claims that approximately half of the Shaman plants in any seed pack will be green rather than purple, but we've never seen one that finishes green.  The buds are a deep purple, almost looking black at times, though the foliage does mostly stay green to finish.  The small buds appear tucked into the green leaves, but once pruned, the large calyxes and deep orange pistils make this a very attractive strain.  We've seen the same "cut" of Shaman several times, and it has continually produced purple-headed trichomes (see pictures above, in both dry buds and live plant form), which is an extremely rare trait.

Though it possesses a light "purple" scent, with notes of incense and a backing Skunky quality, Shaman has a tangy and fresh aroma once broken apart.  Hints of citrus, pine, and the smooth floral purple aroma from the pre-grind smell blend into a surprisingly appealing whole.

Much like the smell, it's not the most pungent thing around, but it is complex enough to keep a veteran user's interest.  A light skunky and floral flavor brings to mind the Skunk more than the Purple side of the family, and the light citrus elements come through as well in the aftertaste.  Beyond the first hit or two, it's mostly an earthy experience, but the smoke is smooth and light when properly grown and flushed.

The Sativa billing from the seed company is not a false one — this strain is very uplifting yet smooth and calming (no signs of anxiety), making it a perfect moderately potent daytime choice when an incapacitating mental effect is not desired.  Social, energetic, and near-euphoric at times, Shaman lasts at a medicinal level for about 1.5 hours, then fades out quickly at about 2.5, leaving behind no side effects.

Shaman is never really a big-yielding variety, but it does seem to prefer being grown in hydro when being cultivated indoors, bulking up a bit more than when grown in soil mixes.  However, the flavor and aroma seem to take on a more pleasing sweetness in soil, so it's mostly a question of what the grower is striving for.