While the only kind of purple champagne available on the spirits market may be artificially-flavored and borderline undrinkable, cannabis offers us a close approximation. Purple Champagne is a sativa-dominant strain created by famed breeder Grand Daddy Purple (aka Ken Estes) as a cross between his eponymous Grandaddy Purple and Pink Champagne. This strain offers a strong sativa kick as well as an unforgettable flavor. Its THC content has been measured at between 16% and a whopping 29%.

Purple Champagne’s flowers tend to be on the smaller side, clinging together in clustered, popcorn-like formations. Despite their mostly sativa genes, they have a classically indica bud structure, with their leaves densely and solidly packed. What these buds lack in size, though, they make up for in color. The tightly-curled leaves are a patchwork of greens and purples, ranging from pale lavender to deep indigo. Anthocyanin pigments (passed on from Granddaddy Purple, which appears on both sides of this strain’s family tree) create these surprising purple hues when they’re stimulated by cold weather during the growing process. Finally, a dusting of white trichomes covers the inner and outer surfaces of these dense flowers, giving them an almost silvery sheen.

Purple Champagne’s flowers emanate a tangy berry aroma that has a fermented, almost rotting odor hanging out underneath. Close inspection can also reveal a subtle grape scent. Cracking open or grinding up these tight flowers release an earthy and spicy scent, possibly passed down from grandparent strain Durban Poison. Purple Champagne’s smoke can be harsh and acrid when inhaled, but it tastes pleasantly like grapes and spices on the exhale.

Like real champagne, Purple Champagne can go straight to your head. Shortly after puffing on this fruity smoke, users may feel a flush in the face as well as a mounting pressure around the eyes and temples. What follows these odd sensations is a tendency to think in cerebral terms, turning certain thoughts over and over at different angles. Some smokers may find their thoughts jumping from one to the next in free association. This focused, alert mindset can be a good way to power through a long list of work-related tasks, as well as a way to distract from the tedium of more automatic, mundane activities like doing the dishes or running errands. Initially lucid and able to carry on a conversation, those under Purple Champagne’s influence may want to put themselves in chatty social situations. After some time passes, a subtle body high creeps in, relieving tension in the muscles and helping consumers to breathe more deeply and easily. This eventual combination of mental and physical stimulation can help to enhance certain activities requiring complex coordination, like exercising and playing video games. If the dosage is increased, some users may find themselves pinned down, unwilling or unable to be active. Nevertheless, this is not the best bud to toke before heading to bed. Purple Champagne is best suited to afternoon or early evening use, when smokers can fully appreciate its decrescendo of effects.

Purple Champagne’s versatility can also be of use to medical cannabis patients. It can sustain concentration on a single task for those with attention deficit disorders. It may temporarily relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate stress and depression. The strain can also soothe physical pain, ranging from chronic and disease-related pain to more common irritations like headaches and nausea. Because its sense of mindrace may be overstimulating in the wrong circumstances, Purple Champagne is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia.

Fortunately for home growers, seeds of Purple Champagne for sale online. The bud can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Growing plants outdoors can help to foster their typically tall heights. Purple Champagne has a long flowering time of about 9 to 10 weeks. It offers growers an average yield of flowers.

As potent as it is tasty, Purple Champagne is an excellent all-purpose sativa. Its subtle body high on the backend makes it a good option for those who like to temper their mental stimulation with some physical relaxation.