Root Beer

“Quite a good scene, isn't it? Tim, crazy; Meph Heads the very sane spectators! It’s alive! It’s alive! Oh, in the name of God! Now I know what it feels like to be God!”

Too much? Probably. But double-lock your back door and check under the bed anyway, because Root Beer is here, and she is very much alive. Creeping out of the static of an old-school CRT and into a grow tent near you, she’s on hand to be the fog machine to your cabin in the woods.

When Mitch & Nico first got their hands on the legendary GMO Rootbeer photoperiod cut, it felt like unearthing the Necronomicon. We’re not entirely sure of the summoning rituals Mean Gene and Skunktek had to do to create this beast of a photoperiod, but we quickly became fully paid-up members of the cult, worshipping at the terpene altar. The combo of the classic GMO garlic funk and sweet herbal sassafras beat our tastebuds into submission, and the intense body high had us clawing around like a pair of ghouls at the roller disco.  

We fired up the Mephisto mountain lab, cued in the thunder, lightning and maniacal cackling and got down to work. Toof Decay is a much-loved strain in the Mephisto family, but one that we’ve largely overlooked since our Mango Smile project way back when. We wanted her to lend her ability to add density and yield, that classic candelabra branching and a touch of sweetness. During each selection process we focused on tightening up the floral clusters into golf-ball-sized pom-poms that stack heavily down the main stalks, while locking in that unearthly, sweet root-beer essence.

Root Beer carves out its own bloody trail in our catalogue because there is literally nothing like it on our flavour wheel. Tim was naturally skeptical about the terpene profile, he’s never been afraid to admit his genuine deathly fear of mushrooms. Whenever it came time for a taste session, he’d suggest going to The Winchester, having a nice cold pint and waiting for this whole thing to blow over. But once we popped the jar for him and he got his nostrils filled with a slap of rich milk chocolate, dark cola, and that classic savoury GMO something-or-other, he was leaping fences to get his hands on more. She’s deeply relaxing, but functional; easing body tension but keeping the mind clear; double the dose though and she becomes a certified creeper sleeper. Is it too early to call it the best drop since MephistO’z? Jimbo doesn’t think so; he’s banging the drum for this one.

Root Beer is exceptional, a standout, chef’s kiss of a strain. Sweet and spice and everything nice. Let’s check out how she grows. 

In early development, she displays strong vigour and rapid growth, often developing a prominent main cola with a classic apical dominant shape or a slightly broader, candelabra-style structure. Expect medium to long inter-nodal spacing as plants stretch comfortably into a taller profile, she certainly has the potential to be one of our bigger strains in height.

While growth is generally uniform and easy to manage, individual plants may exhibit minor early variations in developmental pace or slight cotyledon delays. The canopy responds very well to light leaf tucking and gentle lower-canopy defoliation, though heavy training is rarely required as light penetrates the natural framework effectively.

Root Beer demonstrates a healthy appetite once established, taking well to a consistent feeding regimen through late veg and bloom. A medium-strength nutrient program in a light soil mix keeps growth rapid and lush, with early minor inter-veinal pale tones quickly resolving as root systems mature and regular feeding kicks in.

As flowering progresses towards a 80 to 90 day finish (depending on your chosen medium and pot size), branches support dense, gold-ball-sized pom-pom clusters that swell into tight, conical, and heavily bract-stacked colas. Late bloom brings a striking visual transformation, with dark evergreen foliage shifting toward deep purple hues across the bracts and sugar leaves, all heavily coated in coarse, sandy trichomes that run right down to the lowest nodes.

The terpene profile undergoes a fascinating evolution, starting on the vine as a spicy sassafras, herbal soda, and sweet cola note layered over subtle hints of gas, garlic, and savoury funk. Once dried and cured, the aroma transforms into a rich mix of dark chocolate, sarsaparilla, and sharp fuel, which intensifies upon grinding to release a complex burst of pepper, floral cream, and earthy spice on the palate.

The experience is deeply soothing and body-focused, providing a relaxing, warm physical sensation accompanied by a functional, mild cerebral lift. Excellent as an evening release or for unwinding with friends, its gentle onset remains approachable at light doses while offering a rich, heavier finish when enjoyed in larger amounts.