While I’m always interested in new labels hitting the market, what I really see as the next big step for our limited market is new cultivators coming online. IC Collective is one of a few operating craft cultivators, and the brand has brought completely new genetics along as part of its debut. I picked up a few samples to review including Alley Cat.

Alley Cat is a hybrid cross of T. I. T. S (This Is The Shit) and Diablo. This batch of flower tested at 0.64% THC, 27.55% THCa, and 28.19% total cannabinoids.

ILNJ photos

One longer flower top alongside two smaller pointed popcorn buds carried varying shades of light-lime and dark-turf green, splashes of purple, clustered fire-orange hairs and a robust trichome covering the entire flower with a milky tone. This batch of Alley Cat was dense in the hand but very lively as ground flower

Tangy diesel gas, chem, mustard seed, thyme, and fresh hop notes acted as highlights over a rich base tone of stony earth that rounded out the entire scent profile. This was some of the smoothest burning flower I’ve reviewed this year with a heavy well-rounded mouthfeel and zero irritation. Notes of diesel and thyme carried through from the aroma, alongside a perfume-like blend of floral tones and cinnamon, before a return to a slate-like stone note at the finish.

Alley Cats’ physical effects hit almost immediately with a strong wave of pressure that started in my chest before spreading into the rest of my body as a warming tingle. Eventually, a strong headband sensation set in at my crown and remained there for the duration of the experience. The headspace opened with a relaxing light haze but this was very short lived and followed closely by an expanding awareness that cleared my head and increased my focus. Overall, I enjoyed the layered flavor profile and quality cure, and I’m interested in trying more from IC Collective.

ILNJ photos

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