Mendo Montage: The Purple Giant of the Triangle
Mendo Montage: The Purple Giant of the Triangle
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (60% Indica / 40% Sativa)
Breeder: Gage Green Genetics
Lineage: Mendo Purps x Crystal Locomotive (Trainwreck x White Widow)
Famous Offspring: The father of Mendo Breath
THC Content: 18% – 23%
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
Key Effects: Deep Muscle Relaxation, Dreamy Euphoria, Grape-Candy Calm, "Floaty" Body Stone
In the dense forests of Northern California, specifically Mendocino County, purple weed isn't just a color—it's a religion. And Mendo Montage is one of its high priests.
While it is most famous today for being the father of the legendary Mendo Breath, Mendo Montage is a titan in its own right. It is a "Super Purple" strain that combines the classic grape flavor of Mendo Purps with the resin and potency of the White Widow family. It represents the best of the Emerald Triangle: robust genetics, incredible bag appeal, and a high that feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a rainy day.
History and Lineage: The NorCal Fusion
Mendo Montage was created to improve upon the legendary "Purps" genetics that put Mendocino on the map.
The Mother (Mendo Purps): The original purple legend. Famous for its grape soda flavor and stunning violet coloration, but sometimes criticized for being a low yielder.
The Father (Crystal Locomotive): A high-octane cross of Trainwreck and White Widow. This parent injects massive resin production ("Crystal") and a potent, stony punch ("Locomotive") into the mix.
The Legacy: By crossing these two, Gage Green Genetics fixed the yield issues of the Purps while retaining the flavor. The result was Mendo Montage—a plant that grows big, smells like grape candy and pine, and produces buds that are rock-hard and covered in frost. This is the genetic backbone that gave Mendo Breath its structural integrity.
Terpene Profile: Grape Soda and Pine Sap
Mendo Montage smells like a walk through a vineyard in the middle of a redwood forest.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Fruit): The dominant terpene here, providing the sweet, musk-like aroma of overripe berries and grapes. It is also responsible for the "heavy" body feeling.
Pinene (The Forest): Inherited from the Trainwreck lineage, this terpene adds a sharp, fresh scent of pine needles that cuts through the sweetness.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): A background note of black pepper that adds complexity to the candy sweetness.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is incredibly sweet and earthy. It smells of grape Big League Chew, damp forest floor, and cedar wood.
The Smoke: Smooth and expansive. The inhale is pure sweet grape and berry, while the exhale leaves a lingering taste of pine and spicy earth.
Strain Effects: The Dream State
Mendo Montage offers a "classic" stone. It isn't about being productive; it's about being comfortable.
The Experience
The Onset: The high begins behind the eyes with a soft, hazy euphoria. The Trainwreck genetics provide a brief moment of cerebral stimulation, but it quickly fades.
The Drift: You enter a "dreamy" state. Colors seem softer, and time seems to slow down. It is a very introspective high.
The Body: The Mendo Purps genetics take over, sending waves of relaxation through the muscles. It feels like floating in a pool of warm water.
The Fade: Eventually, the relaxation deepens into drowsiness, making it an excellent pre-sleep strain.
Best For: Stargazing, camping trips, listening to vinyl records, and lazy rainy days.
Medical Benefits
This strain is a favorite for patients who want the pain relief of a heavy Indica but don't want the "blackout" effect of an OG.
Muscle Tension: The combination of Myrcene and the body-numbing effects of White Widow make it excellent for muscle spasms and cramps.
Anxiety: The euphoric, dreamy nature of the high separates the mind from stress triggers.
Chronic Pain: It provides a deep, localized numbness that helps with joint pain and arthritis.
Insomnia: While not an instant knockout, it sets the stage for a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
Growing Mendo Montage: The Purple Beast
Unlike some delicate purple strains, Mendo Montage is a beast in the garden, thanks to the Crystal Locomotive vigor.
Growth Structure
The Color: It is a showstopper. The leaves and buds naturally turn shades of deep purple, lavender, and even pink as they mature.
The Vigor: It grows faster and larger than pure Mendo Purps. It has strong branches that can support the weight of the dense colas.
The Resin: The White Widow influence is obvious here. The buds are coated in a thick layer of trichomes that contrast beautifully against the purple leaves.
Flowering Time: 8 to 9 weeks.
Yield: Moderate to High. It is a generous producer if given enough root space.
Grower’s Tip: This strain loves organic soil. The complex grape and berry terpenes express themselves best when grown in living soil rather than sterile hydroponic mediums.
Final Verdict: The NorCal Classic
Mendo Montage is a tribute to the region that created it. It captures the essence of Northern California cannabis: robust, flavorful, and deeply relaxing. While it may be overshadowed by its famous child, Mendo Breath, the Montage remains a superior smoke for those who love fruity, purple Indicas with a bit of a kick. It is the perfect strain for anyone who wants to taste the history of the Emerald Triangle.
You should choose Mendo Montage if:
You love Mendo Breath and want to try its father.
You are a fan of Purple strains (Granddaddy Purple, Grape Ape).
You want a strain that tastes like grapes and pine.
You need relief from muscle tension or anxiety.
Score: 9.1/10 (The Purple Giant)