King Cake strain guide
King Cake is a hybrid from Oregon that crosses Granddaddy Purple with Mystic Gem. It was first released as Disco Glitter, and its frosty purple, green and yellow buds earned it a name borrowed from the Mardi Gras pastry. People know it for an unusual herbal smell and an uplifted head feel with a relaxed body.
Where does King Cake come from?
Two strain databases credit King Cake to Golden Beaver Farms, a grower in Oregon. They crossed Granddaddy Purple, the classic purple indica, with a strain called Mystic Gem.
It started out as a clone-only cut sold as Disco Glitter, and you may still see it under that name or as King's Cake. The King Cake name comes from its colours: purple, green and gold buds that look a lot like the festive cake.
What does King Cake smell and taste like?
King Cake doesn't smell like a typical dessert strain. Both sources describe sweet basil and licorice, with one strain database adding anise. Behind that herbal side there's some sweetness, with berry and vanilla flavours listed, plus earthy, woody or spicy notes and a peppery finish.
Caryophyllene leads its published terpene results, followed by limonene and pinene. That fits the peppery, slightly piney bite people notice on the exhale.
King Cake effects: what people report
People most often describe King Cake as uplifting and creative up front, with a calm, relaxed feel in the body. Some reviewers say the start feels energized and inspired before it settles down, which is a little surprising given its Granddaddy Purple parent.
These are experiences people report, not promises. Dry mouth is the most common complaint, and a few people mention feeling anxious or paranoid, especially with larger amounts.
How strong is King Cake?
Listings put King Cake at about 20% to 23% THC, which is on the higher side of average, with very little CBD. One strain database also lists a small amount of CBG.
If you're new to it, start with a small amount and give it time. The numbers printed on your label are a better guide than the strain name.
Buying King Cake in Canada
Look for both names, King Cake and Disco Glitter, since the same cut has been sold as each. Because it began as a clone-only strain, products under this name may vary depending on the cut a producer grows.
Check the THC and CBD numbers and the packaging date on the label. Fresher flower keeps more of that unusual herbal smell.
King Cake vs Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple is one of King Cake's parents, and it's known for grape and berry smells and a heavy, sleepy feel. King Cake keeps some of that berry sweetness but swaps much of the grape for basil and licorice, and people describe it as more uplifting and creative. If you want a classic wind-down purple strain, Granddaddy Purple is the safer pick. If you'd like something brighter with an herbal twist, try King Cake.
Strains like King Cake
If you like King Cake, these are worth a look:
- Granddaddy Purple: its parent, sweeter and heavier.
- Purple Urkle: a parent of Granddaddy Purple, with a fruity, purple-strain profile.
- Mendocino Purps: another purple classic with berry and earthy notes.
- Grape Pie: a sweet, berry-forward pick if the fruit side is what you enjoy.
