Flavor Guide to 40 Terpenes
Sommelier-level taste profiles, mouthfeel descriptions, and palate impressions for every terpene worth knowing.
Table of Contents
Primary Terpenes
10 terpenesMyrcene
PrimaryDeep, earthy richness with a fermented fruit undertone. Full-bodied and coating.
Mouthfeel: Heavy, viscous, lingers on the palate
Limonene
PrimaryBright, zesty citrus that stimulates the palate. Crisp and lively.
Mouthfeel: Light, effervescent, clean finish
Alpha-Pinene
PrimaryFresh, resinous pine. Cooling and expansive across the palate.
Mouthfeel: Brisk, astringent, opens sinuses
Beta-Pinene
PrimarySofter pine with green wood and herbal freshness. Mild resin character.
Mouthfeel: Gentle, dryish, subtly cooling
Linalool
PrimaryLuxurious floral sweetness like lavender honey. Silky texture on the tongue.
Mouthfeel: Smooth, smooth, comforting warmth
Beta-Caryophyllene
PrimaryWarm spice like cracked pepper with a tingling sensation on the palate.
Mouthfeel: Prickly, warming, dry spice finish
Humulene
PrimaryDry, herbal, and slightly bitter with a distinctive hops-like character.
Mouthfeel: Dry, astringent, crisp bitterness
Terpinolene
PrimaryDynamic and evolving, shifting from citrus to floral to woody as it unfolds.
Mouthfeel: Layered, medium-bodied, surprising
Ocimene
PrimaryJuicy, sweet, and tropical. Light and refreshing on the palate.
Mouthfeel: Airy, delicate, quick fade
Nerolidol
PrimaryDeep floral wood like jasmine tea. Smooth and grounding presence.
Mouthfeel: Velvety, relaxed, meditative
Secondary Terpenes
15 terpenesBisabolol
SecondaryGentle and soothing like chamomile tea. Creamy and comforting on the palate.
Mouthfeel: Soft, creamy, enveloping warmth
Rare & Specialty Terpenes
15 terpenesDelta-3-Carene
RareResinous and intensely sweet like fresh pine sap. Balsamic depth.
Mouthfeel: Thick, resinous, stoney
Train Your Palate
Create a free account to access flashcards, quizzes, and track your terpene knowledge progress.