Review
First time using LB to place an order for some of the good stuff. Spent about a couple of weeks simply browsing the website, getting used to the feel of it and checking out all the different vendors and listings.
When it came to choosing a vendor, my overriding aim was to source a strain that is not usually available on the streets. What better to set my heart on than some of the Cali strains that have been making waves across the pond.
This naturally attracted me to Gods Connect who seem to have a wide variety of different strains - a few of them imported from Cali but a lot more grown here in the UK. Their rating system seems to really emphasise the top level strains, or what they would refer to as Gods Private Reserve. As a vendor, they seem to have one of the better page layouts, making it clear what they have in stock and how these strains are graded. Their own reviews of the products show a certain class about them - it is enticing for a customer as it shows a high level of effort is put into the listings. The only downside (this is personal for me) is that they don’t offer Next Day Delivery like some of the other vendors. Now, I understand that this can be considered nit-picking but for someone who cannot openly order products of this nature, it is vital for me to be able to track and manage the delivery. Being able to expect a package guaranteed before 1pm offers a level of protection and comfort that turned out to be the deciding factor when I ultimately pulled the trigger on placing an order.
Sticking to the theme of trying to source a Cali strain (not necessarily grown in Cali but one whose genetics originates from there) my heart was set on the UK grown Gelato from The Gentleman Dealers. I ordered 3.5grams. Gelato has always been on my list of strains to try ever since I came across it a few years back.
TGD seemed a friendly vendor and we exchanged some messages prior to placing an order. Although their menu wasn’t as extensive as some other vendors, their page seemed professional and simple. The reviews from other buyers put my heart at ease and I was looking forward to finally placing an order. The clincher for me was that TGD offer next day delivery (this is their only delivery option) and I cannot fault the process whatsoever. I placed the order after the cut off time (this is different with each vendor) on Tuesday - the package was posted on Wednesday and a tracking number provided. I then received it on Thursday.
For communication/delivery, TGD get a 5/5 - no improvements can be made.
The order process was relatively simple (but I do have something of a cryptocurrency background). It is easy to have empathy for someone who has never bought anything using Bitcoin but there are tons of material out there to help with this. The main piece of advice I will give regarding this is to make sure you already have the correct amount of Bitcoin prior to placing an order. The link to send the Bitcoin to expires after 30mins so if you have issues with your exchange when purchasing Bitcoin this can exceed the 30 minute limit. Thankfully, I managed to transfer the Bitcoin with only 6mins to spare due to having a hiccup with the exchange I was using (this is a whole other topic) and the transfer was confirmed almost immediately.
So upon receiving the package, I was impressed with how normal it looks - it is the same as receiving something from eBay or Amazon and it fits through the letterbox. There was no way of knowing what is inside as there is no smell whatsoever. Once opened, you can see how much effort is put into making sure the package does not arose any suspicion. Included in the packaging was a little pocket size grinder as well as a CBD lolly imported from Amsterdam which was a really nice touch. The CBD lolly tasted unusual but really nice - I wouldn’t mind having a few lying around for when I feel like having some sweets.
For stealth/packaging, TGD get a 5/5. Again, no improvements can be made.
(I will be as harsh as I can with my ratings so any vendor that matches the level of stealth as TGD will get a 4.5/5. TGD get a 5/5 for going out of their way to include a grinder and a lolly, although these are not necessary at all it just adds a nice touch and sets them apart).
On to the main course which of course is the Gelato! Wow. What can I say. The fragrance emanating from the buds was something I have not experienced before. The aroma was smooth with a touch of softness upon hitting my nose. I kept going back for another whiff. It was earthy but definitely also sweet - with just a hint of Blueberry. The flowers looked absolutely exquisite. They were fully formed with trichomes glazed just about everywhere with fiery orange hairs sticking out. It was soft to the touch but dense and although I did not weigh it, there was no doubt that I had received at least 3.5grams if not slightly more. First impressions count and I could not wait to have a taste!
For looks/smell/touch, TGD get a 5/5 for their UK grown Gelato. This is the sort of bud you introduce to someone who has never smoked before.
Now onto the grand finale..how does she smoke? Well, having grinded out the bud, my only complaint would be that it did not grind as well as other buds that I have had in the past. Whether this was down to the small grinder (I have used these previously with no issues) or if it was down to the actual flower I cannot be certain. Nothing major however, I just needed a few extra minutes to make sure it was all ground up nicely to put into a spliff. As for the smoke - the best way to describe it would be Overwhelmingly Smooth. It is no secret where this strain gets its name from as it was as smooth as ice cream. No harshness whatsoever and the taste was sweet with a sort of woodiness to it. The effects were felt within 2 or 3 tokes. I got a slight anxious sensation which only lasted for a few minutes but I am putting this down to the fact that I had a 30 day break from smoking prior to this. I then experienced a high that I have never felt before. It was as if a part of my brain was activated that has never been used - it was euphoric! It is a head heavy high for certain but not one that leaves you drooling where you’re sat - it very much felt like I could have carried out some tasks had I wanted to. It is relaxing to the body and makes you feel happy and even slightly creative. Listening to music whilst high with this is a different experience! I had high hopes for this strain and it delivered or rather exceeded expectations. It has to go up there as one of the best strains I have smoked. No paranoia or other negative feelings (apart from a little anxiety which was minor) and it helps you sleep should you save this for night time.
For smoke/taste/high - UK grown Gelato from TGD gets a 4.5/5. (Only because it did not grind as well as I would have liked and I am being harsh).
Overall rating for The Gentleman Dealers - 4.8/5. Highly recommended - as this is my first order, TGD are now my benchmark for LB. Very impressed and cannot wait for them to get some other flavours like Wedding Cake! Even better would be to have a wide variety of Cali imports as well.
In conclusion - my first order with LB could not have been better. Absolutely no issues whatsoever - this was largely down to the vendor I used. Next on my list would definitely have to be Gods Connect. Although they don’t offer NDD, I will need to work something out as my appetite to try a Cali import has massively increased. Other vendors I have my eyes on are The Green Team and GreenFinger. Something about GreenFinger’s profile appeals to me in a different way. I can’t put my finger on it but it has something to do with him/her being a home grower. There is something special about growing something yourself and being absolutely happy with it to the point that you can put your name on the product and sell it. This is different to someone maybe just selling weed as a means of making money like most street dealers.
I know this is a long post but even if one person finds it helpful then it is worth it.
Peace and Love!
