The Illinois Rosin Competition : My Picks
The Illinois Rosin Competition! One of the few events that have pulled me out of the comfort of my home and safe space. And honestly, I’m glad I did.
In a slightly over-packed and maybe not ADA accessible brewery (😂 IYKYK) we got to mingle and mix with other concentrate aficionados. So many interesting and funny conversations could be heard, with an occasional cough or cloud of smoke present.
The competition was heated, and I think we got a good selection of product overall.
I would say the big variations are based on personal taste and preference. I enjoyed all of the entries and don’t remember ever being so fucking high in my life. I was high that entire week. Taking time on my lunch breaks and before and after work to try all the entries and give each their time.
As you know, I am nowhere near being an expert at dabs or concentrates.
Most of what I know about dabs has been from my cousin (Del Corazon Catering) or from the many dabbing sessions at Made Gallery.
My dabbing experience has been mainly with my Puffco Peak or with electric dabbing straws. Unless someone else sets me up, I struggle with setting up my own dab rig. I am terrified of the torches! Way too hot and I am NOT a welder.
Blue Island Beer Co is a lovely and spacious venue.
We made our way in and approached the lively crowd. One thing about smoking events is that people usually congregate in circles vs fanning out which made walking through the actual event a little difficult. My biggest tip for event curators is to not put vendors in the seating area. Just gives you a wider space to work with and you don’t have people bumping into merch tables and products.
The big winner of the night was Letter C Gotham Solventless with his Satsuma Sherbet.
One of my favorites, this dab was flavorful and light and offered a punch. It was one of the jars in my kit that I fully finished. Make sure you follow Gotham Solventless and get support.
I also found out Gotham Solventless is also a fellow Mexicano. Loved that fun fact and great representation at what are usually white dominated spaces.
The Number 2 Spot went to Midwest Meltz and their Trop Punch Bx1
Letter A was a close second and a delicious entry. I was honestly impressed by the first 3 entries out of the brunch and felt that the products were going to be great quality. Well I wasn’t wrong and this Trop Punch was a deserving entry.
I love dabs that smoke without a harsh taste or without the taste of anything added. And I am also a fan of any fruity taste, so thumbs up from me.
The Number 3 Spot went to Yoi Kemuri and their Papaya!
Another fruity submission, Papaya was so flavorful and had a beautiful appearance. With most of the winners you will notice a consistency in the look and smell of their product. Like I said before, good quality products only.
Notable Mentions
Some of my favorites in the bunch were definitely A-D which included Vanilla Tart from Trippster62 and a second entry from Gotham Solventless which was Zoap.
Another of my favorite was H which was Brown Bag and their Strawberry Guava.
I was also a fan of the letters M-O which were all Leggo My Fuego and their Rainbow Chip, Rainbow Papaza Z and Zkittlez.
Overall the entries were good, but those few stood out of the bunch for me. Super grateful to be included and super proud of all the participants.
