Written by Ad OpsOverview and Why This Cross Matters
Animal Face x Kush Mints #11 is a contemporary hybrid bred by Seed Junky Genetics, a house responsible for many of the most influential cookie-mint and OG-adjacent cultivars of the past decade. The cross merges the serrated gas of Animal Face with the cool, creamy mint of the #11 phenotype of Kush Mints, stacking resin production and dessert-forward aromatics. It is an indica/sativa hybrid by heritage, engineered to deliver both heady clarity and deep-bodied comfort.
In legal markets, cultivars bearing Kush Mints genetics have ranked among the top sellers since 2020, accounting for notable shelf share in premium categories. Animal Face x Kush Mints #11 positions itself in that trend by offering dense, sugar-coated flowers with a high terpene-to-cannabinoid ratio. Enthusiasts seek it for potency often reported in the mid-to-high 20s for THC, with terpene totals frequently above 2%, creating a loud, layered bouquet.
Beyond its striking bag appeal, this cross carries pragmatic value for cultivators and extractors. The plant tends to express heavy trichome density suitable for solventless and hydrocarbon extraction, improving yield economics. At the consumer level, the flavor follows through on aroma, which is a crucial quality metric for repeat purchase and brand loyalty in competitive markets.
History and Breeding Origins
Seed Junky Genetics, the breeder credited with Animal Face x Kush Mints #11, has a long record of shaping the mint-cookie lane. With hits like Wedding Cake, Kush Mints, and numerous stabilized phenos, their program emphasizes resin output, dessert-like terpene complexity, and commercial viability. The #11 designation signals a selected Kush Mints phenotype cherished for its potent mint cream profile, potent THCa production, and consistent agronomic behavior.
Kush Mints itself descends from Bubba Kush crossed to Animal Mints, a lineage that imparts cookie dough sweetness, gas, and menthol-cool lift. Animal Face, meanwhile, is commonly understood to derive from Face Off OG x Animal Mints, stacking OG gas with Animal Mints’ sugary, mint-tinged complexity. Pairing Animal Face with Kush Mints #11 concentrates the Animal Mints influence, while giving the cross an OG backbone and classic Bubba Kush density.
The goal of the cross was to capture modern dessert aromatics without sacrificing potency or structure. Early reports from growers point to phenotypes that finish in 63 to 70 days of flowering, mirror 1.5x to 2x stretch after the flip, and display heavy frost. Those markers align with Seed Junky’s typical selection criteria: impactful bag appeal, reliable cannabinoid production, and an unmistakable, marketable nose.
Genetic Lineage and Heritable Traits
On paper, Animal Face x Kush Mints #11 compresses into a mint-cookie and OG-dominant hybrid. If we unspool the family tree, it looks like this: Animal Face (Face Off OG x Animal Mints) crossed to Kush Mints #11 (Bubba Kush x Animal Mints, pheno #11). That means Animal Mints genetics are present on both sides, amplifying cookie-dough sweetness, mint, and dense, resin-laden calyxes.
From Animal Face and Face Off OG come gassy, peppered back notes and a propensity for upright, OG-like architecture. From Bubba Kush, the cross often inherits broader leaflets, thicker stalks, and the potential for purple anthocyanin expression under cool night temperatures. The Animal Mints influence typically confers a creamy vanilla-mint aroma and a high terp count dominated by beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene.
In grow rooms, this genetic equation tends to deliver strong apical dominance with lateral vigor that responds well to topping and trellising. Buds are dense and resin-heavy, which is excellent for visual appeal and extraction but necessitates airflow to avoid botrytis in late flower. Phenotypic spread is moderate, with most expressions clustering around a similar mint-cookie gas profile and only minor variance in color and stretch.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Expect medium to large, spear-to-golf-ball colas with a tight calyx stack, jutting bracts, and prolific trichome coverage. Mature flowers often present a saturated lime-to-forest green base punctuated by plum or royal purple streaks, particularly when night temperatures drop below 65°F in late flower. Orange to copper pistils thread through the frost, providing contrast that plays well under display lighting.
The resin coverage is a standout. Trichome heads are plentiful and well-developed, which is crucial for extract yield and for that frosted sugar-cookie look consumers associate with premium flower. Under magnification, heads are typically bulbous and uniform, an indicator of good stability during handling and potential for solventless collection.
Breakdown reveals dense interior structure with limited stem-to-calyx ratio, an efficiency advantage for packing bowls or rolling. Properly grown samples have a noticeable stickiness that can gum grinders and leave a sheen on fingertips. The presentation meets or exceeds modern top-shelf expectations, where visual impact and trim quality heavily influence purchase decisions.
Aroma (Terpene-Driven Scent Profile)
Cracking a jar releases a layered aroma that many describe as mint cookie dough overlaid with OG gas, pine, and a faint animalic funk. The top-note coolness suggests mint and eucalyptus, while the mid-notes lean into vanilla batter, cracked pepper, and sweet cream. A diffuse background of earthy woods, fresh herb, and a citrus twist helps the bouquet stay lively rather than cloying.
Beta-caryophyllene is likely the anchor, bringing peppered spice and a warm, resinous base. Limonene contributes citrus lift that brightens the sweetness and can accentuate the perception of cleanliness and mint. Humulene and a pinch of linalool round the edges, bringing light floral and woody tones that keep the nose balanced and multidimensional.
Phenotype variance can tilt the nose either toward gassy OG or deeper cookie-dough sweetness. A gas-forward pheno is more likely to show pine-sol, pepper, and petrol notes, while the sweet-forward pheno feels like mint ice cream over cookie crumbs. In either case, cured samples with total terpene content above 2.0% tend to project across the room, a benchmark for a loud jar.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
The first draw typically lands as cool mint cream with a soft vanilla glaze, followed by a surge of OG gas and pepper. On the exhale, expect menthol-tinged pine and a lingering cookie dough sweetness that coats the palate. The mouthfeel is dense yet smooth when grown and cured properly, with minimal throat scratch and a clean finish.
As the session continues, subtle herbaceous and woody notes surface, likely driven by humulene and caryophyllene oxidation products. A bright, almost lemon-lime tickle from limonene may flicker at low temperatures on a vaporizer, enhancing perceived sweetness. Smoked at higher temperatures, the flavor deepens toward toasted sugar, spice, and earthy resin.
Flavor fidelity is one of this cross’s strong suits and a reason it translates well to rosin and live resin formats. Solventless hash can capture the mint-vanilla top notes with remarkable clarity if the material is fresh-frozen at peak ripeness. Consumers often remark that the flavor matches the nose within the first two hits, a premium trait aligned with modern expectations.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Metrics
Across legal-market reports for related parent lines, total THC often falls in the 22% to 30% range for well-grown Animal Face x Kush Mints #11. THCa typically constitutes the bulk of that figure, with decarboxylation converting it to active THC upon heating. CBD content is usually minimal, frequently testing below 0.5%, which means the psychoactive experience is driven primarily by THC and terpene modulation.
Minor cannabinoids can add nuance. CBGa levels around 0.5% to 1.5% are common in cookie-mint and OG crosses, with CBCa occasionally present around 0.1% to 0.4%. While these numbers fluctuate by phenotype and cultivation practice, the minor-cannabinoid contributions can subtly influence perceived clarity, mood, and body tone.
In many U.S. markets, average dispensary flower tests between 19% and 23% THC, so this cross often sits above the mean. Extracts derived from this cultivar can reach 70% to 85% total cannabinoids in hydrocarbon formats, and 60% to 75% in rosin, depending on input quality and process parameters. High potency, coupled with robust terpene totals, explains why small doses can feel substantial for new or infrequent users.
Terpene Profile and Minor Volatiles
The dominant terpene suite commonly features beta-caryophyllene (often 0.7% to 1.2%), limonene (0.5% to 1.1%), and humulene (0.2% to 0.5%). Supporting actors may include myrcene (0.2% to 0.6%), linalool (0.1% to 0.3%), and ocimene (0.1% to 0.4%), with trace eucalyptol in some mint-expressive phenotypes. Total terpene content frequently lands between 2.0% and 3.5% by weight for top-shelf flower, a level associated with strong aroma projection and satisfying flavor persistence.
Beta-caryophyllene interacts with CB2 receptors in preclinical models, which has drawn interest for potential anti-inflammatory effects. Limonene is tied to perceived mood elevation and citrus brightness, while humulene imparts woody dryness that balances the sweet mint cream. Myrcene’s herbal, musky qualities can lower the floral threshold, adding depth and contributing to the relaxing body feel many users report.
Minor volatiles such as methyl anthranilate, vanillin-adjacent compounds, and low levels of menthyl esters may contribute to the confectionery mint and vanilla lean. While these are often present at parts-per-million levels, their olfactory potency shapes the dessert-forward identity. Phenohunting can swing these trace compounds enough to tilt a given cut toward either frosted cookie or petrol-pine dominance.
Experiential Effects and Onset/Duration
Animal Face x Kush Mints #11 is a hybrid experience, blending a buoyant, clear-headed onset with a progressively heavier body melt. Inhalation onset often occurs within 2 to 5 minutes, peaking around 30 to 60 minutes, and tapering over 2 to 3 hours. Vaporized flower may feel a touch brighter than smoked, whereas concentrates intensify both euphoria and physical relaxation with shorter ramp time.
Early effects commonly include uplifted mood, sensory enhancement, and a light focus that works for creative tasks or music. As the session matures, muscle loosening and tension relief emerge, sometimes alongside a cozy, menthol-like chest feel consistent with mint-forward terpenes. Appetite stimulation is common, with many users reporting the munchies within the first hour.
At higher doses, the experience leans sedative, potentially couch-locking for those with low tolerance. A subset of users may encounter transient anxiety or racing thoughts if sensitive to high THC; pacing dose and setting can mitigate this. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common side effects, and hydration plus a calm environment typically keep the ride smooth.
Potential Medical Applications and Safety Considerations
Given its high THC potential and caryophyllene-forward terpene profile, this cross is often discussed for pain modulation and stress relief. Users frequently report reductions in muscle tension and inflammatory discomfort, aligning with broader observations that high-THC flower can help some chronic pain patients. Limonene and linalool contributions may support perceived mood uplift and relaxation, though individual responses vary widely.
Nausea and appetite-related concerns are common targets for this kind of hybrid. Many patients note reliable appetite stimulation and reduced queasiness within the first hour of dosing, consistent with known antiemetic effects of THC. For sleep, the cultivar seems more effective for sleep-onset than sleep-maintenance, particularly when dosed 60 to 90 minutes before bed.
Safety-wise, new users should start low and go slow, especially with edibles where onset is delayed 45 to 120 minutes and duration can extend 6 to 8 hours. Those prone to anxiety may prefer vaporized microdoses in a calm setting to gauge sensitivity. As always, patients should consult a healthcare professional if they have cardiovascular issues, are pregnant, or take medications that interact with cannabinoids.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Training, and Nutrition
Animal Face x Kush Mints #11 responds best to a controlled environment with strong light intensity and ample airflow. Indoors, target 900 to 1,100 µmol/m²/s of PPFD in mid-flower, with canopy temperatures of 78°F to 82°F during lights-on and 68°F to 72°F at night. Keep relative humidity around 55% in late veg and 45% to 50% in weeks 5 to 8 of flower for disease suppression.
Veg for 4 to 6 weeks to establish structure, then expect a 1.5x to 2x stretch after the flip. The cultivar favors topping twice and training into a level SCROG net to encourage even bud development and maximize light use efficiency. Defoliate moderately at day 21 and day 42 of flower to open interior microclimates; avoid over-stripping, as this cross relies on healthy fan leaves for resin production late in bloom.
Nutrition-wise, it eats moderately heavy in calcium and magnesium, a trait common to OG and cookie descendants. In coco or hydro, keep pH 5.8 to 6.2, with EC around 1.6 to 1.9 mS/cm in late veg, 2.0 to 2.3 mS/cm in early bloom, and 2.2 to 2.6 mS/cm in peak bloom, tapering during the final 10 days. In living soil, aim for balanced amendments rich in Ca, Mg, and micronutrients, with top-dressed phosphorus and potassium around week 3 of flower to support bulking.
CO2 enrichment at 900 to 1,200 ppm can increase biomass by 20% to 30% when paired with adequate PPFD and nutrition. Maintain strong, oscillating airflow above and below the canopy to move dense foliage and protect against powdery mildew. A trellis layer or bamboo support is recommended, as flowers gain weight rapidly from week 6 onward.
Pest and Disease Management
Dense, resin-heavy flowers can invite powdery mildew and botrytis if humidity and airflow are mismanaged. Prevention is paramount: keep VPD within ideal ranges (around 1.1 to 1.3 kPa in mid-flower) and avoid wide RH swings during lights-off. Prune larfy interior growth early and maintain a clean floor and equipment surfaces to minimize inoculum.
Scouting twice weekly is advisable. Look for mites, thrips, and aphids on the underside of leaves, and treat early with integrated pest management rather than reactive sprays late in flower. Beneficials like predatory mites and lacewings can be introduced preventively in veg and early bloom to keep pest populations suppressed.
If mildew pressure is chronic, consider sulfur vapor treatments in veg only and then switch to biologicals like Bacillus-based products before flip. Avoid foliar applications beyond week 3 to protect trichomes and flavor. Post-harvest sanitation and a brief fallow with environmental decontamination help break cycles between runs.
Flowering Time, Harvest Window, and Trichome Maturity
Most phenotypes of Animal Face x Kush Mints #11 finish in 63 to 70 days of flowering indoors. Start checking trichomes with a jeweler’s loupe around day 56; optimal harvest for a balanced effect often coincides with 5% to 10% amber heads and the majority cloudy. For a brighter, racier profile, harvest at peak cloudy with minimal amber; for a heavier, sedative finish, allow 15% to 20% amber.
Calyx swell is pronounced between weeks 6 and 9, and pistils recede noticeably as maturity nears. Aroma peaks around day 63 to 67 in many rooms, and terpene preservation is strongest when daytime temperatures remain in the high 70s to low 80s with RH under 50%. If purple expression is desired, lowering night temperatures to 62°F to 66°F in the final two weeks can encourage anthocyanins without stalling metabolism.
Flush strategies vary by media, but a 7 to 10 day taper with clean water or low EC solution is typical in salt-based systems. In living soil, avoid aggressive flushing and instead rely on good soil biology and a gentle watering schedule to finish clean. A well-timed harvest ensures the creamy mint and OG gas profile translates directly into the cure.
Drying, Curing, and Post-Harvest Handling
Slow drying preserves the dessert-forward terpenes that make this cross special. Aim for 60°F to 65°F and 55% to 60% RH in a dark, well-ventilated dry room for 10 to 14 days, with light, indirect airflow to prevent case-hardening. Whole-plant or large-branch hangs tend to produce superior flavor versus bucking wet.
Once stems snap and small buds feel dry to the touch, hand-trim to protect trichome heads and jar for cure at 62% RH. Burp jars daily for the first 7 to 10 days, then taper to weekly as moisture equalizes. A 3- to 6-week cure deepens mint and vanilla notes while smoothing the gassy finish, with many connoisseurs reporting peak flavor between weeks 4 and 8.
For extraction, fresh-freeze top colas at peak ripeness to preserve volatile mint compounds. Solventless yields are influenced by trichome head size and maturity; phenotypes with uniform, 90 to 120 micron heads often wash better. Handle flower and hash gently and cold to minimize terpene loss and oxidized off-notes.
Yield Expectations and Economic Notes
Yield is medium-high when the canopy is well-managed. Indoors, expect 1.5 to 2.5 ounces per square foot (roughly 450 to 750 g/m²) under optimized LEDs, with CO2 pushing the top end if other variables are dialed. Single-plant indoor runs often return 3 to 8 ounces per plant depending on pot size, veg time, and training method.
In greenhouse settings, the cultivar can scale well if VPD and airflow are tightly controlled, especially during coastal or humid periods. Outdoor results depend heavily on climate; in warm, arid regions with cool nights, the resin explodes and colors pop, whereas in humid climates aggressive defoliation and fungicidal IPM are needed. Extractors value the line for resin density, which can elevate hash or hydrocarbon returns and improve overall margin.
On the retail side, dessert-mint profiles continue to post strong velocity in premium segments. Flower with verified potency above 25% THC and terp totals above 2% commands higher price tiers in many markets. Consistent phenotype branding, particularly if tied to the #11 Kush Mints lineage, can further reinforce consumer trust and repeat purchase.
Comparisons and Cross-Strain Context
Compared to a straight Kush Mints, Animal Face x Kush Mints #11 usually presents more OG gas and pepper, giving the sweetness a sharper counterpoint. Versus Animal Face alone, it typically has a creamier mint and smoother finish, with thicker trichome blankets. If you enjoy Wedding Cake or Ice Cream Cake, this cross reads as mintier and more menthol-cool, especially on the exhale.
Against Gelato-line cultivars, the mint and cookie-dough character here is less fruit-forward and more confectionery, with pine and petrol muscles from OG ancestry. Patient users who find Gelato phenos too heady may appreciate the grounded body presence in this cross. Meanwhile, classic OG fans who want dessert notes without losing gas will find the balance compelling.
For daytime use, it straddles the line better than heavier couch-lock cultivars, especially in small doses. For nighttime, stacking an extra bowl or a small dab tilts it into deeply relaxing territory. This adaptability is one reason it shows up in both recreational and medical baskets.
Consumer Tips, Dosing, and Storage
If you are new to high-THC mint-cookie cultivars, start with one or two small inhalations and wait 10 to 15 minutes before redosing. For edibles, 2.5 to 5 mg THC is a prudent first serving, with a full 2-hour wait to assess effects. Experienced users often find that 10 to 20 mg delivers a strong, long-lasting experience, especially in full-spectrum products featuring this cultivar’s terpene profile.
Use a clean glass piece or a low-temperature vaporizer to taste the mint cream and OG gas fully. For storage, keep flower in an airtight, UV-opaque container at 60% to 62% RH and around 60°F to 65°F; avoid repeated temperature swings and light exposure. Proper storage can preserve potency and terpenes for several months, with only gradual declines.
If you notice anxious edges, reduce dose and pair with calming activities like music or light stretching. Hydration and a snack can smooth over dry mouth and mild light-headedness. As with all cannabis, avoid driving or operating machinery while under the influence and be mindful of local regulations.
Frequently Asked Grower Questions
How tall does it get? Indoors, most phenotypes finish between 3 and 5 feet depending on veg length and training, with a 1.5x to 2x stretch after flip. SCROG nets or a double trellis help maintain canopy uniformity and prevent leaning late in flower.
What is the preferred medium? The cross thrives in quality coco with frequent fertigation or in well-amended living soil with strong biological activity. Hydroponic systems can produce impressive bulk and resin if pH and EC are kept stable.
How is it for beginners? It is moderate difficulty. The plant is forgiving of minor mistakes but requires attention to humidity and airflow due to dense colas and resin coverage.
Provenance and Credibility Notes
This cultivar comes from Seed Junky Genetics, a breeder cited in the cannabis community for creating multiple era-defining lines. Animal Face x Kush Mints #11 reflects an indica/sativa hybrid heritage, leaning into dessert-mint and OG gas traits selected for potency and consistency. Data points such as THC ranges, terpene distributions, and maturation windows reflect commonly reported figures for this lineage across legal markets.
Actual labs will vary by phenotype, cultivation methodology, and post-harvest handling. Growers should rely on in-house observations and third-party test results to fine-tune harvest timing and nutrient strategy. Consumers should note that effects are individualized and influenced by dose, setting, and personal physiology.
The combination of strong brand pedigree, recognizable organoleptics, and agronomic reliability has made this cross an appealing choice for both connoisseurs and commercial operators. It satisfies modern demand for loud aroma, striking appearance, and decisive potency. As markets evolve, it stands as a touchstone for mint-cookie and OG fusion done at a high level.
