Pure Champion Genetics

At Sweet Seeds^®, success is no accident. What best sets a seed bank apart—and what is most valued in today’s cannabis scene—is the quality of the strains in its genetic collection.

The most remarkable genetic line, after 20 years on the market, winning countless awards and, at the same time, becoming the most awarded strain in our genetic collection, is the renowned Cream Caramel® (SWS04). To help you get to know it even better, in this article we’ll tell you all about its history, methodology, and awards.

How did the Cream Caramel^® breeding project begin?

When, in the 2005 season, our breeders began the breeding project that would become Cream Caramel^®, the goal was to satisfy Indica lovers. That is why we worked with the highest-quality, most desirable specimens from the best Indicas available in Sweet Seeds®’ R&D department at the time, to create a plant with outstanding adaptability and uniformity. A classic improvement method was used in the development of this strain, applicable to outcrossing or partially outcrossing species, as is the case with cannabis. In genetic terminology, these types of cultivars are known as Synthetic Varieties (SV).

Which genetic lines were used as parents?

The three predominantly Indica lines used were a BlueBlack hybrid, a very special Maple Leaf Indica, and a Dutch White Rhino with a distinctly medicinal effect. Three parentals from which an evenly balanced population was formed, consisting of the same number of individuals from each parental line. Later, we isolated each group of plants from the same strain to prevent self-fertilization and to promote cross-fertilization, making the most of heterosis (or hybrid vigor) and allowing them to freely interpollinate only with the other two parental lines.

SV1 Generation

Next, the seeds from this first generation obtained from the three pollination chambers were harvested and mixed in equal parts. This produced a generation containing all possible hybrid combinations of the founding lines. This generation, which we can call SV1, was left under open pollination, within isolation, to prevent the entry of foreign pollen, giving rise to a cross with all possible hybrid combinations.

SV2 Generation

In this second generation, SV2 seeds were formed through random combinations of gametes from the three parental lines, fully shuffled by chance. These individuals constitute a panmictic population (made up of separate-sex individuals in which there is no preferential mating, so each gamete of one sex has the same probability of uniting with a gamete of the opposite sex) in equilibrium, and all subsequent generations will be identical to it under free pollination and in the absence of selection, since allele frequencies remain constant.

SV5 Generation

For the following generations up to SV5, we applied recurrent selection, choosing sufficiently large numbers of parentals that showed agronomic traits of the highest interest to form the next generation, rather than leaving the process entirely to chance.

Reaching the cannabis holy grail: Cream Caramel^®

After five generations of free pollination and selection, which made it possible to fix the most desirable characteristics, the result was Cream Caramel^®, a genetic line launched on the market during the 2007 season. A very stable plant and a great producer of flowers with a sweet, caramelized flavor. This flavor is complemented by an underlying layer of earthy nuances from the Blue genetics involved in the cross, adding an exquisite complexity that has helped win over the most demanding growers’ palates throughout these nearly 20 years.

Morphology, structure, and effects of Cream Caramel^®

This exceptional line in Sweet Seeds^® genetic collection produces plants with a structure typical of Indica strains: very short internodal spacing, a large main cola, and a multitude of lateral branches that, during flowering, become loaded with dense, resinous flowers. The resulting effect is deeply relaxing and antidepressant, of great therapeutic value, and at the same time suitable for helping you fall asleep. It is the preferred genetic line of many therapeutic users who consume it to relieve pain, stimulate appetite, and thereby improve their quality of life and mood.

Comments from customers and friends

We are proud to say that over all these years we have received thousands of positive comments from growers who have fallen in love with our classic Cream Caramel^®. But the most meaningful recognition is reflected in the number of awards it has received at cannabis cups.

Cream Caramel^® awards record

Currently, as of early 2026, Cream Caramel^® boasts a track record of 27 cups, earned at national and international events, among which we highlight the Plant of the Year award presented by Soft Secrets magazine at the 2011 edition of the legendary Dutch cannabis cup High Life Cup.

Cream Caramel^® Family

Its exceptional qualities are unanimously recognized by consumers and growers alike, which is why we have taken this genetic line as a starting point and developed a set of new strains of outstanding quality, whose commercial names and characteristics we will explore chronologically in the next Sweet Vibes newsletter. Stay tuned.