Saturday, January 17, 2026

Exotic Genetix: The Frost Factory

Exotic Genetix: The Frost Factory

Exotic Genetix Review

Founded: 2008 

Founder: Mike (Big Mike / Cadillac Mike) 

Location: Tacoma, Washington (USA) 

Specialty: High-Resin Genetics, "Box Set" Drops, Extraction Strains 

Reputation Tier: S-Class (The Hype Architect)

❄️ The Executive Summary

If DNA Genetics represents the "Connoisseur Era," Exotic Genetix represents the "Bag Appeal Era."

Founded in a hydroponics shop in Tacoma, Washington, by "Big Mike," Exotic Genetix single-handedly shifted the market's focus from "how does it smell?" to "how does it look?" In 2014, they released Cookies & Cream, a strain that looked like it had been dipped in liquid sugar. It won the Denver Cannabis Cup and launched the modern obsession with trichome density.

Exotic Genetix is not just a breeder; they are a lifestyle brand. They pioneered the "Drop Culture" in the seed industry, treating seed releases like sneaker drops. Mike is the king of "hype," but unlike many Instagram breeders, his gear is backed by over 50 Cannabis Cup awards.

🧬 The Differentiator: The "Box Set" Drop

Gamifying the breeding process.

While most breeders release one or two strains at a time, Exotic Genetix invented the "Box Set" model.

  • The Concept: Mike selects a "Stud" male (e.g., Falcon 9 or Scotty 2 Hotty) and crosses it with his entire library of elite females (Runtz, Gary Payton, GMO, etc.).

  • The Release: He releases the entire lineage at once in a collectible "Box Set."

  • The Impact: This allows home growers to play the game alongside the breeder. You don't just get the breeder's favorite; you get every variation of the cross to hunt for your own unique phenotype. It turned phenotype hunting into a community event.

🚜 Breeding Methodology: The "Grease" Factor

Exotic Genetix breeds for one primary trait: Extraction Potential.

  1. Resin Density: Mike’s strains are known for "dumping" hash. They are bred specifically to have weak trichome necks that break off easily for washing into rosin or hash.

  2. The "Grease" Terpene: They popularized the "Grease" profile—a mix of diesel fuel, vanilla, and savory adhesive notes found in their flagship Grease Monkey.

  3. High Frequency: Exotic Genetix moves fast. They drop a new lineup almost every 4–6 months, ensuring they are always on top of the latest trend (Runtz, Gary Payton, etc.) while adding their signature frost to it.

🏆 The Strain Catalog (33+ Cultivars)

Exotic Genetix has a massive, rapidly rotating library. Below is the authoritative list of their historical and modern hits.

The Hall of Fame (The Legends)

  1. Cookies & Cream: The strain that started it all. Starfighter x GSC. 2014 Cup Winner.

  2. Grease Monkey: GG4 x Cookies & Cream. A heavy-hitting, savory diesel masterpiece.

  3. Kimbo Kush: Blackberry Kush x Starfighter. Named after Kimbo Slice. A knockout Indica.

  4. Mint Chocolate Chip: SinMint Cookies x Green Ribbon. The base for many modern mint crosses.

  5. Extreme Cream: Cookies & Cream x Extreme OG. Buttery, oily, and smooth.

  6. Strawberries & Cream: Strawberry (Kyle Kushman cut) x Cookies & Cream. Tastes like a milkshake.

  7. Donkey Butter: Grease Monkey x Triple OG. Savory, funky, and incredibly potent.

  8. The Guice: Gorilla Glue #4 x Orange Valley OG. A rare citrus-fuel hybrid.

  9. Lemon Meringue: Lemon Skunk x Cookies & Cream. Zesty dessert terpenes.

  10. Purple Lambo: Purple Urkle x Triple OG. Dark purple buds with heavy sedation.

The "Runtz" & "Pop" Era (Candy Gas)

  1. Red Pop: An elusive phenotype smelling of strawberry soda.

  2. Falcon 9: Sunset Sherbert x Tina. The stud for an entire line of gas/candy crosses.

  3. Rainbow Chip: Sunset Sherbert x Mint Chocolate Chip. A kaleidoscope of color and flavor.

  4. Runtz Buttonz: Runtz x Rainbow Chip. Extra sugary, extra dense.

  5. Tarts: Sativa dominant hybrid with a distinct toasted berry pastry aroma.

  6. Slapz: Runtz x Grease Monkey. Named because it "slaps" you in the face. High THC.

  7. Bakers Dozen: Milk & Cookies x Rainbow Chip. Vanilla dough profile.

  8. Milk & Cookies: Cookies & Cream x Triple OG. Heavier and earthier than the original C&C.

  9. Blood Honey: Forbidden Fruit x Red Pop. Deep purple, dripping with resin.

The Modern Hype (Scotty & Gary)

  1. Scotty 2 Hotty: Biscotti x Rainbow Chip. The current flagship stud. Extreme gas.

  2. Next Level: Kush Co OG x Scotty 2 Hotty. A modern take on the classic OG Kush high.

  3. Strawberry Gary: Gary Payton x Red Pop. One of the most successful Gary crosses.

  4. Gary Poppins: Gary Payton x Red Runtz. Complex, layered, and loud.

  5. Dirty Bird: Falcon 9 x Scotty 2 Hotty. A clash of two fuel titans.

  6. Grand Master Sexy: Oreoz x Scotty 2 Hotty. All looks, all gas.

  7. Goldust: Rainbow Runtz x Scotty 2 Hotty. Shimmering trichome coverage.

  8. Vice City: Sunset Runtz x Scotty 2 Hotty. A neon-colored, fruity gas hybrid.

  9. Code Red: Red Runtz x Scotty 2 Hotty. Intense red fruit syrup flavor.

The Cult Favorites

  1. Trap Star: LA OG x The Cube. An older strain known for massive yields.

  2. Future: Gorilla Glue #4 x Starfighter. Extremely potent and heady.

  3. Vanilla Gorilla: Grease Monkey x Cookies & Cream. Maximum vanilla terpene expression.

  4. Sweaty Betty: Grease Monkey x Bakers Dozen. Funky, sweaty, savory goodness.

  5. 91 Octane: Biscotti x Scotty 2 Hotty. Pure high-test gasoline aroma.

  6. Yikes: Falcon 9 x Runtz. A heavy, confusing high that hits immediately.

❓ FAQ: Exotic Genetix

Q: Are Exotic Genetix seeds Feminized or Regular? A: Both. Historically, Mike was a "Regular Seed" purist (Male/Female), arguing that they produced more vigorous plants. However, realizing the market demand, he now releases almost all new drops in Feminized packs as well.

Q: Why are his packs so expensive? A: You are paying for the "Drop." Exotic Genetix releases are limited editions. Once a specific "Box Set" sells out, those specific crosses may never be made again. The scarcity drives the price.

Q: What is a "Stimmy" pack? A: A "Stimulus" pack. During drops, Mike often includes unreleased tester seeds or bonus packs for free as a "thank you" to customers who buy direct. These often become legendary strains in their own right.

Q: Are these strains hard to grow? A: Yes. Many Exotic Genetix strains are bred for indoor perfection. They are often dense (prone to mold outdoors) and hungry for nutrients. They are designed for the intermediate-to-advanced grower who can dial in the environment to get that magazine-quality look.

🏁 The Architect's Verdict

Exotic Genetix is the Hype Architect. They are the reason modern weed looks the way it does.

They are the perfect breeder for the extractor and the flexer. If you want to grow flower that makes your friends' jaws drop when they see it, you grow Exotic. Just be prepared to pay a premium and pay close attention to your humidity levels—this is high-performance racing fuel, not a Honda Civic.

Score: 9.6/10 Best For: Making rosin, Instagram photos, and chasing the latest flavors.