Sour Cream: The Smooth Operator
Sour Cream: The Smooth Operator
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (70% Sativa / 30% Indica)
Breeder: DNA Genetics
Lineage: Sour Diesel x G13 Haze
Market Status: A connoisseur classic; the sophisticated parent of Aspen OG.
THC Content: 18% – 22%
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene
Key Effects: Dreamy Euphoria, Creative Flow, Relaxed Focus, Smooth Energy
If Sour Diesel is a shot of tequila, Sour Cream is a creamy margarita. It takes the sharp, aggressive edge of the Diesel and softens it with the sweet, hazy luxury of the G13.
Bred by the champions at DNA Genetics, Sour Cream was an attempt to merge two of the most famous strains in existence: the East Coast legend (Sour Diesel) and the Government myth (G13 Haze). The result was a massive success. It kept the potency and Sativa structure of its parents but introduced a unique "Vanilla Fuel" flavor profile that is smoother and more palatable than almost any other Diesel cross.
This strain is not just a delicious smoke; it is a genetic keystone. It provided the "Cream" and the cerebral clarity that tamed the SFV OG to create Aspen OG, eventually leading to the birth of Jet Fuel.
History and Lineage: Titans Collide
Sour Cream is a F1 hybrid of two strains that sit on the Mount Rushmore of Cannabis.
The Mother (Sour Diesel): The NYC legend. Famous for its pungent, blinding gas smell and racy, high-anxiety energy. It provides the vigor and the fuel base.
The Father (G13 Haze): A fusion of the urban legend G13 (supposedly a government-bred super Indica) and a classic Haze. It brings the sweetness, the heavy resin production, and the "dreamy" quality to the high.
The Fusion: DNA Genetics wanted to increase the yield of Sour Diesel without ruining the flavor. The G13 Haze male accomplished this perfectly, adding bulk to the airy Diesel buds and coating them in a milky layer of trichomes—hence the name "Cream."
Terpene Profile: Vanilla and Gasoline
The name says it all. The terpene profile is a confusing but delightful mix of sharp and soft.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Sweetness): Unlike the earthy musk in Indicas, here Myrcene presents as a sweet, almost vanilla-like aroma that rounds out the profile.
Caryophyllene (The Gas): The Sour Diesel roots ensure a heavy kick of spicy pepper and fuel remains in the background.
Limonene (The Zest): A subtle lemon note that bridges the gap between the sweet cream and the sour fuel.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It smells like sweet dough, vanilla frosting, and diesel fumes. It is less pungent than pure Sour D, with a softer, hazier nose.
The Smoke: This is where it shines. It is incredibly creamy and expansive. The exhale tastes of sweet herbs, lemon meringue, and earthy spice.
Strain Effects: The Hazy Drift
Sour Cream offers a Sativa high, but it isn't "racy." It is a "floaty" experience.
The Experience
The Smooth Onset: Unlike the "smack" of Jet Fuel, Sour Cream creeps up on you. A gentle pressure builds behind the eyes.
The Haze: The G13 Haze genetics create a dreamy, slightly confused headspace. You feel happy and creative, but you might lose your keys.
The Creativity: This is a top-tier strain for artists and musicians. It unlocks the brain without the jittery anxiety of stronger Sativas.
The Relaxation: The high eventually settles into a comfortable, relaxed state where the body feels light, but the mind remains active.
Best For: Listening to music, painting, lazy weekend mornings, and low-stress social gatherings.
Medical Benefits
Sour Cream is excellent for patients who need Sativa effects (mood boost) but get anxiety from strong Hazes or Diesels.
Anxiety & Stress: The G13 influence mellows out the racy Diesel effects, making this a "safe" Sativa for anxious patients.
Depression: It provides a reliable, gentle euphoria that lifts the spirit.
Chronic Pain: The G13 genetics (a potent Indica origin) provide better pain relief than most Sativa hybrids.
Nausea: The creamy/sweet flavor is often easier to tolerate than heavy musk strains.
Growing Sour Cream: The Heavy Haze
DNA Genetics designed this strain to be a producer, but it requires patience.
Growth Structure
The Yield: High. It produces long, thick colas that are significantly denser than pure Sour Diesel.
The Stretch: It stretches vigorously. You need to top it multiple times and use a trellis net.
The Smell: It is pungent but sweet. It doesn't have the piercing "skunk" smell of its mother, making it slightly more stealthy.
Flowering Time: 10 weeks. The Haze influence means it needs that extra week to ripen. Do not chop early, or you will miss the "Cream" flavor.
Grower’s Tip: This strain loves intense light but hates high heat. If you can keep the canopy temperature under 80°F (26°C), the resin production will double, and the vanilla terpenes will pop.
Final Verdict: The Sophisticated Sativa
Sour Cream is the strain for the smoker who has graduated from the "highest THC possible" phase and now wants experience. It offers a complexity of flavor—mixing gas with dessert—that was ahead of its time. As the genetic father of Aspen OG, it passed on its refinement and sweetness, proving that you don't need to be aggressive to be powerful. It is a smooth, creamy, dreamy ride that remains one of DNA Genetics' finest creations.
You should choose Sour Cream if:
You love Sour Diesel but find it too anxious/racy.
You enjoy Vanilla/Cream terpene profiles.
You are an artist looking for a creative spark.
You don't mind a longer flowering time (10 weeks) for top-shelf flavor.
Score: 8.9/10 (The Smooth Operator)