Written by Ad OpsOrigins, Naming, and Cultural Context
Caviar is a mostly indica cultivar bred by Alchemy Genetics, a boutique breeder known among connoisseurs for resin-rich, terpene-forward plants. While the breeder has kept some specifics close to the chest, Caviar has circulated in North American craft circles as a dense, trichome-laden nighttime flower. Growers and budtenders often position it as a “luxury” indica for people who prize bag appeal and rich flavor.
The name Caviar invites confusion, because “cannabis caviar” is also a generic term for infused buds soaked in oil and rolled in kief, sometimes called moon rocks. In Canada and several U.S. markets, “caviar” products have commanded extreme prices—one report noted Cannabis Caviar at about $1,800 per ounce—owing to the added concentrates and labor, not the flower strain itself. Leafly also documented the arrival of infused “caviar” pre-rolls in Canada, where the “caviar” label refers to the infusion method, not a single genetic line.
It is important to distinguish Caviar by Alchemy Genetics from these infused products. The former is a single, mostly indica cultivar with its own aromatic profile and canopy structure. The latter are production methods that can use any base flower, from Pink Runtz to OG crosses, to create ultra-potent, concentrate-laden “caviar” formats.
Cultural references further muddy the waters: OG Kush was once likened to “caviar” for its exclusivity in the 1990s–2000s, and modern shops sell “caviar” dabs or hash pearls in strains like Pink Runtz. These comparisons underscore Caviar’s branding as opulent and resinous. Yet in the case of Alchemy Genetics’ cultivar, the luxury comes from the plant’s dense nug structure, glossy trichomes, and a terpene bouquet that evokes old-world Kush richness rather than from added concentrates.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Background
Alchemy Genetics lists Caviar as a mostly indica line, but has not publicly disclosed a definitive parentage. Observed morphology—shorter internodes, heavy lateral branching, and compact, calyx-forward flowers—aligns strongly with the broader Kush family. Many modern Canadian and U.S. indica cultivars trace influence to Himalayan landraces like Hindu Kush, and Canadian market favorites such as Pink Kush exemplify those traits.
Without breeder-released pedigrees, the best evidence comes from how Caviar grows and smells. The cultivar tends to lean into earthy, peppery, and pine-kissed trails with a sweet, dessert-like sub-layer, hinting at a Kush base that may have been refined with a sweeter dessert line. This pattern mirrors how many premium indica hybrids integrate classic Kush resin with modern pastry aromatics.
Growers who have run Caviar alongside Kush-dominant lines report similar canopy needs: tighter spacing, strong defoliation tolerance, and a proclivity for dense, thick flowers that finish in eight to ten weeks. These parallels are consistent with mostly indica architecture. They also help explain why the strain earns its name—buds often look like they were rolled in crystalline “pearls.”
Breeding programs aimed at resin density and bag appeal often select across multiple filial generations to “fix” traits, and Caviar shows signs of such work. Phenotypic variance appears moderate, with most plants presenting similar squat structure and terpene ratios. This suggests a stabilized hybrid rather than a chaotic polyhybrid, even though exact filial generation details (F1, F2, etc.) remain undisclosed.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Caviar’s signature is its glistening resin coverage. Mature colas present as tight, golf ball to egg-shaped nuggets with small sugar leaves tucked close to the flower. Under proper drying and cure, trichome heads sparkle across the calyxes like a fine dusting of sugar.
Coloration commonly ranges from deep forest green to olive, with occasional lavender or royal-purple hues appearing when night temperatures drop roughly 5–8°C below daytime in late flower. Vivid, copper-orange pistils weave through the crown, providing contrast. The overall look is heavy and premium, with a mass-to-size ratio that suggests high calyx density.
Break open a nug and the interior shows stacked, swollen calyxes and a greasy resin ring that clings to the fingertips. The bud fracture feels “snappy” when properly dried to about 11–13% moisture content, and the stickiness returns as terpenes and oils warm in the hand. Many growers note that Caviar trims clean because of the bud’s natural tightness.
In clear jars, Caviar conveys luxury the way its name implies—bright trichome heads can appear like tiny pearls under shop lighting. Expect a frosted look that persists even after a careful hand-trim. This visual opulence correlates with robust resin output on the plant’s sugar leaves and top bracts.
Aroma and Bouquet
Caviar leans into a classic Kush-forward base of earth, pine, and black pepper, augmented by a sweet finish that ranges from creamy to faintly vanilla. On grind, those spicy top notes volatilize quickly, suggesting notable beta-caryophyllene and humulene content. Secondary notes of citrus rind and faint berry can appear in sweeter phenotypes, pointing to limonene and possibly linalool contributions.
The top aroma layer is bold without being harsh, and it tends to fill a room within minutes of opening a jar. Terpene intensity in quality batches often reaches a total of 1.5–2.5% by dry weight, squarely within the range associated with pronounced bouquet. Higher total terpene content typically maps to a richer smell and flavor, and Caviar’s resin density supports that outcome.
Fresh flowers deliver a damp earth-and-wood opening akin to fresh-cut pine and soil after rain. As the grind aerates, the nose transitions to peppercorn and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of cream or nougat. In warmer climates or under higher light intensity, the citrus peel aspect can brighten.
Compared with sweeter dessert cultivars, Caviar keeps one foot in the traditional Kush camp. This balance of savory spice and subtle confectionery undertones gives it a mature, wine-like nose. When properly cured, it is layered rather than one-note, rewarding patients and enthusiasts who savor the bouquet before lighting up.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
The inhale often delivers a smooth, earthy-pine entry, followed quickly by pepper and a creamy sweetness on the mid-palate. Exhale tilts drier and spicier, with lingering notes of cedar, clove, and a touch of citrus pith. A gentle vanilla or nougat echo may persist, especially in phenotypes with higher linalool and minor esters.
Combusting Caviar in a clean glass piece highlights the spice and wood. Vaporizing at 180–190°C (356–374°F) accentuates its sweeter top notes and preserves more of the limonene and linalool. At higher vape temps around 200°C (392°F), the flavor deepens and grows more peppery as caryophyllene volatiles dominate.
Joint smokers often report a white to light-grey ash when the flower is properly flushed and cured to target water activity around 0.55–0.65 aw. That range supports smooth combustion and helps avoid harshness. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, with a slight oiliness that coats the palate.
Across formats, Caviar pairs well with evening rituals. Espresso drinkers may note a mocha-like synergy with the flower’s creamy undertones, while tea drinkers often prefer pairing with black tea, bergamot, or cardamom. The persistent finish makes it a savoring strain rather than a quick hitter.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As a mostly indica cultivar bred for resin density, Caviar typically presents a THC-forward profile with low CBD. In modern legal markets, indica-dominant flowers commonly test between 18–26% THC by dry weight, with elite batches occasionally exceeding 28% under optimal cultivation. CBD is usually below 1%, and minor cannabinoids such as CBG tend to appear in the 0.3–1.0% range.
Actual potency varies with phenotype, cultivation technique, and post-harvest practices. Factors like light intensity (900–1,200 µmol/m²/s PPFD in late flower), adequate nutrients, and a slow 10–14 day dry can significantly influence final cannabinoid preservation. Over-drying or high-heat transport can degrade THC into CBN, dulling psychoactivity and altering the subjective effect.
Consumers should remember that label THC is not the whole story: terpenes and minor cannabinoids modulate the experience. Strains with total terpene content near 2% often feel stronger than an equivalently potent, low-terpene batch. Caviar’s resin output and terpene density amplify perceived potency beyond raw THC percentage.
In concentrate formats (distinct from the Caviar cultivar), “caviar” products can exceed 50–70% total cannabinoids thanks to added extracts. Those formats are not representative of this strain’s flower alone. For the Alchemy Genetics flower, expect a potent, THC-dominant experience typical of modern, premium indicas.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Caviar’s sensory signature suggests a terpene hierarchy led by beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, with humulene and linalool frequently in supporting roles. A representative profile in a terpene-rich batch might read as: beta-caryophyllene 0.4–0.8%, myrcene 0.3–0.7%, limonene 0.2–0.5%, humulene 0.1–0.3%, and linalool 0.05–0.2%, for a total around 1.5–2.5%. These ranges align with pronounced spice, earthy body, and a sweet-citrus lift.
Beta-caryophyllene is unique among major terpenes for directly engaging CB2 receptors, where it can exert anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical research. Myrcene has been associated with sedative qualities and can accentuate the perceived heaviness of THC-dominant cultivars. Limonene contributes mood-elevating brightness and a cleaner finish on the palate.
Humulene, a close analog to caryophyllene, layers woody, hoppy tones and has been studied for potential anti-inflammatory properties. Linalool adds a soft floral or vanilla-like lift and has been investigated for anxiolytic potential in preclinical models. Together, these terpenes interact with cannabinoids to shape Caviar’s calm, grounded effect profile.
Terpenes are volatile and degrade with heat, oxygen, and light. To preserve Caviar’s chemistry, store in airtight, UV-resistant glass at 15–20°C (59–68°F), 55–62% RH, and minimize headspace exposure. Proper storage can retain aromatics for 60–90 days post-cure, whereas high-heat or repeated open-close cycles can flatten the bouquet in weeks.
Experiential Effects and Use Patterns
Despite its mostly indica heritage, Caviar often opens with a brief uplift that users describe as clear-headed and happy. This initial lift likely owes to limonene and balanced early psychoactivity before myrcene and caryophyllene dominate. Leafly’s reporting has highlighted that “caviar” offerings can be uplifting and energizing; in the context of this cultivar, that translates into a cheerful onset before the body relaxation sets in.
Within 10–15 minutes by inhalation, the experience typically grounds into a warm, body-centered calm. Muscle tension unwinds, and racing thoughts give way to a more measured, contented mood. Many users find this progression ideal for evening decompression, films, music, or unhurried conversation.
At moderate to higher doses, Caviar trends sedative and can be strongly couch-locking. Appetite stimulation is common, and time perception can soften, which is why many save it for post-dinner hours. New consumers should start low, as the cultivar’s terpene density can make it feel stronger than the label suggests.
Side effects reflect typical THC-dominant indicas: dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common, with consumer surveys often attributing these to 40–60% of sessions. Anxiety or dizziness can occur at high doses, especially in sensitive users or on an empty stomach. Hydration, a comfortable setting, and incremental dosing help keep the experience positive.
Potential Medical Applications
Caviar’s THC-forward, caryophyllene-myrcene-leaning chemistry points to potential utility for stress relief, sleep support, and certain pain presentations. Patients with evening anxiety or rumination may appreciate the calming, mood-elevating onset followed by muscle relaxation. The appetite stimulation can assist those managing nausea or reduced intake.
Research syntheses from national bodies have concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis can be effective for chronic pain in adults and as an antiemetic for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity has been studied preclinically for inflammatory modulation, and linalool has shown anxiolytic signals in animal models. While these data do not substitute for a doctor’s advice, they help explain the reported relief patterns seen with indica-leaning flowers like Caviar.
For insomnia, many patients prefer strains that couple myrcene and linalool with moderate to high THC. Caviar’s gentle ramp into sedation may support sleep onset, especially when timed 60–90 minutes before bed. As with all THC-rich options, tolerance can build, so rotating cultivars and incorporating non-intoxicating strategies can help maintain efficacy.
Individuals new to cannabis should proceed cautiously and consult healthcare providers if using cannabis alongside other sedatives or for complex conditions. Vaporizing small amounts offers more precise titration than edibles, with onset in 5–10 minutes and duration of 2–4 hours. Keep in mind that infused “caviar” products are far more potent and are not interchangeable with the Alchemy Genetics flower discussed here.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Growth habits and structure: Caviar grows squat to medium in height with strong lateral branching and tight internodes, a hallmark of mostly indica lines. Expect vigorous vegetative growth under 18/6 light and a pronounced stretch of 1.2–1.6× in the first two weeks after flip. Canopy management should anticipate dense, heavy flowers to maintain airflow and light penetration.
Environment and climate: Aim for day temperatures of 24–28°C (75–82°F) in veg and 23–26°C (73–79°F) in flower, with night drops of 3–5°C for vigor and potential color. Relative humidity targets are 60–70% in veg, 50–55% in early flower (weeks 1–4), and 45–50% late flower (weeks 5–9). Maintain VPD within 0.9–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.1–1.4 kPa in flower to balance transpiration and nutrient uptake.
Lighting: Provide 400–600 µmol/m²/s PPFD in early veg, 600–800 µmol/m²/s in late veg, and 900–1,200 µmol/m²/s in peak flower for optimal resin production. Under CO2 enrichment to 1,000–1,200 ppm, plants can efficiently use the higher PPFD. Keep DLI (daily light integral) near 35–45 mol/m²/day in flower for balanced growth.
Media and nutrition: Caviar performs well in high-quality peat or coco blends and in living soil with robust microbial life. In inert media, target EC around 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in early veg, 1.6–1.8 in late veg, and 1.8–2.2 in peak flower; keep pH at 5.8–6.2 for coco/hydro and 6.2–6.8 for soil. Provide ample calcium and magnesium to support dense calyx formation and strong trichome development.
Training and pruning: Top once or twice in late veg to create 6–10 main sites, then deploy low-stress training and a SCROG net to spread the canopy. Caviar tolerates selective defoliation well; remove large fans that shade interior colas around day 21 and day 42 of flower. This regimen reduces microclimates and helps prevent bud rot.
Flowering time and yields: Mostly indica cultivars like Caviar commonly finish in 8–10 weeks of 12/12 light. Indoor yields in dialed rooms can reach 450–550 g/m², with 350–450 g/m² being a more conservative target for new growers. Outdoor plants in temperate climates can produce 400–700 g per plant with sufficient root mass and direct sun.
Watering strategy: Wet-to-dry cycles should be consistent, avoiding chronic saturation that invites root pathogens. In coco, frequent, smaller feedings maintain stable EC and oxygenation. In soil, allow the top inch to dry before rewatering, and consider supplemental microbial teas during transition and mid-flower for nutrient cycling.
Pest and disease management: Dense indica flowers can be prone to powdery mildew and botrytis in high humidity. Use IPM: introduce beneficials (e.g., Amblyseius swirskii, A. cucumeris) in early veg, deploy sticky cards, and ensure continuous airflow at 0.3–0.5 m/s across the canopy. Sanitation, canopy thinning, and stable VPD are your most potent defenses.
CO2 and environmental control: Enriched rooms (1,000–1,200 ppm) with sealed environments can push resin and yield if temperatures and PPFD are raised accordingly. Maintain consistent negative pressure in vented rooms to avoid odor leaks and pest ingress. Oscillating fans at multiple heights prevent stagnant pockets under the canopy.
Harvest timing and ripeness: For a balanced effect, many cultivators target trichomes at 5–10% amber with the rest cloudy. This typically lands around week 8–9 for Caviar, though some phenotypes want a few extra days. Early pulls (mostly cloudy, <5% amber) emphasize headiness; later pulls (>15% amber) deepen sedation.
Drying and curing: Dry for 10–14 days at 15–18°C (59–64°F) and 55–60% RH with gentle airflow, aiming for a steady 0.55–0.65 water activity. Jar cure for 3–6 weeks at 58–62% RH, burping as needed initially to off-gas and stabilize. Proper cure retains 1.5–2.5% total terpenes and prevents the harshness associated with rushed drying.
Phenotype selection and cloning: Keep mothers from plants that express tight internodes, high resin head density, and the desired sweet-spice aromatic balance. Clone success rates above 90% are achievable with 18–22°C (64–72°F) media temperature, high humidity domes, and mild auxins. Select for plants that withstand defoliation and produce uniform tops in a SCROG.
Post-harvest handling and storage: Use food-grade, UV-resistant jars or liners, and avoid compressing buds to protect trichome heads. Store at 15–20°C (59–68°F), 55–62% RH away from light to reduce terpene oxidation. Under ideal storage, potency and aroma remain robust for 60–90 days, after which gradual declines in monoterpenes are expected.
Market context and product formats: Keep in mind that retail “caviar” in Canada and the U.S. often refers to infused products, including “caviar” pre-rolls and “caviar” hash pearls, like the Pink Runtz caviar highlighted in regional markets. These can test far higher in total cannabinoids due to added extracts. Alchemy Genetics’ Caviar flower stands on its own merits and should be marketed to avoid confusion with infused “moon rock” style offerings.
