Amsterdam Genetics: the up-and-coming seed bank

Regulars at Amsterdam's coffeeshops have a good chance of having already tried varieties of’Amsterdam Genetics. For the others, it’s not so clear. And yet, this seed bank—which is still relatively unknown—is making a name for itself in the Netherlands.

Seed banks have several ways to build their reputation: reviews from growers, of course, but also by creating their own distribution networks through coffee shops bearing their names or through large marketing budgets. Amsterdam Genetics has chosen a different approach: distributing its strains through coffee shops with a solid reputation for selling high-quality weed. Specifically, the Boerejongens (which they own), the 2e Kamer, and the Dampkring.

Amsterdam Genetics first made a name for itself with its White Choco, a strain that would sell out very quickly at coffee shops. When local production could no longer keep up with demand, Amsterdam Genetics turned to Morocco to grow its prized strains. Local growers also produce hash that’s very different from traditional hash, using Amsterdam Genetics’ Dutch strains, which have very floral aromas and are also available at Boerejongens. Only the first sifting is retained for these hash varieties, a method that guarantees high quality. Thus, 100 to 150 grams of dried flowers are needed to produce 1g of hash block, the official name of their hash.

In addition to highlighting the quality of its weed, Amsterdam Genetics pays close attention to detail in its coffee shops. Le Boerejongens raises the bar for traditional coffee shops while retaining the atmosphere of Amsterdam’s “brown cafés.” The interior here is very bright, with a marble counter and the menu displayed on tablets and large screens, American-style. The staff, dressed in white coats, are more akin to budtenders, weed sommeliers, not just ordinary sellers.

And that's probably the best advertisement Amsterdam Genetics could ever have. A Ggentlemen's club with a variety of weed and hash that are incredibly flavorful and can't be found anywhere else.

When it comes to seeds, beginner growers might be taken aback by the price, which ranges from 8 to 15€ per seed. At this price point, the seed bank offers hybrids such as White Choco Haze or Lemon Ice (in feminized versions), as well as more «classic» regular strains like Blue Amnesia (Blue Dream x Amnesia).

Seeds from Amsterdam Genetics are now on sale at Azarius.