Gelato #33
Also known as: Larry Bird, Larry Bird Kush, Gelato 33
Breeder: Cookie Fam Genetics (Mario Guzman / Sherbinskis)
Gelato #33 is the most iconic and widely distributed phenotype from the original Gelato breeding project. Selected from a pheno-hunt concluded at a private tasting on June 16, 2014, it earned the nickname 'Larry Bird' because its phenotype number matches the NBA legend's jersey number. Known for its dessert-gas terpene profile, consistent resin production, and balanced effects, it became a foundational building block for modern breeding — SeedFinder lists 172 direct descendants. The cut was distributed freely by Mr. Sherbinski, sparking national production by 2015.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies
Sunset Sherbet (GSC x Pink Panties) contributes creamy citrus-berry flavor, calming body effect, and the signature 'sherbet cream' bouquet. Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies (OG Kush x Durban Poison, Thin Mint pheno) provides rigid bud structure, tight internodes, minty-menthol undertones, and upbeat cerebral euphoria.
Lineage Dispute
After the original 2014 pheno-hunt, the Cookie Fam and Sherbinskis parted ways. Which cultivator holds the most 'stable version' of Gelato genetics remains debated. Sherbinskis states the #33 phenotype is no longer in their active cultivation, though other cultivators continue working with the expression. The original cut was clone-only; modern seed versions are S1 reproductions or stabilized crosses.
Terpene Profile
Caryophyllene — Peppery warmth grounding the dessert sweetness
Limonene — Bright citrus zest and sweet orange top notes
Myrcene — Earthy base beneath the cream and vanilla
Humulene — Subtle woody depth in the aromatic profile
Linalool — Lavender and floral mid-notes from the Sherbet lineage
Pinene — Faint mint-pine freshness from the Thin Mint GSC parent
Aroma: Pungent mix of sweet citrus zest and creamy vanilla up front, with a bakery/sugar-cookie mid-note and a distinct fuel/gas finish. Earthy lavender and faint mint undertones emerge when buds are broken open. Nose intensity increases dramatically in the final two weeks of flower.
Flavor: Sweet berry and citrus cream on the inhale with peppery spice from the caryophyllene. Exhale delivers vanilla ice cream, subtle mint-chocolate, and a gassy diesel finish that lingers. Smooth smoke with minimal harshness when properly cured 3–4 weeks.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Fast onset within 5–10 minutes via inhalation. Begins with a warm cerebral uplift — mood brightens, focus sharpens, and sensory perception heightens. Physical relaxation emerges shortly after, spreading as a warming sensation from the shoulders outward.
Clear-headed euphoria without racing thoughts. Socially engaging and creatively accessible at moderate doses. Body relaxation is present but non-sedating — functional and balanced. At higher doses, indica genetics become more apparent with deeper limb heaviness and dreamier mental state. Rarely a knockout strain unless heavily over-consumed.
Duration: 2–4 hours total; tapers gradually rather than abruptly with a gentle return to baseline.
Commonly Reported Uses
Growing Characteristics
Grow Tips: LST or SCROG net highly recommended to manage vertical growth and encourage lateral canopy spread. Drop nighttime temperatures to 65–68°F during final 2–3 weeks of flower to induce full purple color expression. High NPK requirements compared to average hybrids — nitrogen-heavy veg followed by phosphorus/potassium-rich bloom feed. Responds well to topping in early veg. Dense colas require trellising support in flower. Average susceptibility to pests and fungal infections. Dry at 60°F / 55% RH for 10–14 days; cure 3–4 weeks for peak creamy-citrus flavor. Carbon filter essential — extremely pungent in late flower. Gelato-family cultivars show fresh-frozen wash returns in the 3–6% range with 60–75% yield-to-rosin on the press. Serviceable for solventless but not elite hash genetics.
History & Origin
In 2014, Mario Guzman (Jigga) and Mr. Sherbinski of the Bay Area Cookie Fam used colloidal silver to reverse a female Sunset Sherbet, then pollinated a GSC (Thin Mint pheno). The all-female seeds were grown out in a pheno-hunt concluded with a private, invite-only tasting at a Cuban food restaurant on June 16, 2014. The numbered pots that emerged as keepers included #25, #33, #41, #43, #45, and #49. Phenotype #33 earned the 'Larry Bird' nickname and became the most widely shared selection. Rather than hoarding the genetics, Sherbinski distributed cuts of Gelato 33, sparking national production by 2015. By the late 2010s it was a staple on dispensary menus across California, Colorado, and beyond. The Cookie Fam and Sherbinskis later parted ways; today Sherbinskis cultivates #41, #43, #47, and #49 but states #33 is no longer in their rotation.
Awards & Recognition
- ●No individual cup wins specifically attributed to the #33 cut are well-documented. Gelato #33 is universally recognized as one of the most influential cultivars of the modern era, ranked among top hybrids across multiple industry publications consistently since 2015.
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Gelato #33 as a parent:
Sources & References (10)
- SeedFinder.eu — Gelato #33 (Sherbinskis) strain page
- SeedFinder.eu — Gelato #33 genealogy (Unknown/Legendary)
- Leafly / WeedMaps — Cookies family strain genealogy article
- WeedMaps — Gelato strain page
- Conception Nurseries — Gelato 33 library entry
- CalmEffect — Gelato 33 Larry Bird strain profile
- Blimburn Seeds — Gelato 33 growing guide
- Strainpedia — Gelato #33 page
- Hypno Seeds — How to Grow Gelato 33
- Gelato Seeds — Gelato 33 grow seeds reference
Want to Grow Gelato #33?
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