NEWS: Cool retro cans for Ettan and Grov Loose

Of course, days after my order lands... Swedish Match decides to make their old school (1967) cans available for a limited time.  They look fantastic, and will be great for the collector.  Find them at your favorite snus vendor!!!

NEWS: less reviews coming soon!

I'm going through the joy of a move (end of July), and going to have to be thrifty with my snus habit as a result.  So I'm taking advantage of a certain Midsommar sale (yay 40% off), and buying los favorites.  RL, Ettan, and GB Prima Fint. Given the stock I already have, this is going to put me upwards of 3 months (likely more) from my next order.  So, just a warning... things are going to be a little more quiet on the review front for the foreseeable future.  Looks like I'll have to try a little harder with those editorials, and taste pieces to supplement content.  That said, the little lady and I have yet to get to the latest mini's (Catch Eucalyptus and Mocca Mint), and I'll be able to give a fresh review of Ettan and Roda Lacket los... OH, and I'm finally ready to give a review of my homemade snus (the latest result is good enough to talk about here... FINALLY).    So I guess that's still 5 more reviews before summer is out... hopefully about the time this year's vintage of Kardus is available (can't wait for that).  Meh, that's it for now.  Til next time, happy snusing!!!  

IMHO: Snus War--Sweden vs. the EU (dictating snus)

About two weeks ago, I went on a rant about the "nanny state" bullshit the US govt shoves down our throats... you know, the post culminating in "suck my balls", regarding the pact act?  Well, if any of you pay attention to the news ticker on this site, you probably have an idea of what's going on.  If not, here comes my (very abbreviated, and HIGHLY interpretative) version.  The EU is not only continuing it's union wide ban on our favorite tobacco product, but is also getting ready to pass a new anti tobacco initiative that has serious implications on snus as we know it.  At the core of this initiative are three main points:

1.) Packaging/marketing... they want to make all tobacco products look the same.  Simple, plain labels etc... the reason being, they don't want tobacco products being bought because they're "pretty", "shiny", or look unique.  In other words, the powers that be are under the assumption that their subjects (hey, that's how they're being treated), are too stupid to realize the implications of a tobacco product if it's in a pretty package.  As far as practical application is concerned... this point poses the least threat to our snus.  That said, if I were a European, I'd be pretty fucking insulted right now... I mean, your government must think you are ALL a bunch of full blown, short-bus-riding, retards (read: window-lickers, simpletons, mentally hadicapped, idiots), to say to you "Er.... we don't think you're bright enough to associate the risks of tobacco, with tobacco... IF that tobacco is... uh... in a pretty package".  Really? I'm so glad the govt cares...  O.o  ***EDIT*** It seems this has been scratched from the bill since my last reading (in other words, big tobacco lobbyist's won... imagine that)

2.) Flavoring... this point pretty much follows the first one.  But instead of being about a pretty package, it's about the flavor profile of the snus.  So the EU says "Er...  we don't think you are bright enough to associate the risks of tobacco, with tobacco... IF that tobacco doesn't... uh... taste like tobacco".  Yet another insult to the people's intelligence.  If you've been following my blog, you know I'm not a fan of flavors... in fact, a tiny selfish part of me (read: my inner douchebag) wants to support this in expectation of all the yummy unflavored snus that would surely be produced to fill the MASSIVE void this would leave in current offerings.  But... that damn pesky thing called integrity won't allow me to.  The fact is, flavors are popular with the majority, and in this instance... the logic is flawed.  Flavors alone do not make tobacco more risky, maybe more accessible to some... so I guess the point is to narrow the audience.  That said, I can see merit in the argument that flavors (i.e. strawberry, candy-like, bubblegum etc) might attract kids... but guess what?  The government has absolutely no business policing that... it's up to the child's parents/guardians to make sure they don't use tobacco.  This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine, people expecting the govt to enact laws so they don't have to parent their children.  Let's look at the flip-side of that coin (narrowing the audience)... say a would be ex smoker, that finds unflavored tobacco unpalatable, had a mint snus brand they could tolerate.  So... losing that mint brand they opt to go back on the cancer sticks, assuming 99x more risk.   Regardless of how you look at it, this point too is supremely insulting, and just plain rubbish.

3.)  Tobacco products must contain (at least) 85%  tobacco.  This one right here... this would be the end of snus as we know it.  Because your typical snus is upwards of 50% water.  Now, I do get this in regards to cigarettes... where fillers and chemical additives run rampant... but snus?  It has absolutely no application, unless they intend to ban... fucking... water.... ehem... fucking... water. *sigh*

I feel for the Europeans (especially the Swedes)... who's freedoms and liberties are being squashed under the heel of a nanny state...  I mean, of course I do... I'm a goddamn American, and at this point in the game you'd think we'd invented the shit.  But we're all apparently dumbasses, incapable of making such decisions on our own. While I realize that tobacco (more specifically THE SMOKING of tobacco) is a major public health concern... of epic proportions... that needs to be addressed... (read: however misguided, there is some point to all this), but this is the kind of bullshit that happens when you allow a government do our job for us.  A solution, a true, PROVEN solution, like the significantly reduced-harm alternative of Swedish Snus, gets fucked over in the name of public health (ironically at the expense of public health).  Why?  Because the govt has it right... by and large the majority is too fucking stupid to solve their own problems, and instead of letting natural selection (read: Darwinism) cull that dim-witted herd, we end up allowing our governments to protect them (in the name of public interests).  The result?  The human race fails to evolve... this kind of stupidity is perpetuated... and the thinking, intellectually superior minority (read: me... :P okay, AND my readers) get held down by the masses.  A shit state of affairs my friend...  shit state indeed.

Lucky for me I've come a long way in my "homemade snus" project in case this does happen... further strengthening my resolve to add growing my own tobacco to my victory garden next year.

For what's it worth, I'll be hoping for the best for my friends in Europe and Sweden... maybe just maybe there are enough enlightened folks with a voice to make a difference for you.  We can only hope!  Instead of my usual "Happy Snusing", I'm leaving you with... Enjoy it while it lasts! :(

Meh, here's another piece of political satire to help lighten (my obviously shitty) mood.

NEWS: Gotland's Summer Snus (wild strawberry)

Is up and available for sale.... limited time, so if you're going to get it, scamper off to your favorite snus vendor and get it while the getting is good!  I'm a fan of seasonal's... for sure, having had this in years past... (and considering my current, ample, personal snus inventory), I can say not to expect a review this time around.  That said, I'll tell you what I can from memory (of last year's batch).  Mainly, if you do go for this one, it should be because you love strawberries.  This is another that's honestly a little too sweet for my taste, but the strawberry flavor was fantastic, and (like with many seasonal's) a great change of pace.  A perfect follow up to any cookout, strawberry shortcake or a stiff daiquiri *grins*.  A fun summer snus.   Happy Snusing!

REVIEW: Goteborgs Prima Fint Los (loose)

Appearance: 7/10 Baby blue label (okay maybe teal or electric... but whatever it is, it doesn't appeal to my machismo spirit *grins*), cardboard can, gold plastic lid.  Honestly, I'd score it lower (for the blue) if it didn't have a redeeming retro feel to it. But as it stands, it's simple, it's straightforward, it's too not embarrassing to have sitting next to your glass at a bar.
Aroma: 10/10 clean fresh tobacco
Mouth Feel: 10/10 its a los... moreover, it's a very mold-able, clay like los.  So no excuses in getting the perfect amount for the perfect fit.
Flavor: 10/10 Pure mild tobacco. It's fresh.  The perfect level of sodium.  A slight slight slight sweet hint.  Words don't do this justice... but more attempts below.
Nic Hit: 10/10 It's a standard (~8mg/g) snus, but it's a los... put in as much or as little needed to satisfy your cravings.
Drip: 7/10 Like it's cousins (Roda and Ettan)... this is a VERY finely ground snus.  As such, it's just a matter of time before little grains start coating your teeth.
Overall: 9.8/10 If you're a math nazi, you noticed I didn't go with a straight average here.  Because in spite of it's drawbacks (meh packaging and mudmouth) it's a FANTASTIC TASTING SNUS!!!!

Well... I scored this one before I even started talking about it (shocking right?), so I could explain why it's better than my rating system.  Which I can do by simply saying... "I'm all about taste and this one delivers in spades".  Now, for the more in depth look.  It's mild, it's subtle... but it's complex in that subtlety... a little sweet, a little salty, a little earthy, an ever so slight moss... a little of everything.... well, everything BUT the offensive, literally nothing in the flavor to offend any palate.  This one is right in there with RL and Ettan los in all respects (except for having a little flavor added).  For a purist like myself, this snus is heaven... and I am more than willing to overlook the package, and mudmouth, in favor of it's fantastic taste.  In fact, I'm a little embarrassed to have tried it before and overlooked what a winner it is.  That said, the last time I had this I was so deeply in love with Kardus Premium... that I wasn't ready to give it the attention it deserves.  So I'm going to give this the honorary title of a "sleeper favorite".  The perfect example of Swedish snus done right.  Now it only comes in loose, so if that's not your thing... sorry you're going to miss out... otherwise, my rave review ends thusly "run... don't walk... to try it, TRY IT NOW"!!!  Until next time, happy snusing!

REVIEW: NEW General Classic Licorice Original Portion

As far as I'm concerned, this snus has generated the most excitement I've had since last year's Kardus announcement.  Let me be the first to say, it didn't disappoint.  This review in 3 words:  "best licorice snus on the market", okay 6 words, but the first three do sum it up *grins*

Appearance: 9.5/10 Nice black can, full size catch lid.  Black labels, yellow accent... it's just nice, clean and simple.  The reason it loses a half point here is General's logo (really not a fan of frilly fonts on tobacco).
Aroma: 10/10 Exactly what you'd expect a licorice snus to smell like... clean black licorice (anise/licorice root), and tobacco.
Mouth Feel: 9/10 It's the same portion material used in the new Grov Stark (same can for that matter), and it is moist, nice room for in the portion for movement/positioning, and while a little abrasive, I haven't found it irritating.
Flavor: 10/10 Licorice, tobacco, salt.  (read: no sweeteners to muddy the waters).  There is also a good deal of the signature "General Spiciness" going on. If you're a fan of the "salt licorice" Swedish candy, you absolutely can't miss this one.
Nic Hit: 9/10 Standard 8mg/g of nicotine.  Comes on fast (almost immediate), but lasts up to an hour no problem. Really satisfies.
Drip: 8/10 It's an original portion, so drip is imminent.  That said, I have had worse.
Overall: 9.3/10  A very fair assessment, as far as licorice snus is concerned it's 10/10.  I'd love to see a los on this one.

General has definitely hit a home run here.  Calling it "Classic Licorice" is spot on, as this one is destined to become an instant classic, and will be ordered frequently by yours truly.

REVIEW: NEW Goteborgs Rape Summer Edition 2013 Havtorn

A very enjoyable white portion snus from Swedish Match.  With the taste of unsweetened peach tea, and spicy straight tobacco.  I'm getting to this one quick (and even rushing my review a bit) due to limited availability.

Appearance: 7/10 It's a slight variant of the typical GB Rape white packaging.  The smaller catch lid, metallic label.  A-okay, but nothing special going on here.
Aroma: 7/10 Peach, peach and more peach.  As refined as my pallet is, I couldn't honestly pick out "passion fruit" in a lineup, so  if it's there, I'll just call it fruity.
Mouth Feel:  5/10 Swedish Match's regular white portions, aren't my favorite.  Don't get me wrong, the starburst pattern looks really cool.  But they leave little slack in the material (for comfortable positioning), and the material is dry (which leads to irritation in my lip).
Flavor: 9/10 The flavor profile of this one is great, if peach is your thing, and you don't appreciate added sweetener in your tobacco (like me).  As said above, this one has a nice spice element (which compliments fruit notes excellently imo).
Nic Hit: 8/10 Standard 8mg/g nicotine.  Comes on metered, and delivers for a long time... really satisfies.
Drip: 9/10 White portion, good on the drip (again, it's no lab series), but by the end of the day you will see a tint.
Overall:  7.5/10 Just going with the straight average here, you may want to weigh/curve this score up due to limited availability, or if peach is your flavor.

That overall score shouldn't be off putting in any way... this is quality Swedish snus, with a great taste, that's a great change of pace--which is precisely the goal of a seasonal, and GB hit the nail on the head in that respect. I'll cherish my can (it's sitting in the fridge now, awaiting my next trip to the pool *grins*), and if unsweetened peach snus sounds like a win to you, I'd order a roll before it's gone.

REVIEW: NEW Skruf Nord 66 Degrees Strong White

OMFG... what a fantastic snus!  Before reading this, read my Skruf review (#2 all time favorites).  Okay, done?  Great!  Now, I'm going to say that this is everything I love about Skruf, minus everything I don't (packaging & rose oil).  But, being the overly critical bastard that I am, I'm going to present you with a few chinks in the armor... namely format, and complexity.  My bone with the format option is that if you want this strength/flavor profile, you're left with only a white portion...  no loose (which I can only dream about), OR regular (moist) portion without jumping up to an extra strong... which is often too much nicotine, even for a tweeker like me *grins*  Now, on to the point about complexity... you know the old adage "be careful what you wish for"?  Well, that has some (albeit rather limited) application here.  With that rose oil goes an element of complexity in the flavor... it's not flat, or boring by any stretch of the imagination, but there isn't a lot going on... I've yet to truly decide if that's a good or a bad thing.  That said, if I had to pick between the traditional Skruf Strong White, and the Nord 66 version... I would pick the Nord 66 every, single, time... because with it, there is no ever present flavor to tire of.  In other words, they DID make a good thing better!  So kudos to Skruf on a job well done!

Well, here goes the first crack at that rating system...

Appearance: 8/10 The grey can is a nice improvement over the white (which I think looks like cosmetics), but the graphics seem a bit "busy" (read: trying too hard).  Only looses one point for that, it loses a second point for the traditional 2/3's catch lid (only because larger, full size ones are available now).
Aroma:  9/10 Pure, fresh tobacco... ever so inviting
Mouth Feel: 7.5/10 The portions are a very comfortable material, but alas it's a white, and all white's are a tad dry.  Otherwise, there is plenty of slack in the pouch to get the tobacco situated
Flavor: 9/10 The only thing keeping this from a 10 is the lack of complexity mentioned above.  It's mild in this respect (read: no heavy spice notes), fresh tobacco, very straightforward.
Nic Hit: 10/10 Skruf strong (3/4 on their scale) is the perfect nicotine level for my addiction.  One portion will get the job done with no problem.  It sneaks up on you kind of slowly, and maintains steadily for up to an hour.  Times when you need an extra kick, throwing in a second won't be too rough either... though I can only stand it for about 15-20min, before feeling overdosed.
Drip: 9/10 This is a very drip friendly snus (as far as keeping the teeth white goes), but it's no lab series, and come the end of the day, you will see a little tent to the smile.
Overall: 9/10 The average would be 8.6, but I'm rounding this one up just because I can, and because I think it deserves it.

REVIEW: Standardizing the Process

Okay, so this effort isn't likely to make my review process anymore objective... but, I think it will go a long way to adding some cohesiveness to the process.  In addition to my usual ramblings, I'm going to add a rating system to my reviews.  Yes, I will retroactively add these to previous reviews (might even polish up some grammar while I'm at it *grins*).  The rating system (on a scale of 0.0-10.0) will be as follows:

Appearance -  packaging, presentation
Aroma - *sniff*
Mouth Feel - how the snus treats your lip
Flavor - how it tastes, and how long it lasts
Nic Hit - delivery of nicotine... both content and duration
Drip - how well it treats your teeth
Overall - could be an average, or sometimes weighted (to accommodate something truly special)

Also, I'll be reserving the title "NEW" for snuses reviewed within ~90 days of their release.

***EDIT*** So I got around to adding the scale to my previous reviews.  On my living favorites (where I'm reviewing brands as opposed to cans) I decided to go with just the Overall, too many variables in different formats (white, original, loose, mini etc) for me to be assed with *grins*

REVIEW: Latest Order... First Impressions

So I teased that these would be coming last week, and honestly they just landed yesterday... so I'm going to need a little more time with each to formulate a strong opinion.  To "buy" that time, I'm going to give you my first impression on the one's I've tried so far (all but the mini's).  First and foremost Skruf Nord 66 degrees.  The Nordic Breeze (mint/licorice) is a complete and total pass for me.  I tried one portion, and gave the can to a friend at work.  Not surprising considering my aversion to mint snus, but this one was also overly sweet imo (not quite as bad as American Snuhss) but too close for my comfort.  But in the interest of giving you some sort of review, I'll say... it's a sweet, mild mint with strong licorice notes.  The Skruf quality is there, and if you don't mind a sweet(er) snus, and can appreciate this flavor profile, I think you'll find it very enjoyable.  Now, on to the Nord 66 strong white portion... this one is amazing... everything I like about Skruf minus the "grandma's soap"/rose oil flavor.  Wow, it's yummy!!!  This one I'm going to need to spend a lot of time with to do it justice... but expect a rave review.  Next, General Classic licorice portion... again yum!  Not sweet, none of the usual "metallic" General taste... great licorice notes... quite possibly my favorite licorice snus to date... expect good things here too.  GB Summer Edition... also surprisingly good (I say "also/surprisingly", because I didn't expect much from this or the General).... this is another I'm going to have to spend some time with to give you a proper review, but great fruity taste... and last but not least GB Prima Fint loose... hands down my favorite of the bunch (out of a long list of winners)...  see my Roda Lacket, and Ettan reviews... now imagine no smoke/fruity notes.  This one is going to get a seat in my hall of fame *nods*  When I return to the reviewing, expect a LOT of juicy details on these (and the mini's--likely by way of a guest review).  Til next time, Happy Snusing!!!