As predicted, I've been woefully busy (with moving, busy season at work... uh... life). So this is coming much later than intended... BUT I'm making time for it because I know it's important to other members in the snus community. So you know flavors aren't my thing when it comes to snus... this one isn't going to have me eating my words... but, it's definitely one I can appreciate, and will even add to my ordering rotation from time to time. So without further adieu, here comes the long-promised Brandy Alexander Review.
Appearance: 8/10 WOW, that's a loud can. One thing the image won't show is the fact that the label is mirrored, and almost appears chrome. That, and the smaller catch lid are the only points I'm docking here... because otherwise, it's pretty bad ass. Black can, silver/shiny label (loud or not, it's well done)... and typical "THUNDER" in edgy fonts. All in all, far from the worst looking snus can on the market.
Aroma: 9/10 OH so sweet, OH so potent! It smells of brandy (alcohol), chocolate, tobacco... lots of non traditional snus smells here, and the fact that a purist like me isn't ripping it apart for such speaks volumes on how I feel about it (er... for the idiots out there, that means I like it).
Mouth Feel: 9/10 Hey, it's an original portion... meaning it's moist, and comfortable. Material is nice... just the right amount of slack.
Flavor: 10/10 Okay, a 10/10 on a flavored snus... setting my bias aside, this one is done very well. Much like the smell... chocolate and brandy-wine are right up front. It's got a nice creamy note to it, and (I can't believe I'm saying this) a pleasant sweetness--and I HATE sweet snus. That said... in this instance it works, in fact it needs it. There are also wafts of vanilla happening, some caramel... you know, for all my gourmet-ing (and boozing), I've never had a Brandy Alexander... but from what I've read, this sounds like a fair (if not spot on) representation.
Nic Hit: 6.5/10 This is the only "needs improvement" category for this snus... not that it's lacking in nicotine (much the opposite)... OMFG is it strong! So much so, that I find myself capped at 20-30 min with ONE portion. This is a high octane snus that hits hard out of the gate, and honestly in my one can I wasn't able to keep one in long enough to see if/when the nicotine hit starts to fade.
Drip: 8/10 For as moist as this snus is (and it's way up there), I didn't have much issue with drip. That might be due to the fact that I could only keep them in for a short time (when I'm often 1hr+ with other snuses).
Overall: 9/10 I'm rounding this one up to minimize the subjective factor. In all fairness, this is a well done flavored snus, that is very unique (i.e. not mint or fruit). Honestly, I like it. I would like it more as a candy (think Werther's Originals)... but it's a great way to change up the snus routine for me, and I could see it being a regular for many.
Since this flavor has come and gone in the past, I'd encourage you to order it, as I'm sure sales will be the deciding factor on whether or not it's here in the future--and honestly, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if this one stuck around. So.... go buy some!
'Til next time... happy snusing!!!
