Death sticks worth the death.
September 27, 2010 4:24 PM Subscribe
What brand of cigarettes should I smoke?
I've just started a cigarette habit, mostly American Spirits and cheap "cigars." What brands are particularly tasty or a good value?
I've just started a cigarette habit, mostly American Spirits and cheap "cigars." What brands are particularly tasty or a good value?
Moderation is key. As far as smokes go Dunhill Internationals have never done me wrong.
posted by gunslingingbird at 4:33 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by gunslingingbird at 4:33 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
If you have to smoke (and, uh, having lost a father to emphysema, I grit my teeth at this), consider smoking e-cigarettes rather than regular cigarettes. My husband recently started smoking them, as an alternative to returning to smoking during stress-filled graduate school, and has really been enjoying the different flavors that are available. There's an initial higher investment in terms of cost, but in exchange you get pretty much none of the negative side effects of smoking.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:35 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:35 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
Nat Sherman MCDs are the best.
But I'm going to echo sandyp and suggest that you quit now before it's too late. I've been smoking for 15 years and I keep quitting and relapsing and quitting and relapsing. And every year it gets harder and harder.
posted by elsietheeel at 4:35 PM on September 27, 2010 [4 favorites]
But I'm going to echo sandyp and suggest that you quit now before it's too late. I've been smoking for 15 years and I keep quitting and relapsing and quitting and relapsing. And every year it gets harder and harder.
posted by elsietheeel at 4:35 PM on September 27, 2010 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: I don't want to make you mad, but please Quit, if you have just started it will be easier for you to do it now than later!
Don't sweat it. I'm deciding to smoke knowing that it's kinda like jumping off a cliff, but I'm still doing it. It's off topic so I'm not going to talk about it here, but I do have a reason.
posted by The Devil Tesla at 4:36 PM on September 27, 2010
Don't sweat it. I'm deciding to smoke knowing that it's kinda like jumping off a cliff, but I'm still doing it. It's off topic so I'm not going to talk about it here, but I do have a reason.
posted by The Devil Tesla at 4:36 PM on September 27, 2010
I was a huge fan of Nat Shermans. Not cheap though, but I tried not to smoke too much anyway. Black & Golds / Fantasias (same thing with different colors) were my favorites, but they have a lot of good ones. Quit a few months ago though, so no more!
posted by wildcrdj at 4:36 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by wildcrdj at 4:36 PM on September 27, 2010
Yeah, smoker here saying you're nuts to start. QUIT now. If you wait, you'd have an easier time getting unhooked from heroin or meth. Nicotine is really that addictive, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There's nothing good about smoking.
Except the delicious flavor of fine tobacco and the electrifying buzz of nicotine, of course. And hey, we all gotta die of something, sometime.
American Spirit and Dunhills are definitely the best things out there for the moderate, occasional smoker who appreciates quality tobacco (unless you can find Nat Shermans). Once you have tried those, you'll find that any standard American brand -- Marlboro, Camel, whatever -- tastes like crap, burns down fast and hot (chemical accelerants, mind you), is made from nasty pressed sheet tobacco, and even if it costs less, gives you far less tobacco per cigarette. Every once in a while I'll smoke a friend's Marlboro or whatever and am always shocked at how bad they taste. American Spirit lights are the good shit and widely available these days.
posted by fourcheesemac at 4:40 PM on September 27, 2010 [3 favorites]
Except the delicious flavor of fine tobacco and the electrifying buzz of nicotine, of course. And hey, we all gotta die of something, sometime.
American Spirit and Dunhills are definitely the best things out there for the moderate, occasional smoker who appreciates quality tobacco (unless you can find Nat Shermans). Once you have tried those, you'll find that any standard American brand -- Marlboro, Camel, whatever -- tastes like crap, burns down fast and hot (chemical accelerants, mind you), is made from nasty pressed sheet tobacco, and even if it costs less, gives you far less tobacco per cigarette. Every once in a while I'll smoke a friend's Marlboro or whatever and am always shocked at how bad they taste. American Spirit lights are the good shit and widely available these days.
posted by fourcheesemac at 4:40 PM on September 27, 2010 [3 favorites]
I'd just stick with the American Spirits.
posted by sleepytako at 4:41 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by sleepytako at 4:41 PM on September 27, 2010
Stay away from Marlboro Reds and Camels as I always found they had the most particular draining effect when not smoking them (the craving associated with those 2 brands were much more severe).
This thread will quickly devolve into people's favourite brands, but Benson and Hedges Special Lights (King Size, not the 100s) never did me wrong.
posted by fantasticninety at 4:42 PM on September 27, 2010
This thread will quickly devolve into people's favourite brands, but Benson and Hedges Special Lights (King Size, not the 100s) never did me wrong.
posted by fantasticninety at 4:42 PM on September 27, 2010
Probably none, but I would also go with American Spirits because they're expensive (meaning it's harder to buy them frequently) and harsh (meaning it's harder to inhale them and therefore harder to develop a habit). Smoke one cigarette a day or less.
I'm not sure you could possibly "have a reason" other than, "I want to."
posted by outlandishmarxist at 4:47 PM on September 27, 2010
I'm not sure you could possibly "have a reason" other than, "I want to."
posted by outlandishmarxist at 4:47 PM on September 27, 2010
I haven't smoked in about 8 years. However, when I smoked, I really loved Camel Turkish Golds, as well as the Camel filterless cigarettes. If I ever find out that I'm going to die from some inevitable/terminal thing, I will immediately go back to smoking those cigarettes, even though it means diminishing whatever remaining health I have.
From time to time, a clove cigarette (Djarum) is quite lovely, too. For me smoking is and was an all-or-none proposition, so I chose none.
posted by fake at 4:51 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
From time to time, a clove cigarette (Djarum) is quite lovely, too. For me smoking is and was an all-or-none proposition, so I chose none.
posted by fake at 4:51 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
I smoked Lucky Strike straights for ten years, and always liked them. Smoking unfiltered cigarettes also carries the advantage that people will not want to bum them off you. Plus you will be a supercool tough guy. I can also recommend Gauloises or Gitanes if you want to smell really bad--but they do taste good. American Spirit filters are a good, if popular, choice. They at least fool you into thinking they are less death-full.
Sometimes I really miss smoking.
posted by Kafkaesque at 4:51 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Sometimes I really miss smoking.
posted by Kafkaesque at 4:51 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: > I'm not sure you could possibly "have a reason" other than, "I want to."
On second thought, it would probably be best to just come out with it: I've been using it as a coping habit to deal with severe depression. Yes, stupid, but whatever gah.
posted by The Devil Tesla at 4:52 PM on September 27, 2010
On second thought, it would probably be best to just come out with it: I've been using it as a coping habit to deal with severe depression. Yes, stupid, but whatever gah.
posted by The Devil Tesla at 4:52 PM on September 27, 2010
Response by poster: also I want to
posted by The Devil Tesla at 4:53 PM on September 27, 2010 [6 favorites]
posted by The Devil Tesla at 4:53 PM on September 27, 2010 [6 favorites]
Can't get Gauloise in the US anymore, I don't think.
posted by fourcheesemac at 4:57 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by fourcheesemac at 4:57 PM on September 27, 2010
Best answer: Roll your own. Cheaper, less involvement with corporations whose ethics range from repellent to downright evil, and the tobacco will be of much, much higher quality.
posted by KathrynT at 4:58 PM on September 27, 2010 [5 favorites]
posted by KathrynT at 4:58 PM on September 27, 2010 [5 favorites]
Best answer: Might I suggest using excercise to treat depression? It'll make you feel a hell of a lot better than smoking will. If anything, diminished lung capacity and the crabbiness that comes from not having a cigarette handy will only make you feel worse. And nothing is worse than a nicotine hangover.
Excercise, on the other hand, will invigorate body and mind. it will chill you out, whereas smoking actually makes you MORE stressy and wired (nicotine is a stimulant, not a depressant).
that being said, nat shermans are pretty good.
posted by custard heart at 4:59 PM on September 27, 2010 [8 favorites]
Excercise, on the other hand, will invigorate body and mind. it will chill you out, whereas smoking actually makes you MORE stressy and wired (nicotine is a stimulant, not a depressant).
that being said, nat shermans are pretty good.
posted by custard heart at 4:59 PM on September 27, 2010 [8 favorites]
I've been buying Gauloises online and in duty-free shops for about 5 years now, and they've never done me wrong. They're strong and flavorful, and you don't feel the need to chainsmoke (or at least I don't). I smoke about one carton a month.
Apparently buying them online may now be more difficult (due to a new law that bans USPS from shipping cigarettes), although I haven't tried to see whether evading the law is possible. You can still get Gauloises in tobacco shops, I'm pretty sure, but they'll be more expensive.
posted by nasreddin at 4:59 PM on September 27, 2010
Apparently buying them online may now be more difficult (due to a new law that bans USPS from shipping cigarettes), although I haven't tried to see whether evading the law is possible. You can still get Gauloises in tobacco shops, I'm pretty sure, but they'll be more expensive.
posted by nasreddin at 4:59 PM on September 27, 2010
Incidentally, Gauloises come in both "brown" and "blond" varieties, and you'll probably want the latter. I think the Brunes are way too strong and smelly, while the blondes are closer to e.g. Marlboros.
posted by nasreddin at 5:02 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by nasreddin at 5:02 PM on September 27, 2010
I've been using it as a coping habit to deal with severe depression. Yes, stupid, but whatever gah.
I hope this is a cry for help and I'm responding to it as such. You deserve a long and healthy life. Get help with your depression; if you aren't already seeing a counselor then please do so.
posted by pintapicasso at 5:03 PM on September 27, 2010
I hope this is a cry for help and I'm responding to it as such. You deserve a long and healthy life. Get help with your depression; if you aren't already seeing a counselor then please do so.
posted by pintapicasso at 5:03 PM on September 27, 2010
Best answer: Usually I'd never suggest this, but, consider weed?
posted by InsanePenguin at 5:04 PM on September 27, 2010 [19 favorites]
posted by InsanePenguin at 5:04 PM on September 27, 2010 [19 favorites]
Best answer: I will second e-cigarettes. They're not as robust, but there is nothing carcinogenic in them (apart from microscopic levels of chemicals found in NRT-products), and no reason to believe they are significantly more harmful than NRT (ie nicotine stresses your heart and circulatory system). Most find if you can push yourself for a few days to appreciate the lighter taste, regular cigarettes will taste foul in comparison and you won't want them again (but you'll still enjoy the nicotine and have the smoke/cigarette to play with).
Possibly the next best option health-wise is Snus--which I have not tried, although I have read many say that the original Snus from Sweden is superior to US-produced Snus. Some of the newer smokeless tobacco products are, I read, popular with unrepentant nicotine users who want to get away from the smoking-factor.
If you must smoke tobacco cigarettes, you'll want to choose American Spirit organic tobacco. According to some, including former US Surgeon General C. Everett Koop a lot of the problem of smoking is radioactivity from fertilizers in commercial tobacco. (First link found w/Google, might not be the best.) Essentially, tobacco is sprayed with radioactive particles that get into your lungs and never leave. Organic tobaccos (American Spirit's organic (not standard) variant being one and possibly the only one easily available) still carry a significant health risk but leave out this significant portion. It's tasty like any other boutique-brand product. A little weird at first (like pricey, fancy colas) but you get a taste for it in a short time and then it's your brand and anything else tastes wrong (like generic colas).
If you only care about taste, you've just got to try a variety until you find your favorite. If you want help choosing an e-cig, MeMail me. Or ask at Ecigforum for the best model and vendor.
(On preview: coping mechanism? go ecig or other smokeless product.)
posted by K.P. at 5:06 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Possibly the next best option health-wise is Snus--which I have not tried, although I have read many say that the original Snus from Sweden is superior to US-produced Snus. Some of the newer smokeless tobacco products are, I read, popular with unrepentant nicotine users who want to get away from the smoking-factor.
If you must smoke tobacco cigarettes, you'll want to choose American Spirit organic tobacco. According to some, including former US Surgeon General C. Everett Koop a lot of the problem of smoking is radioactivity from fertilizers in commercial tobacco. (First link found w/Google, might not be the best.) Essentially, tobacco is sprayed with radioactive particles that get into your lungs and never leave. Organic tobaccos (American Spirit's organic (not standard) variant being one and possibly the only one easily available) still carry a significant health risk but leave out this significant portion. It's tasty like any other boutique-brand product. A little weird at first (like pricey, fancy colas) but you get a taste for it in a short time and then it's your brand and anything else tastes wrong (like generic colas).
If you only care about taste, you've just got to try a variety until you find your favorite. If you want help choosing an e-cig, MeMail me. Or ask at Ecigforum for the best model and vendor.
(On preview: coping mechanism? go ecig or other smokeless product.)
posted by K.P. at 5:06 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: > Get help with your depression; if you aren't already seeing a counselor then please do so.
I am. I am doing a lot better! Still: thoughts of suicide and other problems persist. Depression isn't a simple thing, and this seems to be helping in the short term.
posted by The Devil Tesla at 5:08 PM on September 27, 2010
I am. I am doing a lot better! Still: thoughts of suicide and other problems persist. Depression isn't a simple thing, and this seems to be helping in the short term.
posted by The Devil Tesla at 5:08 PM on September 27, 2010
Best answer: Further discussion with the husband and OP via MeMail makes me think this might be helpful inthread: Mr. WanKenobi's tried two brands of e-cigs, GreenSmoke and Vapor4Life. GreenSmoke was overpriced and didn't work very well, but he's been very happy with Vapor4Life, despite the ridiculous look of their website. A starter pack will set you back only as much as a handful of cartons of cigarettes. He has them in black; with their blue filter, they kind of look like something a vampire would smoke. I've tried the nicotine-free ones in a few different flavors, and they're pretty tasty. Also, you can smoke them via USB cord from your computer, which looks sort of like a hookah on the Starship enterprise. He's been happy with them, impressed how he never feels physically crappy after smoking, and I've been happy that he's not digging a slow grave.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 5:14 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 5:14 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Ex-smoker here. I used to smoke Drums. The tobacco was better than anything you can get in domestic cigarettes. I never found any pre-rolled cigarettes that tasted anywhere near as good (including American Spirits). Rolling your own cigarettes is a good way to keep you from smoking as much, too.
That said, I agree with most everyone else here, don't start and you won't have to go through the fun of quitting later.
posted by doctor_negative at 5:18 PM on September 27, 2010
That said, I agree with most everyone else here, don't start and you won't have to go through the fun of quitting later.
posted by doctor_negative at 5:18 PM on September 27, 2010
There's debate about rolling your own. For most people, that means smoking a filterless cigarette, which is removing a small level of protection. It's not that much cheaper anymore -- loose tobacco is taxed more than it used to be (at least where I live). However, the simple act of rolling takes a minute and satisfies some of the need for something to do with your hands, and it can be a very comforting routine once you're used to it. One big advantage is that it's sort of hard to roll while driving unless you're an expert, and for a lot of people who are trying not to smoke the car is a danger zone. (Nothing I love better than smoking while driving. It's like you become a country and western song.)
There are theories that many smokers are self-medicating depressives (or self-stimulating ADHDs), or were before they became simple nicotine addicts.
posted by fourcheesemac at 5:18 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
There are theories that many smokers are self-medicating depressives (or self-stimulating ADHDs), or were before they became simple nicotine addicts.
posted by fourcheesemac at 5:18 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I see that you're a man. Therefore, Lucky Strikes or Benson & Hedges are the only logical choices.
posted by WhitenoisE at 5:21 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by WhitenoisE at 5:21 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
I'll third the suggestion that you try an e-cigarette. I use the Joye 510, and I love it. Instead of inhaling 600+ deadly chemicals, I now inhale 2. Still deadly, still addicting, but much, much less-so than the American Spirits I used to smoke.
The initial cost-outlay is pretty big, ($60 for the beginner's kit) but for me the costs come out to about a dollar a day, and there's no cigarette that can compete with that price.
There's a lot to like about the e-cig, but I think my favorite aspect is that you get to keep the ritual of the cigarette, and even expand on it a bit.
Having said that, one of the counter-intuitive aspects of e-cigs is that they have their own learning curve, and that can get a little frustrating.
Feel free to memail me if you'd like another input.
posted by lekvar at 5:22 PM on September 27, 2010
The initial cost-outlay is pretty big, ($60 for the beginner's kit) but for me the costs come out to about a dollar a day, and there's no cigarette that can compete with that price.
There's a lot to like about the e-cig, but I think my favorite aspect is that you get to keep the ritual of the cigarette, and even expand on it a bit.
Having said that, one of the counter-intuitive aspects of e-cigs is that they have their own learning curve, and that can get a little frustrating.
Feel free to memail me if you'd like another input.
posted by lekvar at 5:22 PM on September 27, 2010
nicotine is a hell of a drug.
This. Also, read the chapter on tobacco in Dale Pendell's Pharmako/Poeia. He talks about cutting an inch from an untipped Navy Cut, putting it in a holder and taking a deep draw as the fastest way to become addicted to the strongest poison commonly used by humans. Then read Richard Klein's Cigarettes Are Sublime, which may speak to you right now.
But, answering the question straight-up: I'm with K.P. -- or smoke a pipe if you have to. But ideally don't.
posted by holgate at 5:23 PM on September 27, 2010
This. Also, read the chapter on tobacco in Dale Pendell's Pharmako/Poeia. He talks about cutting an inch from an untipped Navy Cut, putting it in a holder and taking a deep draw as the fastest way to become addicted to the strongest poison commonly used by humans. Then read Richard Klein's Cigarettes Are Sublime, which may speak to you right now.
But, answering the question straight-up: I'm with K.P. -- or smoke a pipe if you have to. But ideally don't.
posted by holgate at 5:23 PM on September 27, 2010
The best cigarette in the universe was Dunhill International Superior Milds, in the gorgeous flat blue box. Elizabeth David, when picking the color glaze for her Le Creuset back in the day or whatever, supposedly pointed to that cigarette case. They smelled kind of grassy and felt "cleaner" than any other cigarette I know of (while still being satisfying--I find American Spirits to be like sucking on air, frustrating and pointless). Also weren't as strong as the normal red ones (nice sometimes, but not an everyday kind of cigarette).
Unfortunately, they seem to have disappeared a few years back at exactly the same time Dunhill redid their box design (it's more modern looking now but I don't like it as much). I have no idea if Dunhill stopped making them altogether or the city I live in just doesn't have those anymore for some reason. But it's not entirely a coincidence that when those disappeared along with this clove ban I quit smoking.
Don't get fooled by buying what they have now in a similar shade of blue--the lights. Those are vile, like pretty much all lights I ever smoked.
PS yeah you really should not start smoking...crappy cigarettes are such crap, it's not even enjoyable.
posted by ifjuly at 5:28 PM on September 27, 2010
Unfortunately, they seem to have disappeared a few years back at exactly the same time Dunhill redid their box design (it's more modern looking now but I don't like it as much). I have no idea if Dunhill stopped making them altogether or the city I live in just doesn't have those anymore for some reason. But it's not entirely a coincidence that when those disappeared along with this clove ban I quit smoking.
Don't get fooled by buying what they have now in a similar shade of blue--the lights. Those are vile, like pretty much all lights I ever smoked.
PS yeah you really should not start smoking...crappy cigarettes are such crap, it's not even enjoyable.
posted by ifjuly at 5:28 PM on September 27, 2010
You can get filters for hand rolling cigarettes. Very simple to use, especially if you use a rolling machine.
My "healthy smoking" habit gravitated me toward American Spirit Ultra Lights (Orange, now), alternatively Export A UL's or Winston UL's depending on circumstance. Export A's taste best and fit my cigarette caqse, and Winstons (RJ Reynolds or whoever's additive-free major-brand cig) are cheap and easily available. Orange American Spirits can be hard to find in, say, the suburbs, but they are the lightest cigarettes I've found (cue people pointing out that people naturally cover the little holes on ULs). Pace WhitenoisE, you would certainly have to be OK with asking for ULs and being a (possibly straight) man.
posted by rhizome at 5:29 PM on September 27, 2010
My "healthy smoking" habit gravitated me toward American Spirit Ultra Lights (Orange, now), alternatively Export A UL's or Winston UL's depending on circumstance. Export A's taste best and fit my cigarette caqse, and Winstons (RJ Reynolds or whoever's additive-free major-brand cig) are cheap and easily available. Orange American Spirits can be hard to find in, say, the suburbs, but they are the lightest cigarettes I've found (cue people pointing out that people naturally cover the little holes on ULs). Pace WhitenoisE, you would certainly have to be OK with asking for ULs and being a (possibly straight) man.
posted by rhizome at 5:29 PM on September 27, 2010
Nat Shermans and Dunhills are the go-to smokes if you've got the scratch. When I smoked, I hand-rolled Gauloises, which had the beneficial side-effect of hashing out my throat and lungs so badly that it hastened my quitting.
Then i moved to Israel where you couldn't find Gauloises loose tobacco, but could get blondes dirt cheap, which hastened my restarting. Then I moved back to the US, where cigarettes had in the meantime gotten insanely expensive, which hastened my re-quitting. They haven't gotten cheaper and I haven't re-restarted (yet).
posted by felix betachat at 5:44 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Then i moved to Israel where you couldn't find Gauloises loose tobacco, but could get blondes dirt cheap, which hastened my restarting. Then I moved back to the US, where cigarettes had in the meantime gotten insanely expensive, which hastened my re-quitting. They haven't gotten cheaper and I haven't re-restarted (yet).
posted by felix betachat at 5:44 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
For what it's worth, I also use cigarettes as an anti-depressant. If that's your only real motivation for doing it, then just smoke whatever brand is cheapest (but still palatable to you) in your area. A fancy expensive "flavorful" cigarette isn't going to be any more effective for your purposes. (Think of it as the equivalent of buying the generic version of a name brand medication).
Disclaimer: I certainly wouldn't encourage anyone to smoke, but it has worked for me whereas medical and therapeutical alternatives haven't (at least not long-term). Depression is a very complicated thing, and I don't judge anyone for turning to whatever works for them as long as they're not hurting others.
posted by amyms at 5:45 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
Disclaimer: I certainly wouldn't encourage anyone to smoke, but it has worked for me whereas medical and therapeutical alternatives haven't (at least not long-term). Depression is a very complicated thing, and I don't judge anyone for turning to whatever works for them as long as they're not hurting others.
posted by amyms at 5:45 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
I've been using it as a coping habit to deal with severe depression.
Trust me when I say that. won't. work. I smoked for close to 15 years, and quit for good this time (third time's a charm!) almost a full year ago. I was depressed, too, but the cigarettes neither made it better nor made it worse, though arguably having an addictive habit probably did make my depression worse overall. After having quit, there' the obvious physical improvements: breathing better, more energy, better looking skin. But perhaps the best part is I don't have the responsibility, the job of smoking. You have to feed that beast, even when it's inconvenient, even when you actually don't want to. It's like I've quit a job which didn't pay me anything, that I had to pay "them" to work there. And only occasionally did I really like it.
That said, if you absolutely must smoke, I agree with the others on this thread to check out the electronic cigarette. A friend of mine went from a pack-a-day habit to whatever the equivalent that is with e-cigarettes...and he really digs it. He hasn't had a real one in months now. And apparently there are no carcinogens involved--probably something worth researching first, but it seems obvious e-cigarettes aren't nearly as dangerous as the real thing. Plus there are all sorts of flavors you can experiment with! It's like your own personal hookah bar! Downside is you still have a nicotine habit and are in danger of easily switching over to the real thing.
posted by zardoz at 5:49 PM on September 27, 2010
Trust me when I say that. won't. work. I smoked for close to 15 years, and quit for good this time (third time's a charm!) almost a full year ago. I was depressed, too, but the cigarettes neither made it better nor made it worse, though arguably having an addictive habit probably did make my depression worse overall. After having quit, there' the obvious physical improvements: breathing better, more energy, better looking skin. But perhaps the best part is I don't have the responsibility, the job of smoking. You have to feed that beast, even when it's inconvenient, even when you actually don't want to. It's like I've quit a job which didn't pay me anything, that I had to pay "them" to work there. And only occasionally did I really like it.
That said, if you absolutely must smoke, I agree with the others on this thread to check out the electronic cigarette. A friend of mine went from a pack-a-day habit to whatever the equivalent that is with e-cigarettes...and he really digs it. He hasn't had a real one in months now. And apparently there are no carcinogens involved--probably something worth researching first, but it seems obvious e-cigarettes aren't nearly as dangerous as the real thing. Plus there are all sorts of flavors you can experiment with! It's like your own personal hookah bar! Downside is you still have a nicotine habit and are in danger of easily switching over to the real thing.
posted by zardoz at 5:49 PM on September 27, 2010
e-cigs: no panacea.
FWIW, I don't think anyone believes ecigs are a panacea; nicotine is a drug, undoubtedly, with real side-effects, and ecigs have been shown to have some carcinogens--but in far lower levels than cigarettes. If we're talking nicotine delivery and risk reduction, they seem to me to be the more sensible choice than going and picking up a carton of Nat Shermans or (!) unfiltered camels.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 5:51 PM on September 27, 2010
FWIW, I don't think anyone believes ecigs are a panacea; nicotine is a drug, undoubtedly, with real side-effects, and ecigs have been shown to have some carcinogens--but in far lower levels than cigarettes. If we're talking nicotine delivery and risk reduction, they seem to me to be the more sensible choice than going and picking up a carton of Nat Shermans or (!) unfiltered camels.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 5:51 PM on September 27, 2010
Rolling your own doesn't always mean smoking a filterless cigarette. My best friend rolls her own and in a matter of seconds she can roll a cig that looks like it was just pulled out of a box, filter and all. (It's hot, too, I gotta admit.) Head to a tobacco shop and ask the staff what they recommend in terms of filters and papers until you find your favorite; have fun trying different brands of loose tobacco. Get a nice vacuum canister for it, and plop in an orange peel piece to keep the tobacco moist.
Also, I gotta make a case for cigars. I don't smoke them often -- they're the champagne occasions to my cheap wine. Again, head to a tobacco shop and ask them to pick a couple out for you. Learn the art of cutting, lighting, and smoking a cigar. The complexity of flavors might surprise you.
Also, do you enjoy smoking shisha? It's tobacco with honey/molasses and fruit, plus funky flavors if you go for that style. The ritual and rhythm of tending a hookah as you smoke is extremely relaxing and mediative. Hookahs aren't too expensive online, just make sure you get one tall enough for a quality smoke -- there's a large debate over what size is best; I'd recommend something at least 19". Hookahs can be beautiful pieces of art, which makes using them more enjoyable.
Finally, yes, American Spirits are a great basic smoke.
And really and TRULY finally, attack depression from every angle when you can scrounge up the energy. I started smoking because of depression: even though I don't smoke much, I can feel its effects on my health. But I have learned to love the occasional cigars and have really enjoyed the communion of sharing a hookah with friends. Smoking is an ancient human craft -- an example of communion, of ritual, sometimes of magic and a link to the spirit world. I humbly offer that smoking can be much more than standing on a dirty, gray street corner sucking down a death stick.
posted by missmary6 at 5:54 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Also, I gotta make a case for cigars. I don't smoke them often -- they're the champagne occasions to my cheap wine. Again, head to a tobacco shop and ask them to pick a couple out for you. Learn the art of cutting, lighting, and smoking a cigar. The complexity of flavors might surprise you.
Also, do you enjoy smoking shisha? It's tobacco with honey/molasses and fruit, plus funky flavors if you go for that style. The ritual and rhythm of tending a hookah as you smoke is extremely relaxing and mediative. Hookahs aren't too expensive online, just make sure you get one tall enough for a quality smoke -- there's a large debate over what size is best; I'd recommend something at least 19". Hookahs can be beautiful pieces of art, which makes using them more enjoyable.
Finally, yes, American Spirits are a great basic smoke.
And really and TRULY finally, attack depression from every angle when you can scrounge up the energy. I started smoking because of depression: even though I don't smoke much, I can feel its effects on my health. But I have learned to love the occasional cigars and have really enjoyed the communion of sharing a hookah with friends. Smoking is an ancient human craft -- an example of communion, of ritual, sometimes of magic and a link to the spirit world. I humbly offer that smoking can be much more than standing on a dirty, gray street corner sucking down a death stick.
posted by missmary6 at 5:54 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
I use the Joye 510...The initial cost-outlay is pretty big, ($60 for the beginner's kit)
I like the Joye510 too (and would probably like the eGo, since it's just a 510 with a large-capactiy battery), and you can get it cheaper at cignot or even cheaper from a Chinese supplier like Heaven Gifts (but long shipping times). (OP would need a bottle of refill liquid too, my pref being 555/State Express at 18mg strength) The Vapor4Life model MrPWK likes is prob the second most popular model around for those in the know (a KR808) and best for someone who doesn't want to fuss with refill liquid bottles.
batmonkey's links are deliberate scare-mongering. Take away the dramatic framing then essentially, yes, e-cigs have a handful of dangerous chemicals and are not safe for someone who is not already a smoker (or a smoker with the potential to successfully quit). Quitting is (physically) always the ideal. If that's not an option, a handful in small amounts is better than a bucketful in large amounts. If you choose to persist with tobacco/nicotine use, go smokeless. If you're interested in reading more, try Michael Siegel or google tobacco harm reduction.
posted by K.P. at 5:57 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
I like the Joye510 too (and would probably like the eGo, since it's just a 510 with a large-capactiy battery), and you can get it cheaper at cignot or even cheaper from a Chinese supplier like Heaven Gifts (but long shipping times). (OP would need a bottle of refill liquid too, my pref being 555/State Express at 18mg strength) The Vapor4Life model MrPWK likes is prob the second most popular model around for those in the know (a KR808) and best for someone who doesn't want to fuss with refill liquid bottles.
batmonkey's links are deliberate scare-mongering. Take away the dramatic framing then essentially, yes, e-cigs have a handful of dangerous chemicals and are not safe for someone who is not already a smoker (or a smoker with the potential to successfully quit). Quitting is (physically) always the ideal. If that's not an option, a handful in small amounts is better than a bucketful in large amounts. If you choose to persist with tobacco/nicotine use, go smokeless. If you're interested in reading more, try Michael Siegel or google tobacco harm reduction.
posted by K.P. at 5:57 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Nat Shermans or roll-your-own. Nat Shermans are pretty tasty, but pricey (which, hey, maybe would be a deterrent to smoking more than you absolutely have to), but I've always been fond of the tactile experience of rolling my own cigarettes (when I smoked, back when I was younger). Plus, being able to roll a cigarette or a joint really smoothly and one-handed makes you look like kind of a badass to people who are into that sort of thing.
posted by booknerd at 6:01 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by booknerd at 6:01 PM on September 27, 2010
Dunhills are delicious.
I'm sorry about your depression. That sucks. I hope that in time you will heal and feel better and healthier and that the first kind, rewarding thing you do for yourself is to stop smoking.
posted by applemeat at 6:04 PM on September 27, 2010
I'm sorry about your depression. That sucks. I hope that in time you will heal and feel better and healthier and that the first kind, rewarding thing you do for yourself is to stop smoking.
posted by applemeat at 6:04 PM on September 27, 2010
Yeah, i did this for a while too, it was more out of boredom than depression. The headrush helped me, it was just a different feeling than regular old life. I'd suggest trying a different pack each time? I mean, it was almost a hobby for me to see which one I liked the most. Plus if i had something different when i was at a bar or out and about, it would be a conversation starter. For me smoking was more like, well i'm bored of tv, i'll go out on the patio and have a ciggy. Pretty easy for me to stop after a couple of months, even with a roommate who smokes and i can steal cigs from. Never really got addicted, per se and still do it when drunk sometimes, and i did go through a phase where i would dig through my ashtray in my car for enough of a butt to smoke on the drive home. Learning how to roll my own was fun for me to learn as well.
posted by wayofthedodo at 6:06 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by wayofthedodo at 6:06 PM on September 27, 2010
American Spirits are a good choice -- not hard to find, really, and they taste pretty good. Nat Shermans are great but more expensive. I know lots of people who roll their own.
In re people telling you to quit -- your body, your choice. (Yep, I'm a smoker.)
posted by sdn at 6:15 PM on September 27, 2010
In re people telling you to quit -- your body, your choice. (Yep, I'm a smoker.)
posted by sdn at 6:15 PM on September 27, 2010
If you're considering the e-cig route I'll echo the suggestion of cignot.com and the Joye 510. I ordered at 9pm on Friday night and my shipment arrived today (from Chicago to California). $35 for a starter kit and free shipping. I'll be working my way down to 0 mg of nicotine over the next few weeks.
And if you're not keen to drop cash on something you're not sure if you'll like, 7-Eleven is selling e-cig starter kits for $20. I got one last week and it was good enough to make me shell out for the real deal.
posted by elsietheeel at 6:17 PM on September 27, 2010
And if you're not keen to drop cash on something you're not sure if you'll like, 7-Eleven is selling e-cig starter kits for $20. I got one last week and it was good enough to make me shell out for the real deal.
posted by elsietheeel at 6:17 PM on September 27, 2010
Everyone else is recommending Cignot for e-cigs, and I will too. Great service, and the woman who fulfills the orders draws a little flower on your receipt. It's the little touches.
I will strongly recommend against the cheapo kits they sell at the 7-Eleven. I bought one and gave it a honest try, but it was worthless.
posted by lekvar at 6:39 PM on September 27, 2010
I will strongly recommend against the cheapo kits they sell at the 7-Eleven. I bought one and gave it a honest try, but it was worthless.
posted by lekvar at 6:39 PM on September 27, 2010
Mod note: folks, OP is not anonymous, you can email them your heartfelt requests to not start smoking or other suggestions about their depression. Please keep answers on topic.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:11 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:11 PM on September 27, 2010
American Spirits taste like carrots. But what do I know, I sued to smoke P-funks or Lucky Strike lights.
posted by Diablevert at 7:15 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by Diablevert at 7:15 PM on September 27, 2010
I went the e-cig route for whats its worth my smokers cough disappeared almost over night
you can get a cheap disposable ones at DealExtreme.com for 8 bucks
posted by SatansCabanaboy at 7:22 PM on September 27, 2010
you can get a cheap disposable ones at DealExtreme.com for 8 bucks
posted by SatansCabanaboy at 7:22 PM on September 27, 2010
WhitenoisE: "I see that you're a man. Therefore, Lucky Strikes or Benson & Hedges are the only logical choices"
He can't be a man; he doesn't smoke the same cigarettes as me. (apologies to Mick Jagger). In the past, I have had a lot of smoking success with Marlboro Lights.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:24 PM on September 27, 2010
He can't be a man; he doesn't smoke the same cigarettes as me. (apologies to Mick Jagger). In the past, I have had a lot of smoking success with Marlboro Lights.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:24 PM on September 27, 2010
Unlike some others, I'm not going to judge you for smoking. I did it for 2 years, I knew it was a bad idea, I did it anyway (partially for the same reason as you, sort of.). I was at the point in my life where I wanted to and when I got to the point in my life where I didn't, I quit. Just make sure you can get to that latter point.
First, get off the American Spirits and cheap cigars. Those are nasty. Stay away also from Camel Filters and Marlboro Reds, they are unnecessarily strong. Also stay away from Marlboro Lights (because people will judge you for that. Or at least my asshole friends and I would.) And, rolling your own, though pretty neat and a fun ritual, never really did it for me.
As far as what to try: Parliament Lights are pretty cool because of the recessed filter, and they seemed to lack the "stigma" associated with smoking light cigarettes (among people I knew, and yes, I know that that's silly and ridiculous). Lucky Strikes (filtered) taste good, but might be too strong for you. Also, if you're traveling, try whatever cigarettes are local. That's fun.
Other than that, I'd recommend trying what InsanePenguin said, because say what you will about weed, it isn't horribly addictive and, ultimately, will be a less expensive habit. Also, for when you decide to quit smoking in the future, I found Allen Carr's book extremely psychologically effective.
posted by three bear minimum at 8:10 PM on September 27, 2010
First, get off the American Spirits and cheap cigars. Those are nasty. Stay away also from Camel Filters and Marlboro Reds, they are unnecessarily strong. Also stay away from Marlboro Lights (because people will judge you for that. Or at least my asshole friends and I would.) And, rolling your own, though pretty neat and a fun ritual, never really did it for me.
As far as what to try: Parliament Lights are pretty cool because of the recessed filter, and they seemed to lack the "stigma" associated with smoking light cigarettes (among people I knew, and yes, I know that that's silly and ridiculous). Lucky Strikes (filtered) taste good, but might be too strong for you. Also, if you're traveling, try whatever cigarettes are local. That's fun.
Other than that, I'd recommend trying what InsanePenguin said, because say what you will about weed, it isn't horribly addictive and, ultimately, will be a less expensive habit. Also, for when you decide to quit smoking in the future, I found Allen Carr's book extremely psychologically effective.
posted by three bear minimum at 8:10 PM on September 27, 2010
Someone suggested weed, but I would advise against that as well because my friends who used to be avid weed heads, were becoming anxious and more depressed when lighting up. So, i don't know if you really want to try something that's chemically altering your state but my uncle has always smoked American Spirits. Nice flavor with less chemicals.
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 8:35 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 8:35 PM on September 27, 2010
I would suggest Capris. You won't look cool, but you won't feel like you're a chimney either.
I tried an eCigarette and sometimes I could taste the nicotine liquid from the cartridges.
So YMMV on those.
posted by spacefire at 9:05 PM on September 27, 2010
I tried an eCigarette and sometimes I could taste the nicotine liquid from the cartridges.
So YMMV on those.
posted by spacefire at 9:05 PM on September 27, 2010
I liked camels personally when I was a smoker, very tasty. Never thought much of american spirits.
posted by wuzandfuzz at 9:24 PM on September 27, 2010
posted by wuzandfuzz at 9:24 PM on September 27, 2010
Possibly the next best option health-wise is Snus--which I have not tried, although I have read many say that the original Snus from Sweden is superior to US-produced Snus.
I've been using snus regularly for a couple years now, and I'd rather start smoking again if the only snus available was the American crap (Marlboro and Camel brand). In fact, I carry around a pack of Export A Lights if I run out of the good stuff.
The cheapest way to get snus is to order it online -- there are several websites that sell it. Finding it in stores is possible, but as General Snus is distributed by the General Cigar Co., you can really only find it in cigar stores, and only General-brand products. The websites have a much, much larger selection, and there are some truly interesting and delicious flavors out there (Göteborg Rapé No. 2 is lingonberry flavored, Gotlandssnus Fläder is elderflower flavored, etc.).
As far as cigarettes go, I prefer Nat Sherman MCD's and MacDonald Export A's.
posted by clorox at 9:51 PM on September 27, 2010
I've been using snus regularly for a couple years now, and I'd rather start smoking again if the only snus available was the American crap (Marlboro and Camel brand). In fact, I carry around a pack of Export A Lights if I run out of the good stuff.
The cheapest way to get snus is to order it online -- there are several websites that sell it. Finding it in stores is possible, but as General Snus is distributed by the General Cigar Co., you can really only find it in cigar stores, and only General-brand products. The websites have a much, much larger selection, and there are some truly interesting and delicious flavors out there (Göteborg Rapé No. 2 is lingonberry flavored, Gotlandssnus Fläder is elderflower flavored, etc.).
As far as cigarettes go, I prefer Nat Sherman MCD's and MacDonald Export A's.
posted by clorox at 9:51 PM on September 27, 2010
My dad smoked Player's Navy Blend, but I believe they are not sold in the States - too strong or something.
posted by KokuRyu at 9:52 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by KokuRyu at 9:52 PM on September 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Pretending that the feral child next door is setting off the smoke alarm once or twice a day by smoking Dunhills gives him an aura of distinction and taste, which might save me from tossing him in a sack into the river one of these days when he's howling outside.
If you have people in your life who might consider tossing you in a sack into the river, Dunhills might at least accord a classier sack.
posted by klangklangston at 11:12 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
If you have people in your life who might consider tossing you in a sack into the river, Dunhills might at least accord a classier sack.
posted by klangklangston at 11:12 PM on September 27, 2010 [2 favorites]
Rolling your own will get you more girls. Girls are better for depression than horrible, tacky "cheap cigars". So do that. Plus when I used to do it, it was like a mini arts & crafts session, which I find much more therapeutic than girls OR nicotine.
posted by Juicy Avenger at 2:43 AM on September 28, 2010
posted by Juicy Avenger at 2:43 AM on September 28, 2010
Ignore these nutless wonders telling you to quit. You're on the brink of an exciting and flavoursome journey into tobacco country.
You've decided to grasp your mortality with both hands and give it a good shake. If nobody took any risks, nobody would have any fun.
If you're using it to cope with depression, you'll probably want the strongest cigs around. For my money, you'll want to try something unfiltered. I hear you can get unfiltered Lucky Strikes in the US - but I like the tradition and heritage in brands like Woodbine and Player's Navy Cut. You may have to import them.
You should also make sure you try out clove cigarettes - they're delicious and they come in black paper which is really cool. You'll look cool and feel more like a big goth.
posted by Ted Maul at 2:46 AM on September 28, 2010
You've decided to grasp your mortality with both hands and give it a good shake. If nobody took any risks, nobody would have any fun.
If you're using it to cope with depression, you'll probably want the strongest cigs around. For my money, you'll want to try something unfiltered. I hear you can get unfiltered Lucky Strikes in the US - but I like the tradition and heritage in brands like Woodbine and Player's Navy Cut. You may have to import them.
You should also make sure you try out clove cigarettes - they're delicious and they come in black paper which is really cool. You'll look cool and feel more like a big goth.
posted by Ted Maul at 2:46 AM on September 28, 2010
short peace in the can. peace in a can, or can-p as it's known. don't fuck around smoke peace.
posted by Infernarl at 3:15 AM on September 28, 2010
posted by Infernarl at 3:15 AM on September 28, 2010
I only smoke sophisticated imported cigarettes. By which I mean ByelomorCanals.
posted by atrazine at 4:47 AM on September 28, 2010
posted by atrazine at 4:47 AM on September 28, 2010
Best answer: Given the reason you're picking up the habit, may I strongly suggest you give pipe smoking a try?
Pipe smoking requires focus and attention - if you don't breathe slowly and evenly, it will go out. The very act of puffing on it forces you to slow down, slow your breathing ... it is inherently meditative. I always feel better after having a pipe.
Anybody can light up a cigarette and suck on it, but pipe-smoking is a skill to be cultivated, which is why they have contests. As for what to buy, just go to Walgreens and get a $10 basic pipe and a $4 pack of Borkum Riff.
posted by jbickers at 5:26 AM on September 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
Pipe smoking requires focus and attention - if you don't breathe slowly and evenly, it will go out. The very act of puffing on it forces you to slow down, slow your breathing ... it is inherently meditative. I always feel better after having a pipe.
Anybody can light up a cigarette and suck on it, but pipe-smoking is a skill to be cultivated, which is why they have contests. As for what to buy, just go to Walgreens and get a $10 basic pipe and a $4 pack of Borkum Riff.
posted by jbickers at 5:26 AM on September 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
That said: Nat Sherman Fantasia Lights. They're tasty and brightly colored, and us depressive motherfuckers need all the tasty brightly colored shit we can get. (While you're out, get a bag of oranges, a bouquet of flowers, and the darkest, fanciest chocolate you can afford. I know, I know — they won't make you feel better. Fuck it; do it anyway.)
Smoke the Fantasias slowly, always outdoors, saving your favorite color in the pack for last. If it's nighttime, stand under a streetlight or look at the moon. Bum liberally to friends who smoke, based on deliberately crackpot theories about their personality ("You're such a smartass; clearly you need one of these turquoise ones"). Each time you buy a pack, tell the stupidest joke you know to the guy behind the counter. (If he looks at you funny the first time, take it as a challenge: keep doing it until he doesn't blink anymore.) Nicotine is a bitch, but pleasant little rituals will sometimes surprise you. Hang in there. It gets easier.
posted by nebulawindphone at 6:15 AM on September 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
Smoke the Fantasias slowly, always outdoors, saving your favorite color in the pack for last. If it's nighttime, stand under a streetlight or look at the moon. Bum liberally to friends who smoke, based on deliberately crackpot theories about their personality ("You're such a smartass; clearly you need one of these turquoise ones"). Each time you buy a pack, tell the stupidest joke you know to the guy behind the counter. (If he looks at you funny the first time, take it as a challenge: keep doing it until he doesn't blink anymore.) Nicotine is a bitch, but pleasant little rituals will sometimes surprise you. Hang in there. It gets easier.
posted by nebulawindphone at 6:15 AM on September 28, 2010 [1 favorite]
Gauloise may be impossible to find in the US, but Mercis are still available and taste about the same. They're not cheap tho.
I always preferred the cheapest, crappiest blend I could find because that helped me to keep it to 3-4 a day rather than a whole pack of yummy delicious Camel Reds omnomnomnom. So: USA, Merit, Best Value, Basic and so on. Even those twigs sound pretty good to me right now.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 8:27 AM on September 28, 2010
I always preferred the cheapest, crappiest blend I could find because that helped me to keep it to 3-4 a day rather than a whole pack of yummy delicious Camel Reds omnomnomnom. So: USA, Merit, Best Value, Basic and so on. Even those twigs sound pretty good to me right now.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 8:27 AM on September 28, 2010
Lucky Strikes are totally delicious and powerful even with the filter.
posted by heatvision at 8:40 AM on September 28, 2010
posted by heatvision at 8:40 AM on September 28, 2010
Mod note: folks, email the OP directly if you want to talk to him about smoking generally please.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:31 AM on September 28, 2010
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 9:31 AM on September 28, 2010
Nthing not starting smoking. Seriously.
But also nthing e cigs. I picked up a Joye 510 kit from CigNot a few weeks ago, and haven't had a regular smoke since the day I got it in the mail. I'm vaping on a nice blend of cherry and light tobacco as we speak.
Best customer service I've ever had BTW, Vicki is the lady everyone is talking about, and she is amazing.
Shout out to other ECF peeps. Awesome forum!
posted by BryanPayne at 4:21 PM on September 28, 2010
But also nthing e cigs. I picked up a Joye 510 kit from CigNot a few weeks ago, and haven't had a regular smoke since the day I got it in the mail. I'm vaping on a nice blend of cherry and light tobacco as we speak.
Best customer service I've ever had BTW, Vicki is the lady everyone is talking about, and she is amazing.
Shout out to other ECF peeps. Awesome forum!
posted by BryanPayne at 4:21 PM on September 28, 2010
Smoked for about a decade. The only brand I actually had any loyalty and affection for is Fortuna.
posted by slimepuppy at 8:00 AM on October 1, 2010
posted by slimepuppy at 8:00 AM on October 1, 2010
Consulates are my absolute favourite but I'm 99% sure you can't get them in the US. (I'm in the UK.) I very much prefer menthols over regular cigarettes. They're so much nicer -- they don't taste as harsh. To be honest if I'd never discovered menthols I probably would have quit by now.
I'm trying to think what I smoked when I was in America and I'm drawing a blank. I think I just tested out a bunch of different brands trying to find a replacement for Consulates and never actually settled on one, and then I moved back here so it wasn't an issue anymore. I tried the girly menthol Camel No 9s, which were pretty good. Camel Crushes are all right, you can smoke them menthol or regular due to a little menthol bead you press inside the filter. They don't taste like normal menthols, though -- it's a different sort of flavour, I'm not exactly sure. Virginia Slims and Marlboro menthols were also OK but not great.
Menthols are now the only type of flavoured cigarette you can get in the US, I believe.
Before I discovered menthols I smoked Lucky Strikes. I hear they make Lucky Strike menthols, but they don't sell them in this country unfortunately.
posted by Put the kettle on at 2:53 PM on October 17, 2010
I'm trying to think what I smoked when I was in America and I'm drawing a blank. I think I just tested out a bunch of different brands trying to find a replacement for Consulates and never actually settled on one, and then I moved back here so it wasn't an issue anymore. I tried the girly menthol Camel No 9s, which were pretty good. Camel Crushes are all right, you can smoke them menthol or regular due to a little menthol bead you press inside the filter. They don't taste like normal menthols, though -- it's a different sort of flavour, I'm not exactly sure. Virginia Slims and Marlboro menthols were also OK but not great.
Menthols are now the only type of flavoured cigarette you can get in the US, I believe.
Before I discovered menthols I smoked Lucky Strikes. I hear they make Lucky Strike menthols, but they don't sell them in this country unfortunately.
posted by Put the kettle on at 2:53 PM on October 17, 2010
Oh, also, one time I bought a box of Sobranie cocktails. They're beautiful, strong, and fucking cool.
posted by Put the kettle on at 3:00 PM on October 17, 2010
posted by Put the kettle on at 3:00 PM on October 17, 2010
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posted by sandyp at 4:30 PM on September 27, 2010 [25 favorites]