First off, ok, ok, go ahead and say I told you so. Many have posted in threads of mine and others that many newer snus users try a variety of brands and if they thought they were exclusive mint lovers, it would change. In my case I guess I fit into that category. Don't get me wrong, I like having a Jak's Wintergreen on hand and I have yet to be totally out of at least a few portions of General Mint , but the majority of what I have been sampling lately is all pure tobacco types. My last post detailed my enjoyment of two of GN's products. Two more to talk about are Nick and Johnny Strong and Phantom/Rothbrix Brown.

I must say N&J Strong is a great all around snus. Rich character with classic leathery earthy tones and a nice nic hit. Found myself walking around with a whole can a day before vacation and debating on whether to take it with me or not. I opted for the latter so I would have more when I got home and it was the first portion I pulled out of the freezer while unpacking. Great start to this line and more versions are slated for future purchases.

The second is Phantom Brown. I bought this solely on the suggestion of Monkey based upon my fav Ettans. First off, they are not the same, not by a long shot. The often mentioned "windex" smell (ammonia-like) is there but it doesn't come through in the taste in my opinion. Phantom Brown is more subtle and the cocoa notes are not there when compared to Ettan's. Now I am only 5 portions into the can so I am still coalescing my thoughts but Ettans is hands down better. Does this mean I don't like Brown? No, I actually do like it and would buy it again without hesitation. And based upon Northerner's pricing as of today, a roll of Ettans would cost me $42.57 versus $26.92 for Phantom Brown. That is a $15.65 difference which is huge! (Then again a roll of Oden's Original would save me $16.61 which is even more huge plus the taste is better, go GN!).

So with all that said, I am pleased with these two. N&J has earned the right in my book to explore the rest of the line (unlike Skruf) as does Phantom/Rothbrix.

But N&J is even more expensive than Ettans so a new wrinkle has entered the fray....price. I am like most everyone nowadays in that price plays a significant role in my decision-making when buying snus. The fact that I can get almost twice as much Phantom Brown versus N&J Strong makes the former more of a potential roll purchase versus the latter which is a couple can purchase. Paying a premium may be worth it if visiting a B&M store for the instant gratification but for hoarders it is hard to pass up a solid, slightly above average brand at nearly half the cost. I'll probably add a can of Phantom Blue AND Phantom Classic to my next order just to round out the family since they together will cost me almost the same as ONE can of N&J White ...

Thanks for reading (and to Monkey)!