New snuser and forum member says hello

[Zeno]

Hi all,

I'm 41 years old and living in Switzerland. I've started to use Snus about four weeks ago and I would like to tell you my story, how I came to this wonderful stuff.
I'm a heavy smoker for 25 years now (30 - 40 cigs in the last time). About two months ago when I was again in the US for a business trip, I did not only suffer during the long flight but also I found myself constantly standing outside fighting the snow and the cold just to get my quick nicotine fix. Soon I've started to think about an alternative, as quitting was not an option for me. So, I've bought some nicotine gum at the Pharmacy. However, it tasted awfully, burned in my mouth and left me feeling sick for some hours. Also I've missed the oral satisfaction I get from smoking. Back home in Switzerland I've remembered my last vacation in Sweden where I've seen some people using snus. A research in the Internet led me to this forum and answered many of my questions about it. So, after my first order had arrived I've discovered it as a good alternative to get my dose of Nicotine. Although I've never thought of stopping to smoke, my cig consumption went down to 3-4 per day without missing something. Meanwhile, there are days without smoking at all but mostly smoking 1-2 cigs a day. Maybe the day will come where I stop it completely. I don't force it, I just let it happen. While I really enjoy the taste of Snus and I have no problems with juices, my gums seem to be a bit resistant to adopting to this heavy salt treatment. I quickly adjusted to the burnig but my lips are swelling when leaving the Snus in for a longer time. I hope that I will overcome this as well and then my Snus career can fully develop. Until then, I am looking for a brand with a lower salt content. The Skruf Stark portions does the least harm and I like the taste of it very much but the strong nicotine flash I get every time leaves it unsuable for me as an allday Snus. Maybe someone can recommend me something similar in taste and low salt concentration but with less N. I'm happy for every recommendation.
Thank you all for this excellent Snus forum...

Cheers,
Zeno

[eli]

Welcome Zeno!
I'm an ex-smoker (thanks to snus) I had my last cigarette over two weeks ago.

If you like the Skruf Stark portions, that would lead me to recommend other pure tobacco snus.
If you're looking for something good and tobacco-tasting without a huge salt kick I'd recommend Lucky Strike, I don't find them too salty and they're mid-range in the nicotine content.

My favorite to dat eis Nick & Johnny, but that's a high Nicotine snus, but I think the flavor can't be beat. I also like Ettan but that may still be a bit high on the salt for your tastes.

[Zeno]

If you like the Skruf Stark portions, that would lead me to recommend other pure tobacco snus.
If you're looking for something good and tobacco-tasting without a huge salt kick I'd recommend Lucky Strike, I don't find them too salty and they're mid-range in the nicotine content.

My favorite to dat eis Nick & Johnny, but that's a high Nicotine snus, but I think the flavor can't be beat. I also like Ettan but that may still be a bit high on the salt for your tastes.

Yes, you're right, I like the 'Tobakssmak' Snus. My current favorites are Grovsnus (which is pretty kind to my lip) and Ettan (which causes sometimes swelling), ocassionally I throw a General (Onyx or maxi) in. I've tried Röda Lacket Lös and Montecristo Lös as well and I like the taste and the texture of it, however they seem to etch into my lip. I'll better save them until my gums have adjusted.
I will definitevly include the Lucky Strike in my next order...

Any more recommendations of Snus tasting similar to Grov or Ettan but with a lower Salt content?

[eli]

Well I don't know if I can be much more help. You and I have been snusing for about the same amount of time. I ordered a portion sampler from northerner and have been trying as many different varieties as I can in the past week or so. I have a culinary/wine background so am rather sensitive to flavors, which is really the only reason i feel I can even give advice at this point.

Tried my first los last night and found that the salt was less obvious with the ettan los than with the ettan potion.

I've generally found the salt is less noticeable in white portions (generally speaking), but the material is rougher on my gums, so I prefer original (I've also noticed that salt content doesn't seem to affect my lip/gums).

My favorite white portion was the Roda Lacket, I found that not to be very salty and moist enough that the pouch doesn't hurt my gums (some whites are just too dry and abrade a bit for my tastes).