Bought a can of General today...

[SplicingMI]

It's my first can of Swedish snus, I previously only had the Americanized Camel frost before, and I must say...

What a difference!

It's General original portions, I had a few questions though!

Firstly, do you ever get used to the taste? It is very peppery! I am not entirely sure if I even enjoy it yet, it's just so much different than anything I have ever tasted.

Second, how long do you leave a portion in? What's the average length of time that a portion lasts and doesn't become disgusting or lose it's kick (whichever comes first)?

I bought a can at a local shop (I seem to be one of the lucky ones to be able to do that...) but the can expired last week (June first). Am I getting a bad experience from a slightly outdated can? What is the shelf life on a can?

I was looking at the General Mint portions and thinking that might be closer to what I'm used to. With that said though, I don't hate what I have experienced so far, Swedish Snus just seems to be a bit more hardcore than the Americanized snus that is marketed here (not that I was entirely in love with the Camel frosts, I simply was curious and tried it out for a bit).

Thanks for the help!

[Lcarvone]

Welcome to the forums!

First off in regards to your questions...do some perusing through older threads via the search function since that will cover 90% of your questions and actually provide you with lots of opinions/answers, more so than a single new thread.

With that being said though here is my experiences since I started with Swedish snus the very same way....albeit I had to drive 40 minutes to the "local shop". On my way home I was asking myself why in the world did I drive so far for this lemon pepper pouch I have tucked up in my gum? Swedish snus does take some time getting used to, especially for us Americans, since there are virtually no mainstream products that compare in my opinion. Remember what you think about it now and finish the can(s) you have over the next few days + and see what you think when you are done...my guess is you will feel different by then. As for the expiration date, they should be ok assuming you don't leave the can out or in higher temp areas (glove compartment in this weather - around 95 degrees F in my neck of the woods today) and consume the can within a few days/a week. The two cans I purchased from my "local" shop were within a week or so of expiration but tasted the same as compared to known viable cans I have had since then. Check out the storage threads via the search function for some good ideas how to store the product.

[lxskllr]

Welcome to SnusOn!

Lcarvone covered it pretty well. The only thing I'll add is the best things in life take some work. Regular General may not be immediately approachable, but it has lasting appeal. It's like comparing peach schnapps, and Islay scotch. A child could enjoy the schnapps, but that's all you get,, and there's nothing to grow into. It's a 1 trick pony, that gets old after awhile. The scotch OTOH reveals new flavors, and has several layers of subtle(and not so subtle) flavors going on at the same time. Not always immediately approachable, but it's something you can enjoy years into the future.

[Lcarvone]

Islay scotch....reveals new flavors, and has several layers of subtle(and not so subtle) flavors going on at the same time. Not always immediately approachable, but it's something you can enjoy years into the future.

I'll have to try some of this. Another suggestion is to switch out after some period of time with one type. I haven't had any general Onyx since I got bored with it at the end of the day Sunday. Popped one in this morning and it was better/slightly different than I remember

[snusjus]

I would try General White Portion instead -- it's milder in flavor and more approachable for newcomers. General Mint is also a white portion variant.

[truthwolf1]

Go back and get the mint. It is closer to a USA version but with a better nicotine effect.

[Darwin]

SplicingMI the General line is extremely popular in Sweden where it originates and has what is called a "traditional" flavor which if that of pepper, salt, and bergamot which is an Italian citrus fruit that Scandinavians are supposedly very into. General is popular here as well but there is a very wide variety of flavor profiles out there no so plenty of exploration is called for to find what you really like--and that of course will evolve.

General Original is an "average" portion nicotine wise for comparison purposes which indeed makes it stronger than Camel, or any other American snus, as you've seen. The range of nicotine levels in Swedish snus is as wide as the flavor range and varies from about 4mg per portion for the average "mini", about 8mg for regular strength portions, and all the way up to a thermonuclear 22mg in strong portions (sterks) which is serious hardcore territory. General Mint is also regular strength at 8mg. Get some, branch out from there, and enjoy.

[HK11]

Ive been on straight General for a good while and its pretty hard to beat for a go-to snus. I just ordered online for the first time in forever and with all the flavors, I still mostly got General Extra Sterk LOS. Dunno why but that is the best one for me.

Yes you will eventually get used to it. I used to think it was too lemony, but I don't really taste that anymore.

[SplicingMI]

I bought a can of General Mint yesterday just to see if I liked it any better and I think I found my snus (:

It is much closer to what I'm used to and is pretty much what I expected from it, and I think I like the white portions more.

One thing I was slightly confused about though is that they had General mint with 24 portions and 20. What's up with that?