New Snuser

[Satellite]

Hello everyone!

I am new to Snusing after a friend recomended it to me. I ordered a sampler pack from getsnus.com of some original varieties, since I did some research and found that most recomend starting with original flavours.

I got some General, skruf, Jakobssons Original, Lab 01, and Rothbrix Classic Brown, all in portions. I also picked up some Camel Frost from the supermarket to try, just to see what all of the fuss was about.

I tried the Frost first while waiting for my order to come in. I actually kind of liked it. I came from a 5 year 1/2 to 1 pack a day smoking habit, so the nicotine content wasn't too off, and it tasted to me like winterfresh gum, so not bad. The only problem that I had with it was if I placed it too far back into my mouth, and it got too drippy, the juice would give me a bad case of the hiccups.

My Sweedish Snus came in, and I've tried one portion of each so far, with less than stellar results.

All of them, with the exception of perhaps the Lab 01, was really, really, really salty. I've no problem with the Bergamont taste, I like Earl Grey tea, and the flavour, but the salt is killing me. All I can taste is the salt. It's like drinking salt water.

The other issue I have is that the skruf and the Rothbrix smells like a bottle of windex. I could smell it through the can before opening the seal. I tried them anyway, and they taste like salty windex too. The skruf less so than the Rothbrix.

The only one I remotely liked from first impressions was the Jakobsson's Classic, but it's just as salty. The Rothbrix just makes me nauseaous from the smell now.

I will perservere, though, and try and find some that I like before giving up completely. My mom didn't raise me to be a quitter.

So, do any of you knowledgeable people here at Snuson have any recomendations for me? Advice?

Thanks in advance!

[sagedil]

First, welcome to Snuson Satellite.

Second, relax. You are just normal.

This is such standard advice around here, just be patient with Swedish snus the first 2 weeks. Of course it tastes really salty, that is all you body is reacting to at first. This is temporary!!! Takes between a week to two weeks for your body to acclimate to the salt. After, and it's almost suddenly when it happens, you won't really taste the salt any more and you will begin to taste the snus as it is.

Until then, just keep using, stay patient, draw NO conclusions about any snus for a few weeks. And you will be fine.

[Roo]

Welcome to snuson! And to snus. The windex smell is characteristic to the Rothbrix/Phantom brand in my opinion, and many people love it, but personally I can't get over the windex. Now Skruf los is a favorite of mine, I've not picked up any windex from that. Some people complain of the amonia scent to a lot of snus, I myself don't notice it, but it's got to do with freshness and packaging. Its a byproduct of the manufacturing process, so I would suggest with the Skruf to leave it open for a few hours and let it air out. With the Rothbrix you're on your own bud. As for salt, maybe try some Ettan regular (or better yet, their los is amazing when/if you make that leap) -- it has a pure tobacco taste with a nutty, almost chocolaty flavor; I don't pay attention to actual salt content as listed on Northerner, but I detect very little salt from this classic snus. But more important, sage says it best about the salt, you'll get used to it. Keep at it for a couple weeks and report back, and congrats on quitting cigs. They suck. Cheers. Oh yeah and drink lots of water with snus -- that is my recommendation only, it's not necessary, but I do it, and it may help with your salt problem. Beer is great too. Beer...

[Snusmun]

Satelitte I had the exact same initial reactions as you. Too much salt plus ammonia smell = ACK! I've been using the swedish snus for a few weeks now, and what Sage and Roo are telling you is exactly correct. You will adjust to the salt content after a while. You may even start to like it at times....with that said, at times it is still a nuisance, but not a deal breaker for me. The ammonia smell is something I was also particularly sensitive to. Some brands smell worse than others, but most will have a light ammonia undertone. The variation I don't quite understand, but again, I think it is something you will adjust to. At least I have. As mentioned, you can try to air it out. Your hiccups are the result of too much nicotine too fast. Used to happen to me all the time with commit lozenges, and still happens from time to time with the snus. You will adjust to the nicotine content after a while. In the meantime, you may want to use either mini portions or white portions, which have less drip. Oh and I think Roo is absolutely correct about the hydration. The first couple of weeks I felt like shit and looked like shit. I'm pretty sure if I would have been drinking more water it would have helped alot. You have to remember your body is simultaneously detoxifying from the smoking and adjusting to more salt and nicotine. Water is a definite must. Stick it out, don't give it up. It is more enjoyable than smoking, cheaper, and way way healthier. My lungs haven't felt this great in decades. Your body and wallet will thank you.

[Mordred]

Welcome to the boards Satellite.

When I started Snus, I loved it right away, but then again, I'm a salt addict. Call me weird, but I LIKE drinking salt water. So I had like no adjustment period to that at all.

If you liked the Camel Frost, I suggest you try the General Mini Mint for two reasons: one, it's sweet and i don't get much salt flavour from it at all and two, it should be in your ballpark with the nicotine content.

And for the love of everything you hold holy DO NOT SMELL THE SNUS! It's like Surströmming, the smell is pretty nasty, but the taste is ok ^^

[Satellite]

Thanks for all of the quick replies guys. I really appreciate the welcomes and support.

I am quickly learning about the dont-smell-the-snus rule. I aired out the skruf and now I can't detect any trace of amonia, but when I tried the same with the Rothbrix, my whole room smelled like Windex for a few hours. I've given up on airing that sucker out. My next snus purchase will include noseplugs. :wink:

I was considering getting the General Mint Minis next, or Thunder frosted, but doesn't that have a large amount of nic? I think I'll try the General Mint Minis first.

I was also looking into the Discreet brand, but I'm going to have to repurpous a used Camel Frost can, because I don't want to lug a plastic bag everywhere. I've also heard that some of their flavours are too artificial and vitimin tasting. Any info on this?

Thanks again guys! You're all awesome!

[sagedil]

Discreet wonderful, I think their flavors are perfect. But that is me, you just have to try for yourself. No one else can tell you what YOU will like. So just try everything.

But if amount of nicotine is an issue, the Discreets are great, 7 mg. And no salt....LOL

Still, I want you to not give up on traditional Swedish snus. If the amount of nicotine is an issue, there are many, many wonderful minis to choose from and sample.

But most important, just keep using for a few weeks so you will know at last what Swedish snus is really all about.


... But get some Discreet. And FWIW, I love the bags, actually so much easier to carry than cans, just slips into back pocket with no bulge.

[Satellite]

Oh, I'm not giving up, but I think I'd enjoy some of the mint flavours in addition to the tobacco flavours.

Thanks for the great info! I'll check out Discreet asap!

[sagedil]

This is not everyone. But for many, the mint flavors will turn on you kinda fast. So explore everything, but still make sure you keep going back and putting time in with the more traditional non flavored.

But the rest of the time, go crazy.

[APX]

Hi Satellite,

As a 25 year copenhagen dipper, the smell of snus does not bother me. In fact, I love taking a big whiff of phantom brown, grov, ettan, and, well pretty much all of them . That amonia-like smell tweaks my senses...

It might take some getting used to for someone not used to smelling and using much smokeless tobacco, but keep plugging away. As others have mentioned the salt should settle with you after a while. You may even find yourself falling in love with the wonderful aroma of phantom brown 8)