I started writing reviews/critiques when I started snusing, modifying the ratings and flavor critiques over time, accounting for my palate changes and increasing experience. This does not account for all the snus I've tried (some are still in the evaluation process), but might offer some helpful info for newcomers, and hopefully can promote reflection or discussion amongst all. Please keep in mind that my preferences might be quite different from yours. However, I believe that my descriptions of flavor and consistency are accurate.
My rating system is a scale from 1 to 10. 1=Camel Snus and 10=Snuses that I order by the roll and always keep in stock. In rating each snus, I factor in its nicotine level, consistency, and flavor.
Phantom Classic Loose (10/10) – Although it can be an acquired taste due to the initial sweetness of the citrus flavoring, this snus is a quality classic blend with the generalsnus profile (i.e. tobacco, citrus, peppery undertones). Smooth tobacco splashed with citrus yields hints of peppery undertones that arise as the snus warms in your mouth. At less than two bucks a can, this snus is especially awesome. Its smoothness means that it can be used all day, any time. Also, its slight sweetness, while something that some snusers critique, prevents it from becoming bitter (like the bitterness I find in Gotland Gul). I order this snus in rolls and always keep it in stock. Easy to hand bake. Nicotine 8mg/g.
Offroad Cranberry Loose (10/10) – This snus is very well-balanced. Pure tobacco mingles perfectly with a deep and rich flavor of cranberry. It is not overly sweet, but never turns bitter. This unique snus is good for all occasions, and I order it in rolls. Easy to hand bake. 8mg/g.
Granit Loose (9/10) – Granit comes in a plastic can, but like most budget brands, the labeling’s nothing fancy. Predominantly tobacco flavored, it’s a classic “general snus” blend, with a prominent twist of citrus and peppery undertones, similar to General but better in some ways (especially for the price and can design), perhaps more dominant in flavor. On the easy side of medium for hand-baking a pris. 8mg/g
Gotlandssnus Anis Lös” (8/10) – This snus seems less salty than many varieties. However, it boasts a complex herbal anise flavor that is has a slight and pleasant bitterness to it, yet does not obscure the quality of the tobacco that supports this unique pleasure. The bitterness adds to the complexity of anis flavor; it is a mature and sophisticated snus that doesn’t apologize for itself or offer any pretenses. It is a good snus for certain occasions when you want something a bit different. The packaging is superb in design and aesthetic, sporting a virile ram on the tight-fitting lid of the grey-toned can. The snus seems slightly moister than most, making it a bit messier to bake. 9mg/g nicotine
Röda Lacket (9/10) – This snus mostly tastes like quality, mellow tobacco. However, the tobacco mingles with an ambiguous yet pleasant fruit flavor; the fruit flavors at times are reminiscent of strawberries, and at other times, they taste like lingonberries. As the snusing progresses, the fruit taste deepens until one can detect a rich flavor like figs or prunes. RL is a complex snus that varies in taste during its use. The pris is very easy to bake and conceal, and it holds together tightly under the lip. It is a mellow, portable lös snus that is perfect for beginners and experienced snusers alike. Surprisingly, it offers a hefty 10 mg/g nicotine.
General (9/10) – General is (quite understandably) the best-selling brand of snus in Sweden. With a predominant tobacco flavor, it features a unique twist of light citrus and pepper (think mild hints of ground peppercorn). It truly is a comfort snus: complex, rich, and smooth. The subtle yet well-balanced variety of flavors affords a snuser a unique sensory experience that never fails to satisfy. It is reasonably easy for the beginner to learn to bake this snus. 8 mg/g nicotine.
LD Loose (7/10) – This is another traditional blend. However, aside from tobacco and citrus flavor, it tastes distinctly of bergamot. In my book, it’s on par with Skruf Stark because its peppery/citrus undertones balance out the bergamot, but its nicotine is only 8mg/g.
Skruf Stark (8/10) - Tobacco flavor predominant with bergamot and rose undertones that are bitter at times, excellent nicotine, early morning snus but not a snus for great flavor unless you love rose. Its greatest quality is the 11 mg/g nicotine, which boosts its rating.
Offroad Licorice (8/10) – This snus is very smooth, well-balanced, and tastes just like black licorice, but slightly saltier. With a sweetness that hits right away, it could be overpowering if you’re looking for a traditionally flavored snus. The tobacco taste is obscured by the licorice flavor, so for die-hard straight tobacco flavor fans, this one would not be a hit. However, if you enjoy a flavored snus, you will appreciate the long-lasting sweet licorice flavor of Offroad Licorice. A pris is about as easy to bake as General, but the flavor lasts a very long time and does not turn bitter as quickly as some snuses. 8 mg/g nicotine.
Gotesburg Rape (7/10) – This tobacco presents a mild juniper flavor coupled with the same tobacco flavor that supports popular Swedish Match offerings such as General. The taste is unique but is balanced so as not to overpower the taste buds. It is slightly harder to bake than General. 8mg/g
Ettan (7/10) - Tobacco flavored, simple yet unremarkable, like General without the pepper and citrus. It’s a snus that fits all occasions, with warm tobacco and salt flavors. It is similar to Grov and Prima Fint. 8mg/g
Nordstrommen’s Julesnus (8/10) – This snus tastes like Christmas. Gingerbread, spices, deep and dark and comforting. It’s a good seasonal treat that I will order yearly. My biggest complaint is that it seems to be dry and is hard to bake. 8mg/g
Gotland’s Julesnus (5/10) – This is one of the few snuses I’ve tried that I do not like. To me, it tastes like stale gingerbread, which is disappointing since I’m a fan of Gotland’s Anis. However, the bitterness does not seem to mix well with the spiced flavorings. Moist and messier to bake, similar to Gotland Gul and Anis. 9mg/g.
Gotesburg Prima Fint (6/10) – Plain-flavored fine ground snus. It is basically Roda Lacket without flavorings, which (since I love RL) is which I give it a low rating. Because it is plainly flavored, it tastes similar to Ettan and Grov, but lacks the depth of either. Its one redeeming quality is that it is very easy to bake; but, if that’s what you are looking for in a snus, I’d recommend Roda Lacket. 8mg/g
Grovsnus (7/10) – This snus is similar to Ettan, but seems a bit darker in character. It is smooth, satisfying, and surprisingly, has some citrus undertones to it. If you like the plain-flavored snuses, give this a shot. If you are a General fan, you might have more luck with Granit, Phantom Classic, or LD. 8mg/g
Gotland Gulsnus (6/10) – Predominant salty tobacco flavor with the characteristic Gotland bitter undertones. At first, it tastes a lot like Grasnus without the anis flavoring. It also has elements of citrus that seem stronger than those in General. After a while, one can detect mild hints of juniper mingling with the dominant flavors. It is a very bitter snus that goes best with a beverage such as coffee. 9mg/g
Phantom Blue (6/10) – When I first tried this snus, I hated it. It smelled like Windex and tasted worse. Having tried it a few times since, I now actually enjoy this snus as an occasional treat. It alternates between tasting like a tobacco/juniper blend and ginger ale. I would order Phantom Classic over this one, but many people seem to find it preferable. I would not order this routinely, but might throw in a can every once in a while. 8mg/g
Offroad Original (6/10) – This snus tastes like tobacco and sweet flowers. I know that it’s supposed to taste peppery, but I don’t detect it. I have a 5-pack that I ordered, and while I have gotten used to it and enjoy it occasionally, I will not order it again. If you like flowery and sweet flavors, give it a try. It seems spongier than most snus, which means your pris tends to feel bigger. Easy to hand bake. 8mg/g
My rating system is a scale from 1 to 10. 1=Camel Snus and 10=Snuses that I order by the roll and always keep in stock. In rating each snus, I factor in its nicotine level, consistency, and flavor.
Phantom Classic Loose (10/10) – Although it can be an acquired taste due to the initial sweetness of the citrus flavoring, this snus is a quality classic blend with the generalsnus profile (i.e. tobacco, citrus, peppery undertones). Smooth tobacco splashed with citrus yields hints of peppery undertones that arise as the snus warms in your mouth. At less than two bucks a can, this snus is especially awesome. Its smoothness means that it can be used all day, any time. Also, its slight sweetness, while something that some snusers critique, prevents it from becoming bitter (like the bitterness I find in Gotland Gul). I order this snus in rolls and always keep it in stock. Easy to hand bake. Nicotine 8mg/g.
Offroad Cranberry Loose (10/10) – This snus is very well-balanced. Pure tobacco mingles perfectly with a deep and rich flavor of cranberry. It is not overly sweet, but never turns bitter. This unique snus is good for all occasions, and I order it in rolls. Easy to hand bake. 8mg/g.
Granit Loose (9/10) – Granit comes in a plastic can, but like most budget brands, the labeling’s nothing fancy. Predominantly tobacco flavored, it’s a classic “general snus” blend, with a prominent twist of citrus and peppery undertones, similar to General but better in some ways (especially for the price and can design), perhaps more dominant in flavor. On the easy side of medium for hand-baking a pris. 8mg/g
Gotlandssnus Anis Lös” (8/10) – This snus seems less salty than many varieties. However, it boasts a complex herbal anise flavor that is has a slight and pleasant bitterness to it, yet does not obscure the quality of the tobacco that supports this unique pleasure. The bitterness adds to the complexity of anis flavor; it is a mature and sophisticated snus that doesn’t apologize for itself or offer any pretenses. It is a good snus for certain occasions when you want something a bit different. The packaging is superb in design and aesthetic, sporting a virile ram on the tight-fitting lid of the grey-toned can. The snus seems slightly moister than most, making it a bit messier to bake. 9mg/g nicotine
Röda Lacket (9/10) – This snus mostly tastes like quality, mellow tobacco. However, the tobacco mingles with an ambiguous yet pleasant fruit flavor; the fruit flavors at times are reminiscent of strawberries, and at other times, they taste like lingonberries. As the snusing progresses, the fruit taste deepens until one can detect a rich flavor like figs or prunes. RL is a complex snus that varies in taste during its use. The pris is very easy to bake and conceal, and it holds together tightly under the lip. It is a mellow, portable lös snus that is perfect for beginners and experienced snusers alike. Surprisingly, it offers a hefty 10 mg/g nicotine.
General (9/10) – General is (quite understandably) the best-selling brand of snus in Sweden. With a predominant tobacco flavor, it features a unique twist of light citrus and pepper (think mild hints of ground peppercorn). It truly is a comfort snus: complex, rich, and smooth. The subtle yet well-balanced variety of flavors affords a snuser a unique sensory experience that never fails to satisfy. It is reasonably easy for the beginner to learn to bake this snus. 8 mg/g nicotine.
LD Loose (7/10) – This is another traditional blend. However, aside from tobacco and citrus flavor, it tastes distinctly of bergamot. In my book, it’s on par with Skruf Stark because its peppery/citrus undertones balance out the bergamot, but its nicotine is only 8mg/g.
Skruf Stark (8/10) - Tobacco flavor predominant with bergamot and rose undertones that are bitter at times, excellent nicotine, early morning snus but not a snus for great flavor unless you love rose. Its greatest quality is the 11 mg/g nicotine, which boosts its rating.
Offroad Licorice (8/10) – This snus is very smooth, well-balanced, and tastes just like black licorice, but slightly saltier. With a sweetness that hits right away, it could be overpowering if you’re looking for a traditionally flavored snus. The tobacco taste is obscured by the licorice flavor, so for die-hard straight tobacco flavor fans, this one would not be a hit. However, if you enjoy a flavored snus, you will appreciate the long-lasting sweet licorice flavor of Offroad Licorice. A pris is about as easy to bake as General, but the flavor lasts a very long time and does not turn bitter as quickly as some snuses. 8 mg/g nicotine.
Gotesburg Rape (7/10) – This tobacco presents a mild juniper flavor coupled with the same tobacco flavor that supports popular Swedish Match offerings such as General. The taste is unique but is balanced so as not to overpower the taste buds. It is slightly harder to bake than General. 8mg/g
Ettan (7/10) - Tobacco flavored, simple yet unremarkable, like General without the pepper and citrus. It’s a snus that fits all occasions, with warm tobacco and salt flavors. It is similar to Grov and Prima Fint. 8mg/g
Nordstrommen’s Julesnus (8/10) – This snus tastes like Christmas. Gingerbread, spices, deep and dark and comforting. It’s a good seasonal treat that I will order yearly. My biggest complaint is that it seems to be dry and is hard to bake. 8mg/g
Gotland’s Julesnus (5/10) – This is one of the few snuses I’ve tried that I do not like. To me, it tastes like stale gingerbread, which is disappointing since I’m a fan of Gotland’s Anis. However, the bitterness does not seem to mix well with the spiced flavorings. Moist and messier to bake, similar to Gotland Gul and Anis. 9mg/g.
Gotesburg Prima Fint (6/10) – Plain-flavored fine ground snus. It is basically Roda Lacket without flavorings, which (since I love RL) is which I give it a low rating. Because it is plainly flavored, it tastes similar to Ettan and Grov, but lacks the depth of either. Its one redeeming quality is that it is very easy to bake; but, if that’s what you are looking for in a snus, I’d recommend Roda Lacket. 8mg/g
Grovsnus (7/10) – This snus is similar to Ettan, but seems a bit darker in character. It is smooth, satisfying, and surprisingly, has some citrus undertones to it. If you like the plain-flavored snuses, give this a shot. If you are a General fan, you might have more luck with Granit, Phantom Classic, or LD. 8mg/g
Gotland Gulsnus (6/10) – Predominant salty tobacco flavor with the characteristic Gotland bitter undertones. At first, it tastes a lot like Grasnus without the anis flavoring. It also has elements of citrus that seem stronger than those in General. After a while, one can detect mild hints of juniper mingling with the dominant flavors. It is a very bitter snus that goes best with a beverage such as coffee. 9mg/g
Phantom Blue (6/10) – When I first tried this snus, I hated it. It smelled like Windex and tasted worse. Having tried it a few times since, I now actually enjoy this snus as an occasional treat. It alternates between tasting like a tobacco/juniper blend and ginger ale. I would order Phantom Classic over this one, but many people seem to find it preferable. I would not order this routinely, but might throw in a can every once in a while. 8mg/g
Offroad Original (6/10) – This snus tastes like tobacco and sweet flowers. I know that it’s supposed to taste peppery, but I don’t detect it. I have a 5-pack that I ordered, and while I have gotten used to it and enjoy it occasionally, I will not order it again. If you like flowery and sweet flavors, give it a try. It seems spongier than most snus, which means your pris tends to feel bigger. Easy to hand bake. 8mg/g
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