Gotländs Julesnus, The original Christmas snus!

Well, my dear Snustopians, There's only 2 days left before Christmas and, I figured now would be the perfect time to review the original Julesnus, Gotländs Julesnus. You may be wondering why I waited this long after reviewing V2's Nordströmmen's Julesnus to do the review on Gotländs. I did this for three reasons. First off, V2 released their version first so, once I received it, I was excited to tell you about it. Second, I wanted to really spend time with Gotländs' so I could give an accurate review of it without getting it confused with V2's. Third, what better time to review a snus that was specifically created for Christmas than, as close to the holiday as I could! I know what you saying, "Jeeze SnusGuy, you waited until the end of the season to review this one and we may not be able to get any!" Not to worry Snustopians, Julesnus is not like Kardus. Both versions will be available until the end of the year and, it's not a limited run. They simply stop producing at the end of the year. You'll have a chance to get it if, you already haven't! So, Let's get right into the review of Gotländs Julesnus!


If you guys are anything like me, Christmastime holds alot of great memories for me. It's a time for being with friends and family, Christmas Carols and great feasts with Turkey, glazed ham, cookies of all kinds, Gingerbread and spiced ciders! And, of course, presents! I personally, like giving presents more than receiving but, every once in a while, I get a present that totally blows me away! This year, Gotländssnus gave the snus world a very special present, Julesnus!


Gotländssnus was the first to create a Julesnus in 2003 and has been producing it ever since. Like V2's, Gotländs Julesnus comes in both lös and portion versions. The portions are a white portion snus and, have a great feel in the lip. As I've said in previous reviews, white portions are dry and, can have a bit of a rough feel in the lip due to them being dry. Gotlands Julesnus, in my opinion, doesn't have that rough texture. The portions are soft to the touch. Even after an hour, there's no irritation to speak of.


The lös version is a fine cut snus with a great mouth feel as well. Although handbaking would be traditional, I recommend using an Icetool or Prismaster with Gotlands Julesnus unless, you have perfected your handbaking skills! Why, you ask? Simple. Because the cut is a bit fine and, the moisture level is lower, it takes a bit of working to get a pris that will keep it's shape longer than 15 minutes. Since my handbaking skills are not the best, The tools give me the best pris with Julesnus but, feel free to to try it either way! The cans in both versions are made of plastic, as is all Gotlandssnus, with the lid being embossed with the company's mascot and the year in Roman numerals. Now, on to the taste.

You may be wondering why I spoke earlier about the memories that Christmastime brings me. No, it's not because I over-researched General Ekstra Sterk tonight! It's because Gotlands Julesnus tastes just like Christmas. Gotlands describes their Julesnus to taste of Glögg (Mulled Wine), Gingerbread and Cinnamon. The Gingerbread and Cinnamon you all know of but, Glögg you may not. Glögg is a red wine, flavored with mulling spices like Clove, Cinnamon and other sweet spices. If you remember the review of V2's Julesnus, you'll remember that the predominant flavor in their Julesnus was Glögg. With Gotlands version, the Glögg takes a subtle backseat to the Gingerbread and Cinnamon. The best part is, the base flavors are not different in the portions. The only difference here is, flavor strength. In my opinion, the portions have a bit more flavor initially and, is gone within an hour. The lös, has a subtle flavor in the beginning and, gets a bit stronger after 20 minutes and lasts up to 1½ hours. Every time I put in a portion or pris, fond memories of Christmases past come flooding in. I guess the best way to describe the taste of Gotlands Julesnus is, the scent of a Christmas Candle and the taste of a Gingerbread cookie! The way I remember my Grandma's kitchen smelling at Christmas!

So, what to drink with Julesnus. Well, in my opinion, Gotlands Julesnus would be considered a "dessert" snus. Due to it's complex flavors, it tends to be subtly sweet. I'd pair it with a good, after dinner brandy, a mildly dry, red wine or, in my case, a mild, unsweetened, tea. I've had it with black coffee and honestly, it made the snus and the coffee bitter. My staple Diet Coke goes well too but, the best thing I've had with Gotlands Julesnus is, Spiced cider! The sweetness of the apples in the cider and the reinforcement of the same spices in both really plays well to bring out the gingerbread flavor and, ironically, the light flavor of the tobacco!

There is a slight dark side to this snus though that I feel you all should know. The portion version can get bitter when left in for more than 45 minutes. Unfortunately, this is a trait with most of Gotlands' portions. This doesn't mean that the snus is bad or, on my list of snus I don't care for. It's just that you can't leave the portion in for more than 45 minutes! I look at it this way. Most Swedes only keep snus in for anywhere between 15 minutes and a half an hour. Me keeping snus in for longer than that, without flavor loss, is a bonus!

My recommendation for Gotlands Julesnus is outstanding! I highly recommend you get yourselves at least a few cans and experience the tradition from the company that began it. So, to end where we began, meaning, why I talked about memories, Christmas really does bring back the best memories! I have a roll of each in the freezer so, during those hot, summer months, I can break out a can or two and, relive those memories created when it was cooler!

Well Snustopians, I want to take the opportunity, here in the end, to wish all of you, and your families, a safe and joyous Christmas! May all your Christmas wishes come true!

Happy Snussing!

Kardus 2008 Limited Edition, In a league of it's own

Welcome back Snustopians! I know I said in the past that, I'd try to get reviews out to you every couple of days but, this snus took some time to compile. Each time I try a new snus flavor, I usually spend a day or two using only that snus so, I can give my honest opinion about it. Every once in a while, I come across one that takes more time due to the snus' taste complexity and/or texture. This would be one of those times. Since this is a limited edition run, I realize that it may be sold out before you have the chance to purchase it but, fear not Snustopians! The best things in life are definitely worth waiting for! So, without any further ranting by me, I present to you, Kardus 2008 - Limited Edition Snus.

Industries world wide have what would be called "The best of the best" within each line. For example, the best, most luxurious car would probably be the Rolls Royce. Private jets would most likely be the Gulfstream V. Even food and common drink have their best of the best. For Steak, Kobe Beef would be the one. Even beer has it's best reserve, made by Sam Adams called Utopia so, why not snus! Here in Snustopia, Kardus fills that spot. I could cut and paste quotes and links to Swedish Match's site to complete the review but, as you guys know, I'm not like that and, neither is Snustopia. At the end of the review, I'll attach the link to their official press release site so you all can read it.

Kardus 2008 has been four years in the making starting from the ageing of the tobacco to final production. Most snus is produced, presently, by machine but, Kardus is a completely hand made lössnus which alone, makes it special. By hand made, I mean completely hand made. Even the wooden box it's presented in is hand made by Ulf Mellström, who trained at the Carl Malmsten Center for Wood Technology and Design. a picture of this beautiful and unique box is pictured to the left. The tobacco for Kardus is made from tobaccos from Hungary and India which are air cured. Then, once the tobacco has aged, it's hand cut. Not fed into a machine by hand but, a person using a cutter and hand cutting each leaf! Swedish Match wanted Kardus to taste of extremely high quality, single malt whiskey and, have done so! Upon opening the plastic can inside the box, your first smell is of a single malt whiskey. Swedish Match definately hit the nail on the head with this flavor. I know what your thinking, "why couldn't we just stick a spoonful of Makers Mark in a tin of Phantom Original lös?" Because Kardus is more than that. The flavor is very unique. SM's website states that it tastes of spicy Tropics and windswept Scottish moors. Well, in my opinion, It does have a spicy note but, since I've only seen the Scottish moors on tv and, they haven't invented Smell-o-vision yet, I get a completely different taste.

As I've told you all in past reviews, I'm not a drinker and, I was a bit standoffish when I smelled the whiskey in Kardus but, I was willing to sacrifice myself for the land I love, Snustopia, and, put in a pris and was really surprised! I thought the whiskey would be the predominant flavor but, it's not. You can defiantly taste the essence of a fine malt whiskey but, it smells more powerful than it tastes. The flavors of the fine tobaccos really shine thru! The odd thing about Kardus is, there was really no salt taste. Just pure tobaccos and fine whiskey.

My dad always said "Simple is always best" and now I know exactly what he meant. Swedish Match succeeded in doing exactly what they set out to do with Kardus. Create a special, one of a kind snus that didn't play on trying to synthesize any flavors. Just add the components that will let the pure tobacco taste shine thru with, a little single malt and salt to help it along. Ok, so now you get, I hope, the taste of Kardus. I know it wasn't as long as I normally do but, I wanted to keep it simple, just as Swedish Match kept Kardus' taste.

"So, if the snus is hand cut, wouldn't that make the pris uncomfortable or, hard to bake?" That's a really good question! As any Snustopian who has used American dip will tell you, long or rough cut tobacco will hold a pinch better than finer cuts. Since the surface area of each grain of a rougher cut of tobacco is greater, there's more space for other grains of tobacco to grab onto, making it easier to mold! This is actually the only snus I've been able to hand bake a pris and, have it stay together longer than 15 minutes. The pris I have in now has kept it's shape for over an hour! I normally recommend using an Icetool for most lös but, Kardus is different. When I first opened Kardus I instinctively grabbed my Icetool and began trying to load it up. First mistake! Since the snus is hand cut, you don't get the consistent pieces you normally get with machine cutting so, during shipment, the smaller pieces settled to the bottom. When I loaded the pris in my lip, I got a layered pris. The bottom stayed together and, the bigger pieces on top fell apart. This just added to the whole Kardus experience for me. A simply flavored snus that hearkens back to earlier times should be hand baked! Once I got the new pris in, total joy! The tobacco is very easy on the gums when hand baked. After a few more times with the Icetool, I got a good pris but, the edges are hard and makes the pris uncomfortable. I definitely recommend the hand bake method for Kardus.

As we all know, most snus is great with different beverages and, I normally give you my suggestions for what will go well with it. In the case of Kardus, nothing I'm able to drink will go well. "SnusGuy! Are you saying Kardus isn't good enough for any drink? Even Diet Coke!" No. What I'm saying is, Kardus was designed to be the world's most exclusive snus. It's also the most expensive snus on the market. A box of Kardus 2008, with 100 grams of snus, will run you around 60$ USD plus shipping. Since I can't drink anything alcoholic, all non alcoholic drinks, with exception to H2O, will ruin the taste experience. Think of Kardus as an after dinner Cognac. A snus meant to be enjoyed after a great dinner or, just relaxing after a hard day at work. If I could drink, however, A snifter of Cognac or a single malt on the rocks would only enhance the flavor and enjoyment!

Even though Kardus is expensive, it's definitely an experience everyone in Snustopia should experience at least once. I like to have a pris after the week is over whenI have the time to just sit in the study, listen to some Mozart or Bach and relax. If it is sold out, Swedish Match has been putting out a version of Kardus every December since 2006 (it may be longer but, that's as far as my research has led me). I hope all of you, resident Snustopians and tourists, get the chance to try Kardus 2008 Limited Edition. I look forward to what you have to say about it so, please post replies so other Snustopians can see what others taste!

Click here to read the press release for Kardus 2008 from Swedish Match!

Claq Qui by Röda Lacket - Another new strong snus!

Well Snustopians, before we go into tasting Claq Qui, I think it may be best to do a little explaining about why the recent reviews have been on strong snus. Since before Snustopia was created, and about the same time I began my journey into Swedish snus, there's been a clamor among snus users for a larger vareity of snus with a higher nicotine content. I jumped on the bandwagon as well recently since there were only 4 brands with a Nicotine content above 11 mg per gram. The only one I liked was Skruf Stark portions which have 14 mg per gram! In response to all the requests, Swedish Match has answered the call by offering 3 new higher nicotine "Sterks" and one of them, General Ekstra Sterk, is the strongest snus on the market with 15 mg per gram! I haven't yet tried this snus yet but, Claq Qui is one of the new 3 and, a unique one at that! So, without any further delay or, rambling from me, here's my take on Röda Lacket Claq Qui!

As you all should know, especially if you have read some of the first reviews, Röda Lacket lös is one of my favorite snus brands. When the rumors began to come out about Swedish Match getting ready to release a Stark portion version, in the beginning of November, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! Now, for those of you that have read the prior reviews, you'll also know that lös snus is my favorite over portion snus so, for me to be excited over a portion snus is, a pretty big deal! When the first tin finally came, I knew this was going to be a very different and, unique snus. Take a look at the picture to the left and you'll see what I mean. When I first saw the tin, the graphics caught my eye. Since I didn't (and still really don't) know what exactly "Claq Qui" meant, I figured it was a French saying and, with that, decided that the red splatters were paint and, this snus would be an Artisan type of snus. Boy was I wrong! After doing a little research, I found that the "Claq Qui" was meant to mean "Fight Club" due to it's strength. A video made by Northerner.com about Claq Qui can be found by clicking here, that gives you some insight on what the snus is supposed to be like. It's really well made so, definitely take a look! Here's a reason to have a look at the video, when you watch it, you'll have the answer for what the splatters really are!

Ok, I know your sitting there saying "SnusGuy! Yea, the can is cool and, so is the video but, we're not going to taste it! Get on with the snus taste already!" I know, I know, I did go a bit overboard on the tin but, with this snus, you need to take it all in to get all that Röda Lacket intended it to be! So, on to the snus it's self.

Claq Qui is a strong, White portion snus that has the classic Röda Lacket flavor of pure tobacco, salt, licorice and a hint of Strawberry but, with a twist. The twist being a pleasant, bitter taste due to the higher Nicotine content. Just as a side bar, most high Nicotine snus will have a bitterness in the back of the throat as well as a slight burn so, don't be alarmed, that's the way it's supposed to be! My snus-blog brother, Aaron, over at 1Fed1Dead is probably Röda Lacket's biggest fan and, also tastes the original Röda flavor in Claq Qui as well. His blog has some great reviews on snuff as well. Check em' out sometime.

The salt content in Claq Qui is a little higher than the other Starks I've tried but, not enough to keep me from using it as an "All Day" snus. If you are a jogger or use snus during work where you are doing strenuous work, keep a bottle of water handy though. I used Claq Qui while helping a family member move last weekend and, did dry my mouth out so, just thought I'd throw that in.

As I do with most snus reviews, I try to pair snus with drinks. Since I can't drink Alcohol, I'll give you some non-alcoholic choices. Since Claq Qui is a strong snus, It's a great "first thing in the morning" snus that goes well with coffee. I like it with my Pumpkin Spice coffee as well as a plain Café Americano. A medium strength tea with lemon will go well too but, I love it with Southern style sweet tea also. Since I'm addicted to Diet Coke, I usually say that "Diet Coke goes well with everything" but, not with this. I think the Diet Coke adds to the bitterness of Claq Qui and, can make both taste bad but, it does go well with energy drinks, believe it or not! Monster Energy drink and Claq Qui is a match made in heaven in taste and, getting you ready for the day or night!

My overall recommendation for Claq Qui is great! Everyone should try, at least, one tin of Claq Qui. Know this though, If you have never tried a snus with a 13 mg Nicotine content, be careful. The first couple of portions can make your head spin but, after the first 5 or 6, your body will adjust and you'll be fine. I say this because some Snustopians have not liked Claq Qui because of this. If you do experience this, use 1 portion a day until the spin stops. I really hope you'll try Claq Qui and, watch the video that the fine folks at Northerner. com put together. I'm sure that, once you try it, it'll become a favorite as it has for me!

(Here's some homework, post a reply after you watch the video and, let me know if you figured out what the color splashes are!)

Grovsnus Svart - The new Strong, Black portion in town!!

Welcome back Snustopians! I hope everyone had a great holiday! Today, we're going to review the newest edition to the Grovesnus line, Grovesnus Svart. Before we go on, I guess we should begin by explaining what "Svart" means. Some of you that are relatively new to Swedish snus, and Snustopia for that matter, may confuse the word "Svart" with "Sterk" or "Stark". "Svart" is Swedish for "Black" while "Sterk" and "Stark" means "Strong". It is confusing because Grovsnus Svart is both! Yes, Snustopians, this snus is a black portion and STRONG! Since this snus is really new, I wanted to finish the entire tin before doing the review. I normally don't do that because I have a few different flavors open at a time but, Grovsnus Svart, I had no problems doing that with! I actually grabbed it before any other and, went thru the tin in 2 days! Well, enough babbling! On to the review.

In the last review of General Onyx, I had told you that there are very few "Black" portion snus' out there on the market. Grovsnus Svart is another of them. The portion material is the same material used in Onyx which, only makes sense since, Swedish Match makes them both but, that's where the similarities end! One would think that since the portions are the same color and, manufactured by the same company, the taste would be pretty similar. Wrong! This is why I like Swedish Match products. They produce the majority of the major brands of Swedish Snus but, they all have their own flavors and personalities. Anyway, Grovsnus Svart is very unique in flavor and, Nicotine content.

Grovsnus Svart is the Fourth edition to the Grovsnus family This snus is classified as a White portion snus. I know, your saying "Snusguy! you just said it's a Black colored portion!" Remember back to the Onyx review. The color of the material isn't what classifies the snus. White portion means it's a dry portion. I tend to think this: If the portion material is "Black", it usually means it's strong. In my case, "White" portions tend to be a bit rough on the gums but, this snus has a good feel to it meaning, it didn't feel rough on the gums. Even after an hour, this snus felt comfortable. It's the same feeling I have with Onyx.

The portion material isn't the only thing special about this snus. Grovsnus Svart is a Strong snus as well. At 12 mg of Nicotine per portion, it's 1 mg higher than Onyx. Don't be alarmed though, It's not so high that it will send you into a head spin but, it's the perfect level to quell any cigarette craving you may have. But, the flavor is the real reason I went thru the first tin so fast!

In my opinion, some of the high Nicotine snus' have a bitter flavor after 20 to 30 minutes of being in so, with the first portion I tried of Svart, I prepared myself for it. It never came! Now, most of you already know that I tend to favor the lös varieties over the portion due to portion snus being more heavily flavored than lös. Not in a bad way, mind you, it's just that I like the subdued flavor that lös has. Even though Svart is a portion snus, the flavor is extremely mellow. Pure tobacco flavor with some flowery notes. The salt content is mild and, you'll get the burn but, in my opinion it's due to the higher Nicotine and not the salt. The burn is the same level you get with Onyx but, the salty flavor is less noticeable. Grovsnus Svart is the perfect snus, for me, to wake up with and, to relax with simply because of the flavor.

Grovsnus Svart is another great snus for those of you looking to stop smoking. The high Nicotine content makes Svart a perfect replacement for a cigarette. As you all know, I don't drink but, a few other Snustopians have told me that they have used Svart when at the local bar and, didn't get the smoking cravings they would get with other snus. I personally like Svart with my morning coffee. The flowery notes give the coffee another flavor dimension and, really gives me a jump start. What I wouldn't recommend is, using Svart near bedtime. I already made the sacrifice for Snustopia and, can tell you first hand that, unless you like crazy, vivid dreams and, waking up in the middle of the night, I'd switch to a lower Nicotine content portion about 4 hours prior to bed.

Overall, I can honestly say that Grovsnus Svart has made it into my regular use rotation. (That's something since I have only 2 other portion snus there so far) At about $3.40 USD a tin, it's less expensive that it's High Nicotine cousins and just as tasty, if not more! I highly recommend you give it a try!