favourite cigarette brand?

[bigbelly83 (deleted)]

I know this has been asked in another thread but I am looking for specific answers with reasons why you enjoy that brand.

[jacki_PREV (deleted)]

In view of the fact that I just failed another quit, I paused recently to think of all the brands I've smoked, or at least tried. Which I've summarized, comments welcome!

Disclaimer #1: These are my opinions, not necessarily anyone elses.
Disclaimer #2: Cigarettes aren't good for you, lol...

I smoke primarily Max 120's (* * * * * ), but I will sway to Marlboro 100's ( * * * * ½ ) on occasion, particularly at home in the evening, or sometimes first thing in the morning. I definitely prefer the "long and strong" that the Maxes provide, plus I enjoy the roach effect that 120s normally provide (start out not-so-strong, maybe even a bit mild, but finish off with a good strong kick). I also appreciate a 10-minute cigarette, which 120s provide. But sometimes, as Ive already mentioned, I prefer the easier drag that a full-bodied (albeit shorter) cigarette provides; even though the cigarette is normally finished before I am, so to speak. I also prefer the look of all-whites. Even though I'm not too comfortable with the cork filter in public, which most Marlboros are, Marlboro is still an excellent brand of cigarettes, and comes in enough lengths, strengths, and styles to satisfy anyone.

Almost always, whenever Im buying a carton or two of one of my regular brands, I'll buy a pack of something else, just to be different. Ive smoked many different brands and styles at one time or another during my 30 years as a smoker. These are my opinions to certain brands and styles of cigarettes that stand out in my mind; I certainly havent listed every brand that Ive ever tried. Sorry menthol smokers; I don't do menthol, so you won't find menthol listed here. And I have never smoked ultralights, so you wont find ultralights listed here.

* * * * ½ Benson & Hedges 100's; Great taste, almost (but not quite) as great as Marlboro 100s. But an extra half-star for the white (versus cork) filter.

* * * * ½ Virginia Slims Luxury Lights 120s. I still have a spot in my heart for these, and probably always will. My sister and I both switched to them when they were introduced in 1985 (she still smokes them). Im convinced that the Lights in the name is for marketing purposes only; theyre as strong as VS Regular 100s or Marlboro Mediums. I only switched because what I now smoke is just a bit stronger.

* * * * ½ Saratoga 120s; these might as well be called Marlboro 120s. Very similar in taste, but a 120, not a 100. A bit lighter than Max 120s, a bit stronger than Virginia Slims 120s. Too bad for the cork filter though. Like Marlboro 100s, minus a half-star for the cork filter.

* * * * West 100s. West is Germanys answere to Marlboro. Accordingly, these are remarkably similar to Marlboro Reds 100s in flavor and design. Most enjoyable.

* * * * M 120s. Also a German brand. 120s dont have the popularity in Europe that they do here. This is one of the few brands available in 120s, and probably the best choice. Almost the same strength as Virginia Slims 120s. In fact, this was my brand when I lived in Germany for 3 months in 1989.

* * * ½ Virginia Slims 100's; Also great taste, about the same kick as VS 120's. But if I'm going to smoke a 100, I'd rather it be a full-bodied cigarette, and not be a slim.

* * * ½ Capri 120s; these surprised me. I feel I have to drag too hard on them, but the smoke I get is richer than most other brands. I find them more satisfying afterwards (but not during) than many full-flavors.

* * * ½ Eve Lights 120s. The cigarette itself isnt all that satisfying, though its better tasting than many. But I rate this style rather highly because this cigarette is cute! If Im going to be out with the girls, or if my nails have just been done, I love the floral band around these; downright cute!

* * * ½ Camel 100s. Very full-flavored, too bad about the cork filter, of course. Taste is a bit on the different side, but most enjoyable.

* * * ½ Parliament 100s. These tasted okay. But I really loved the recessed filter. Too bad more brands dont do this. Ill occasionally use a short holder at home, to keep the filter away from my lips. No holder necessary with these, unless youre just wanting extra length to help keep smoke out of your eyes when smoking hands-free.

* * * Benson & Hedges Lights 100's; A bit light for me these days, but I did smoke them for several years when I was younger. In fact, this was what I consider to be my own first brand, after smoking Moms brand for my first three years as a smoker.

* * * American Spirits. They are supposed to be all-natural. Not too bad at all.

* * * Viceroy 100s. Good for a change in pace something different. But not all that popular anymore, after smoking a pack, I realize why.

* * * Marlboro Reds. If you need a nicotine hit quick, these are for you. Just a bit stronger than they need to be, plus whenever I smoke them, I feel like Im ust getting started before the cigarette is burnt out. Which is why I prefer the Marlboro Reds 100s.

* * * Satin 100s. Taste of this lesser-known brand is so-so. But I give this brand high marks because of the satiny filter. Thats right, Im not sure if its real satin that surrounds the filter, but if it isnt, it might as well be. It feels great between the lips! Rather often, Im a hands-free smoker; its a good secure feeling to have a lit cigarette between your lips. Especially one that feels downright good like this one.

* * ½ Marlboro Lights 100s. Like Benson & Hedges Lights 100s, just a bit weak for me these days, but I smoked these for awhile too. Its also something that both men and women agree on. As a matter of fact, when I met my now ex-husband, he smoked Marlboro Lights, I smoked Benson & Hedges Lights 100s, and we both agreed on Marlboro Lights 100s; it was very convenient and downright cool, even bonding, for both of us to smoke the same thing.

* * ½ More 120s. Overall taste not bad, but the dark brown (minus one-star) is so so clashy! I felt I had to drag harder than I should have with these, plus theres something spicy about the taste overall.

* * ½ Pall Mall 100s. Useful for a good change of pace, but not all that remarkable.

* * Pall Mall Reds (filterless) I wouldnt be caught dead smoking one of these in public. But with a short holder (to keep tobacco crumbs from getting in my teeth), and making a point to not inhale too deeply like I would with most other brands and styles, I find one of these (just one!) great. Most particularly, when I first get home from work (particularly on Mondays), with my feet up and my heels freshly kicked off, sipping on a cup of black coffee, and thinking about nothing else for five minutes.

* * Marlboro Lights. A very watered down version of Marlboro Reds. But a very popular cigarette for many to start on, plus its a brand both men and women agree on.

* * Craven. This is a Canadian brand which I can get my hands on every so often, a bit stronger than Marlboro Reds. Just a bit harsh, but overall satisfying.

* * Misty Full Flavor 100s. Just like with Virginia Slims 100s, if Im going to smoke a 100, I want something full-bodied, and not a slim. I actually liked these a bit better than Misty 120s. Just a little. But I must be alone; I havent seen these in awhile. Did B&W quit making them?

* ½ Misty Lights 120's: Even though these are 120s, I really didnt like these at all. My sister still smokes Virginia Slims 120s, and tried a pack of these, thinking she might save some money; I dont think she finished the pack. They burn faster than Virginia Slims 120s, taste cheaper, and really arent all that satisfying.

* ½ DuMarier 100s. Also a Canadian brand, rather mild, taste not bad, but not good either.

* ½ True 100s. I just had to mention these. These were Moms cigarettes, she still smokes them to the tune of between 2 and 3 packs a day, and these were what I started on in 1976, and smoked them for 3 years. But Id much rather smoke something stronger, and not have to light up as often. In other words, way too light for me nowadays. Extra half-star only because it was my very first brand, in 1976.

* Style 100s. Just a step above being another loser.

* Doral 100s. You get what you pay for. These are definitely a bargain cigarette, both in price and taste.

* Basic 100s. Again, you get what you pay for. But it its these or nothing, Ill take these.

½ Vantage 100s. Not impressed at all.

USA Gold 100s. This one is definitely a loser.

½ Opal 120s. I didnt think thered ever be such a thing as a 120 that I didnt like. Well, thats what Opals are.

[johnc66 (deleted)]

Jacki is right . More 120s do have a slightly spicey flavour. Is this due to the brown papers ?

Johnc66

[kissasmoker]

.You sound like my kind of gurl. I fantasize about smoky kisses from someone like you with sexy lips. Tell me more!

[nicjunkie]

My first cigarette was a marb light and that's what I started on for a while - used to buy the 25's, I remember. Started at 12 and I'm 26 now - smoking a pack of Camels every day since I was 17. No regrets!

[ah147]

`My first cigarette was a lambert and butler. Smoked those for a while.

I was then introduced to Marlboro Reds. Which provided a much stronger taste with no after taste.

Due to me being in the Royal Marines. Regular cigarettes tend to get crushed easily, so a tobacco tin with drum (nice taste, little after taste) and papers, filterless for the nice strong taste. It is also very moist and leaves my throat feeling fine, never any dry mouth.

But since I first tried a Lucky Strike Red, if I can smoke them, I will. They only sell them with filters on in England, though I prefer filterless if available. They are not too popular a brand in England though and very few places sell them.

So most of the time I stick to drum and rollies.

Other brands I smoke regularly when I can get them are Camel Filters because of the gorgeous taste, and Benson and Hedges Gold...simply because I can steal them off my boss!

[marts100 (deleted)]

I've had a few brands in my smoking "career" so far. I started out on John Player Specials, mainly because my father smoked this brand and I stole his smokes when I was a kid! Then he changed to Benson and Hedges - and so did I ...! These days I smoke Marlboro Lights, and the taste suits me, so I don't envisage changing any time soon!

Martin

[marts100 (deleted)]

[deleted]

[smokerec33]

`I prefer Virginia Slim 120's,afterall for the money may as well get as much as you can.Otherwise its Marlboro Red 100's or Benson and Hedges. Most to me taste the same except I find Bensons to be better when at a party.But after S-- definitely without a doubt Virgina Slims.!

[albionmoonlite]

`albionmoonlite: Jacki, I wish you were still a member so I could e-mail you, but
I blow you a smokey smooch anyway. You sound like the kind of confident, smart,
classy woman I love, your postings are all fun and entertaining, and you must be a great conversationalist. Wish you all the best!

[jayjaykash]

`CLASSIC VERVE TO DEATHHHHH!!! The menthol taste gives me just the correct about of coolness when I inhale yet not to intensively choking. They make such great companions during lonely night or even on a busy day. De-stress!!!!
They give me style yo! These slim menthols are not something to be laughed at man! They are like little devils in disguise once tried you'll never look at it the same way again! Slim is KINGGGG!!!

[downtowner54 (deleted)]

I smoke Benson and Hedges 100's.Great taste,look great in mouth or between fingers and smoke smooth.Also because they are a fave brand of middle aged gay men and I am one of them they also give me an identifying trademark look.I have always preferred white filter tips as they look sexier and the gold band around the filter is a classic look.Was a very popular cigarette with women in the 80's and I think we gay men were very conscious of stealing that cigarette for our own as for a certain type of gay man that type of cigarette emphasizes our fagginess since its considered more of a woman"s cigarette than a man's.You rarely see straight men smoking them mainly women and gay men so there you go.

[albionmoonlite]

`albionmoonlite: Benson and Hedges have been my favorite cigarette since I was 15. I fell in love with the original pack design, and wish they'd go back to it. I also wish they'd make a full-bodied 120 for women. Most of my favorite women have been B&H ladies,probably because I love women with a great sense of personal style, and a petite lady looks smashing with a B&H dangling from the corner of her mouth. My first girlfriend smoked them with aplomb (in front of her parents!)at 15-that made an impression. I think my smoking them generates interest with some women, and definitely generates interest in their bumming a cigarette from me on the street! They've played Cupid for me!

[txalice]

I prefer Virginia Slim Luxury Lights myself.

[luvsmoke68 (deleted)]

Definitely Marlboro reds for me. Used to smoke lights, and still do sometimes, but prefer reds these days.