Hi, I’ve read quite a few posts with interest on this community so thought I would register today because today is the first time in my life I’ve ever tried snuff. After being on and off smoker for years (not particularly heavy in recent ones), I took up vaping last November and whilst it’s kept me off the fags I don’t think it’s really going to be a long term solution for me. So, I ordered a tin of Hedges L260 after a bit rudimentary research online. It arrived today and I’ve been trying it. I’ve only tried three or four sniffs in each nostril so far over the last couple of hours so I’m not going to write anything about my first impressions because I think they are too new to be of any real use at the moment. However so far I’m enjoying the experience of taking snuff and I’m looking forward to finding out more about this fascinating subject. I realise it’s likely to be impossible to successfully ask for recommendations, however as a beginner to taking snuff if there are any brands or types which you would recommend then please feel free to list them. I live in the UK and whilst we don’t have many old-fashioned tobacconists left (outside the large towns), snuff is available quite readily online. I have also not felt the need to Vape since taking snuff today. Whether this is physical or psychological at this stage is anyone’s guess.

I would get a non-mentholated one to start. Maybe an SP like Sam Gawith SP Scotch, something you can use all day if you wish like Viking Brown. And welcome!

Wilsons Best SP is a solid one to try too, drier and finer, lightly scented with bergamot and lavender, SP Scotch is more like a rappee than an SP. SP Scotch is really good but don’t be turned off if you don’t like it, it’s very coarse moist and earthy/smoky.

Hello Thunderbird, Wilsons of Sharrow’s huge range is a good place to continue you’re snuffing. Have a look and pick something that interests you. I also agree that an SP is a must and there are many to choose from. Enjoy!

If you want an SP, why not start with Abraxas St Casura? Its a good benchmark and sets a very high standard by which to measure other snuffs. Oh, and welcome to the world of snuff. Joining snuffhouse will give you a headstart on your journey. I’ve discovered most of the snuffs I like on recommendations of felllow members.

try what sounds interesting to you.

Thank you for the replies so far. I am going to order 3-4 different ones next and see how I get on.

As a beginner I don’t think you can go far wrong with the Toque range. I’d get at least one tin of SP extra for the extra nic hit and it is a delicious snuff in it’s own right.

Welcome to the fold. I can’t really make any recommendations. When I started out, I just picked 10 different tins/boxes at random, and had a jolly good go at it.

I’m enjoying the Hedges, I have taken a few pinches today, and have ordered some Wilsons Best SP too, that should arrive next week. I think this is something I’m going to enjoy discovering very much.

You’re in for a treat, that’s for sure. SAD (Snuff Aquisition Disorder) will kick in soon enough. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing.

Yes…I think that condition is on the way. I’ve been buying the smaller tins as I wasn’t quite sure how long the stuff keeps fresh.

I’m a bit … lazy … when it comes to storage, and have just bunched up a heap of tins in a wicker basket. Tins with a good seal I haven’t really done anything with and 5 years later they still have the proper flavor. I’ve just kept them all in a dark and dry place (bedroom closet) and that seems to work fine. I’m sure there’s a “proper” way to store your snuff, but so far I haven’t bothered much with it.

I’ve put my Hedges in to a sealed glass jar for storage, and I’m using a little contact lens case for a carry-around solution until I get something else. I’m really looking forward to trying the vast range of snuffs available.

One of the first choices that you should probably make is whether you prefer dry snuff (“Toasts”) or moist snuffs. I prefer moist. Once you have tried Wilson’s, you might want to try either Fribourg & Treyer or German snuffs. Once you have tried them, you may want to try the Indian snuffs. There is such a WIDE VARIETY of snuffs out there that my advice would be: TAKE YOUR TIME and ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!

I’m certainly going to do that and thank you for all the valuable advice. I’m going to my local city for work next week and I know there is an old-fashioned style tobacconist there which I’m certain will have a few in stock.

It’s a fantastic journey I still manage to be surprised at the huge variety of snuff flavours, scents, grinds and strengths. You find u become more knowledgeable with practice. Also I found at first I thought I had a snuff allergy as I got so blocked up, however my nose just became conditioned over time so don’t be deterred by it if it happens to you and don’t be deterred if fine dry snuffs nearly hit both lungs when first trying, it takes practice and there is great advice here, and fantastic knowledge…enjoy…

@horus92 I believe you are referring to SG Scotch Black or simply Scotch. That one is indeed a rappee. SP Scotch is a little different than most SPs but it certainly is one.

Ah that’s right @Xander, I remember it has the fluffy/moist grind that a lot of SG snuffs have and a really nice LIGHT citrus flavor with most of the scent coming from the excellent base tobacco. SG needs to get a little more creative with their names! Doesn’t matter though it’s what’s inside that counts.

I think they are pretty creative with their names, at least some of them: Wild Duck, Otterhound, Grousemoor, Afterglow, Auld Sannick, Richt Kind, Ma’s Ruin, Mastiff, Cuckoo, Firedance, Celtic Talisman, Gold Mull… You wouldn’t know what scents to expect unless you read a review. BTW none of the above smell like their animal counterparts.

what are otterhound and grousemoor scented? the site i use doesnt list anything specific, but their names interest me.

One of the first choices that you should probably make is whether you prefer dry snuff (“Toasts”) or moist snuffs.

I agree, although unlike @howdydave, I prefer dry. But I hardly think of dry snuffs and moist ones as the same class of product, their effect and impact is so different. Apart from the fact that you put both of them up your nose, they are almost a completely differenct animal … er, vegetable.

My recollection of Grousemoor is being mostly or entirely unscented. Otterhound is a highly perfumed one. Also Auld Sannick and Wild Duck are one and the same. Just different names.

Insightful advice and guidance thus far. As a newer snuff user I found so much value in reading the countless threads and watching several dozen reviews on YouTube. I agree with Toque as a brand to try- they have such a variety of scents to select from and their try out tins are a good start- though I would mention that there was for me a noticeable but good difference in a few I tried via small tins/bullets and large (25g) tins and economy bags- all were “fresher” and provided me with a true appreciation of the scent. cut, consistency and overall quality. Having used snuff years ago I was familiar with bergamot and some scotches from years back- when I picked snuff up again I was only able to get Poschls and Gawith at first. Both are fine snuffs but being able to order a much wider range has enhanced my experience and enjoyment. Stick with it and enjoy the wealth of information that is out there.

@SgtJon - do you mean the larger ones were fresher, or the smaller ones?

Update - I’m visiting a tobacconist tomorrow who stocks over 30 snuffs!!! Tee hee, I can’t wait…

Update, just took some Wilson’s of Sharrow Best SP. I really like it. The tobacco smell (like the way a nice fresh cigar smells) really comes across after using the Hedges. It’s a bit finer/drier than the Hedges so I’m being careful to sniff more gently. So far so good!

@SgtJon - do you mean the larger ones were fresher, or the smaller ones?

I’ve never had the pleasure of a Toque economy bag, but the general consensus seems to be that they are fresher than tins.

I would say wilsons f and t Morocco. Mild gentle and easy. But it has the pedigree most snuffs would envy.