I recntly noticed some of my snuff had gone BAD. Not too surprising really, since some of my tins are 2+ years old and my newest are over a year now. So, I’m saving my Dragun and Dragun Menthol (Since those were carefully stored in the fridge and smell/feel as good as new) and tossing the rest in trash so that I can refresh my collection. A bit of a bummer, but mostly an exciting opportunity! I don’t know if I’m being a bit too self-indulgent, but I wonder if I lay out my tastes/experiences, maybe I can get some good recommendations from all of you experts and enthusiasts here? I’ve only tried about 20 snuffs at this point, but my favorites were: Dragun / Dragun Menthol - Nice nic hit and I love all things hot & spicy. Toque Camphor & Clove - I found the numbing sensation really relaxing and the scent lasts forever. Wilson’s Aniseed Extra -Great scent, complex and long-lasting [yes, I dig licorice and black jellybeans], about as sweet as I’d want to go, tho. Ozona President - Similar to Aniseed Extra but with more nose-clearing menthol. Unfortunately, I found the vitamin N a little lacking. The ones that were just OK: Dholakia White - Interesting scent and great nic hit, but I coughed at every pinch. Hedge’s L260 - Nice strong scent of menthol and menthol and menthol and ? Red Bull - Nice for a moment, but when the fruity flavor comes through, it’s just yuck. And how is this “Strong Snuff” exactly? Also makes my nose run like crazy. Fubar Doolali Tap - The initial smell is very pleasant, but fades too quickly. And it seems more like clove than curry to me. Toque Spanish Gem - Swiss Miss hot cocoa mix in the nose? Not a bad idea, but didn’t do it for me. Sparrow Cool - Scent is nice, but gone in a blink. So I suppose what I’m looking for are snuffs that have a strong and long-lasting scent (herbal is good, menthol is OK, anything but dessert/fruit scented is fine), as well as a strong nicotine dose. How should I stock my fridge? (I’m already planning on buying Toque USA Whiskey & Honey and FireDrac. Any other recommendations will be thoroughly appreciated!)
Oh there are a lot of options out there… But you could do far worse than striking up a conversation with @chefdaniel of Old Mill Snuff fame. He has a totally unique line up that I find to be one and all a true treat. Also great snuff makers can be found in Sir Walter Scott, Abraxas, de Kralingse and Toque. So many choices out there…
If you want something with a long lasting scent maybe give an Indian snuff a try. I really like 41 Himtaj Golden, Dholakia Ganga, and 6 Photo Kailash. I find the nicotine in them is quite adequate as well.
Proper storage is paramount for any snuff collection. I have snuff over 5 years old, still as the day I decant them. Sorry for your loss.