Shiro 08 (Smooth Licorice) & 09 (Mellow Bergamot) Nicotine Pouches - Review. 14 August 2022.

Not too long ago, PMI purchased AG Snus, makers of Kapten Snus and Shiro Nicotine Pouches.  Shortly after this transition, the Shiro line was rebranded and relaunched.  I've reviewed many of the flavors so far:  Shiro 01 Fresh Mint, Shiro 02 Cooling Mint, Shiro 03 Tingling Mint, Shiro 04 Spiced Blonde, Shiro 05 Sour Lime, Shiro 06 Sour Red Berry, and now Shiro 08 Smooth Licorice and Shiro 09 Mellow Bergamot.  It seems they're following the Swedish Match random numbering process, because they did 01, 02, 03, and 06 first, followed by 04 and 05, and now 08 and 09.  Number 07 is nowhere to be found yet, however.  These are lower nicotine products, at 1/4 on the nicotine scale, so geared more towards those with lighter nicotine cravings.  Now, let's get into the reviews!

Shiro 08 Smooth Licorice

Flavor Description:  "A smooth and natural licorice taste, with the perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness".

Can Contents:  12.6 grams, 21 portions, 0.6 grams each

Nicotine Strength:  6mg/g (0.6%), or 3.6mg/portion

Review:  Opening the can, the aroma is a smooth, lightly sweet, present smell of black licorice.  The cans are soft, slim, and semi-moist in nature.  The flavor is quite tasty!  It's a gentle, but present flavor of black licorice.  It's smooth, and lightly sweet.  I find the nicotine effect to be very light, feeling much below the regular mark.  The flavor, on average, lasts about 40-45 minutes.

 

Shiro 09 Mellow Bergamot

Flavor Description:  "A sharp, zingy, and aromatic flavor, balanced with savory tones and a hint of sweetness".

Can Contents:  12.6 grams, 21 portions, 0.6 grams each

Nicotine Strength:  6mg/g (0.6%), or 3.6mg/portion

Review:  I was quite curious to try this one out, as bergamot is the flavor of snus I enjoy the most.  Everything is the same as the last one - mouthfeel, nicotine strength, and flavor longevity.  The main differences are in aroma and flavor.  In the aroma, I pick up a gentle bergamot, which is semi-floral in nature.  There also seems to be a faint pepper note in the background.  The flavor is quite intriguing!  The bergamot is gentle, and has a tea-like essence to it.  There is a light floral tone, and a faint touch of pepper.  The flavor is semi-tart in nature.  But quite well rounded, and flavorful.

Rating and Final Thoughts

Both of these had decent flavors, but I found the strength too low to be satisfactory.  However, I think people who enjoy lighter strength products will be happy with these.  The licorice one was quite tasty, and I rated it at 3.17/5.  The bergamot one was surprising, with a unique flavor profile.  I rated that one at 3.08/5.  If you're someone who has a lighter nicotine craving, I think you'll enjoy either one of these!

These products available at SnusDirect.com!