NOTE: This product has been discontinued and is no longer for sale.
The U-Sample chew bags line from AG Snus recently went through quite a few changes, so instead of updating the
old review as I usually do, I'm writing a new review on these products. What changes you may ask? We'll get into that shortly. First, if anyone is new to Nordic Chew/chew bags/chewing tobacco, these products are basically the same as snus, but legal to be sold in the EU because they are called "chew bags" or "chewing tobacco". The only difference is that usually the tobacco is cut instead of ground, and the bags are thicker so you can technically chew them. Though, I will admit, I never chew them - I use them just like regular snus. If you want to learn more about the differences between Swedish Snus and Nordic Chew, check out
this video, as it explains all that.
What Changed?
First, it looks as though the original flavor was discontinued, and the mint and licorice mint flavors remained. There was, of course, a design change.
Arctic White was renamed
Cold Arctic, and
Black and Arctic was simply renamed
Black Arctic. The portions are no longer the large size, they are now the slim size. Also, the portion count stayed at 24, but the can weights dropped from 16.8 gram to 10 grams, so the portions went from 0.7 grams to 0.5 grams. Yes, I know that math sounds wrong - because a 10 gram can with 24 portions would 0.41 gram portions. However, when I weighed them individually I found the portions to actually be 0.5 grams. And yes, I did weigh them. I'm that big of a snus geek. Now, with all that out of the way, let's get into the reviews!
U-Sample Black Arctic Chew Bags
The
flavor description for this product says, "
Sweetness from licorice and freshness from mint in these extra strong chewing bags." This product contains 24 portions, and while the bottom of the can says the can weight is 10g, it's actually around 12g. The portions weigh, on average, 0.5 grams each. I'm not sure what the nicotine strength is, but Northerner.com has it listed at 20mg/g (2.0%), which would be 10mg/portion.
To preface this review, I'm not a fan of mixing licorice and mint. I just wanted to be up front about that. Now, on to the review. As far as the aroma/taste of this product, that hasn't changed. When you open the can, the aroma that greets you is a mild, mellow smell of licorice. I don't really smell mint, but there seems to be some menthol in there. The portions, being only 0.5 grams each, feel lighter in the lip than regular portions, but aren't too light. They're also soft, and quite comfortable. They also come with a mild cooling presence in the lip, as well! The taste, like the aroma, is a gentle, mellow taste of black licorice accompanied by a little hint of menthol. The flavor on these lasts quite a while; I find I can keep them in for up to an hour, sometimes more! As far as the nicotine goes, I'd say it feels just a hair above regular strength.
U-Sample Cold Arctic Chew Bags
The
flavor description for this product says, "
Peppermint, spearmint and menthol in these extra strong chewing bags." This product contains 24 portions, and while the bottom of the can says the can weight is 10g, it's actually around 12g. The portions weigh, on average, 0.5 grams each. As I said above, I'm not sure what the nicotine strength is, but Northerner.com has it listed at 20mg/g (2.0%), which would be 10mg/portion.
The aroma and taste of this product hasn't changed, either. The aroma is a sharp, present smell of peppermint accompanied by light tones of menthol. The portions are, like the others, a little light in weight, but not too light. They are still comfortable in the lip! Being a mint product, you'll notice that gentle cooling presence in the lip when you put one of these in. The taste is much like the aroma, a present, sharp, lightly sweet taste of peppermint accompanied by a mild touch of menthol. The flavor, on average, lasts up to an hour, sometimes more. And the nicotine, like the last one, feels to be just a little above regular strength.
As far as these products go, I love the new design. U-Sample Cold Arctic was pretty tasty and enjoyable. U-Sample Black Arctic wasn't really for me, but I think people who like licorice/mint snus products will enjoy this one. If you're in the EU and can't get snus, but can get chew bags - these are both worth a try!
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