One of the more surprising things I'm noticing since I started snusing is that my stress levels are dropping. It didn't take much thought, however, to understand why. As a smoker, spending much of my day in places where I couldn't light up, somewhere in the back of my mind there was always a nagging worry -- what William Burroughs called "the algebra of need". It wasn't really a conscious thought most of the time, but some subterranean part of my brain was always thinking about how soon I'd go into nicotine withdrawal, and when I could manage to get my next fix. It sets one up to be in a constant state of low-grade stress, and stress builds up over time. Now, I can calm my urge for nicotine anytime. No algebra of need, no stress.

Time for another first impression...

02

My first sterk portion. I really, really wish O2 came in a white portion. Why? Because the only thing I don't like about this snus is that some portions are so juicy that when I pop one in, I get a big blast of pepper that heads directly for the back of my throat. I've learned to keep a beverage handy to prevent a brief but intense coughing fit.

Otherwise, however, this is a great snus, my favorite of the "unflavored" snuses I've tried so far (which, admittedly, haven't been many yet). After that initial blast, 02 mellows out very quickly. The portion material is very soft, and the long shape fits well. This is one of the most comfortable portions I've used. The flavor is complex and sophisticated -- woodsy, smoky, and herbal notes doing an intricate dance, while underneath is just a whisper of caramel-like sweetness that ties all the other flavors up into a big happy package. The nicotine dose is substantial, but it doesn't hit you in the face. Instead, it sneaks up behind you and wraps you in a big bear hug from which you can't escape (not that you'd want to, anyway). Definitely a snus that I'll stay stocked up on.

And another brief one...

Catch Eucalyptus

Great concept, lousy implementation. There's just way too much eucalyptus in this one. Mint with just a whisper of eucalyptus would be nice, but this tastes like the reverse. If I want a cough drop, I'll buy Hall's. This is going to the back of the freezer. Yuck.

More to come...