NEW Olde Viking flavor: Original

[chadizzy1]

....it reminds me of Retro White......

Somewhere on the East Coast, Sage just s*** a gold brick and order 37 rolls of Olde Viking Original.

[KarlvB]

I had just put a Retro Original Portion in my mouth...
I don't get the similarity to Retro that KarlB gets. I do get the smoke and I do get the floral. I would say it's closer to Gustavus than it is to Retro.

@justintempler - To me Retro Original was always a very different snus to Retro White as I perceived it to be closer to Grov with a stronger tobacco flavour. Then again I might be completely wrong with my comparisons as it has been nearly a year since I had Retro White & Original but the comparison to RW was definitely the first comparison that jumped into my head, followed by Gustavus.

I'd be interested to hear what you think of the Olde Viking after spending some time with it. Personally I am just happy that they chose to break the "traditional" flavour profile mold

[chadizzy1]

From my review of Olde Viking Original



Alright, here we go again. The folks at GN Tobacco have released a third offering under the Olde Viking label, dubbed Olde Viking Original. Now, for those familiar with my last reviews of Olde Viking, you'll know I had less than stellar things to say about Olde Viking Spearmint and Olde Viking Ginger Lime. To me, this was make or break. In my last review I mentioned this is either going to be "Three strikes you're out", or "Third times a charm". I haven't enjoyed the last 2 offerings from Olde Viking, so I was anxious and excited to see what this one was going to be all about. And surprisingly, for an "Original" flavor, this has a rather complex flavor pattern and profile that was interesting to enjoy from start to finish. So, is it any good?



First of all, the name was kind of an enigma to me. When you think of "original" in terms of Swedish Snus, you're going to associate it with the classic citrus/bergamot flavor that is common in standard issue Swedish Snus flavors. When I opened the can, I detected a sweet, floral aroma much like with Gustavus. The portions are moist like other offerings from Olde Viking and very comfortable in the lip. Now, the flavor of this is where it gets interesting. When I first put a portion in, I enjoyed a very moderate citrus flavor, slightly sweet with just a little salt flavor in the background. About 30 minutes in, the citrus flavor fades and this is when I think Olde Viking Original shines. The citrus flavor fades and you experience a very pleasant but simple flavor. I'm going to use the phrase "Pure Tobacco" but not in the sense I'd be describing Grov, but a more simple and mellow flavor. A very mild and enjoyable flavor that lasts all the way to the end of this portion. I've heard comparisons to Retro White, and I do consider this to be accurate, as I did experiment with a few Retro White portions I had been saving (NOTE: Retro White is no longer in production) in comparison to Olde Viking Original to see something I could compare it to, and this was about the closest thing I could match it to. I consider those comparisons others have mentioned to be accurate. This is a very complex snus with a very simple flavor! Not many snuses I've encountered in the past have an evolving flavor pattern like this one, so it was an interesting experience to try this. I went through a whole can and noticed this of every portion I tried.

So, after the past 2 Olde Viking offerings, I am going to officially say, "Third time's a charm", because this one surprised me in that I actually enjoyed it and consider it to be a great offering from GN Tobacco.

[tom502]

While we all say we hated the old grey Tourney/Grand Prix cans, I do think, judging from the pics, the new black can, and the ginger can look very cool.

This new Original seems to be a good one, I hope my can arrives Monday.

[daruckis]

i think ill pick up a can.

[chadizzy1]

While we all say we hated the old grey Tourney/Grand Prix cans....

For me, it's association with fail. I see the can and think Grand Prix/Tourney which automatically turns me off. However, the color is looking good. I like the Ginger Lime cans. That metallic orange color is tight.

[truthwolf1]

Have only tried a couple of portions so far.

This one seems very similar to granit orignal portion. It has that overbearing artificial Lemon Pledge smell and taste at first but then dissipates quickly into a slightly citrusy/bergamont? salminiak? mixed tobacco taste. It is definately unique on levels but strikingly similar also.

The moisture and lack of drip are excellent (similar to a thunder) but I did find this one to be more salty then anything I have ever tried. Salt does not bother me in Snus so that was okay.
Will definately have to finish this can before I know if I will buy it again.

[jamesstew]

I like Granit, loved Retro and Rocker Red so methinks I'm getting a can.

[lxskllr]

I've heard a lot of bad comments regarding the tin design, but I always kind of liked the puck. It doesn't look good in some colors, and it's kind of bulky, but it's unique, and nice looking when colored properly imo.

[tom502]

The can never bothered me. I do like the look of the black and the ginger-lime one.
I suspect my can of this should be waiting for me when I get home.

[Zanaspus]

Got mine from Adrian today. My intial thoughts are in the review section.

[tom502]

Did you have to sign for it?

Well, Saturday the usps left me a slip of paper saying I had a package I needed to sign for, so today before work, I signed it(the slip), and stuck it on the mailbox, then come home from work today, the slip is gone, and no package, so I have no idea.

[Zanaspus]

Yes, it was signature required. They tend not to carry stuff the following day, so I'm guessing he'll deliver it tomorrow.

[justintempler]

I had just put a Retro Original Portion in my mouth when the mail lady knocked on the door asking for a signature. It was a package from Adrian and Freric @ GaJane with a sample can of Olde Viking Original.

I don't get the similarity to Retro that KarlB gets. I do get the smoke and I do get the floral. I would say it's closer to Gustavus than it is to Retro.
It's been a looong time since I've had Gustavus so I don't want people to jump to the conclusion it's like Gustavus.
Moisture level is moist without dripping. The portion material is nice and soft.
It does have a unique taste to it, definately not a Swedish Match clone.

It's only been 30 minutes I'll weigh in more as I work my way through the can.

I was wrong.

The Olde Viking does not have smoke flavour. If you look on your can you will not see it as a listed ingredient. The EU requires that smoke flavour is listed seperately on the label if it is used.
It must have been the aftertaste of the Retro portion that confused me. I am working my way through the can of Olde Viking now.
It's a usable snus, I just don't know if I like it yet.

[tom502]

Well, hopefully I'll have mine today, unless the mail carrier kept it. I wish it hadn't needed a signature, my Onyx didn't.