Cigarettes appear more or less the same in different countries. However, Canadian-produced products have certainaspects that distinguish them from the brands in the international market. They have their own identity in terms of the tobacco used, packaging, and regulation. We will look at these differences in more detail below.
A unique taste
The taste is one of the first differences smokers feel when they compare Canadian cigarettes with those of other countries. Canadian cigarette varieties are generally cleaner and a little drier in flavor. They are often less sweet than some of the other U.S. or European varieties. This is partly because of the particular varieties of tobacco produced and used in Canadian production.
Whereas most international brands combine Virginia, Burley, and Oriental tobaccos in different proportions, more Canadian blends may tend to focus more on flue-cured Virginia tobacco. It leaves a clean, bright, and silky flavor with a natural tobacco taste that is not overwhelming to the taste buds. This difference can be one of the defining factors for smokers who like a cool, clean draw.
Tobacco blends and sourcing
The tobacco used by the Canadian cigarette companies is usually grown in places such as Ontario, where the soil and climate determine the outcome of the taste. The objective of the blending process is uniformity. That is, a pack bought in Vancouver will not be different from the one bought in Halifax.
International brands, in contrast,might change some blends depending on local preferences.This is particularly true for those produced for exports. As an example, cigarettes sold in some parts of Asia may be produced with a more fragrant tobacco blend.
Canadian cigarettes have a consistent national profile. This ensures a cohesive experience for local smokers.
High regulatory climate
The other significant disparity is packaging and presentation. Canada boasts of the most stringent tobacco laws in the world. All cigarettes are sold in plain brown packs. They have standard fonts and prominent health warnings. This is a sharp difference with several global markets, which continue to permit colorful brandings, logos, and images.
The product is subject to Canadian regulations as well. Cigarettes on sale in Canada have to be manufactured to certain criteria indicated by limiting certain additives and chemicals. Although most countries have similar restrictions, Canada seems to be stricter with the guidelines. As a result, this has been known to cause a slight effect on the burn rate and the flavor of the cigarette.
Consistent smoking experience
Canadian cigarettes are uniquely different in flavorand character due to:
- The rich blend of Canadian-grown tobacco
- Uniform blending
- Controlled manufacturing process.
Some smokers describe Canadian cigarettes as lacking artificial flavor, enabling the pure tobacco flavor to shine through. Other people value the uniformity of what they get, pack to pack, wherever they purchase them within the country.
Summing up
There is more to Canadian cigarettes and their international counterparts beyond their looks. Their specific flavor profile, their subsequent emphasis on Virginia-dominant blends, and their rigid regulatory environment combine to produce a product that is specifically Canadian. To those accustomed to imported cigarettes, the difference may be shocking. However, to those who like a clean, uniform cigarette, Canadian cigarettes are unique.