Kretek Clove Cigarettes
Indonesia's kretek cigarettes mix tobacco with ground cloves, creating that signature crackling sound when lit. The spice hits you first - a sharp clove aroma that lingers on clothes longer than regular smoke. I tried Djarum Blacks last year and the sweetness almost masks the tobacco until the nicotine kicks in.
Capsule Cigarettes
Marlboro's Ice Blast changed the game with their crushable menthol capsules. That first drag tastes standard until you pop the bead - suddenly it's like inhaling a wintergreen lozenge. The cooling effect fades after about five puffs though. Camel went further with dual-flavor capsules in some Asian markets, letting you switch between berry and mint mid-smoke.
Luxury Cigarettes
VIP Black from Russia takes premium to absurd levels - gold foil filters, Egyptian cotton paper, and prices hitting $75 per pack. Smoked one at a Dubai lounge last summer. Smooth draw, but honestly? Tastes like a $15 Davidoff with better packaging. The 24k gold leaf on the paper just crumbles when you ash.
Unusual Flavors
- Cherry Sakura: Japan's Seven Stars Sakura Edition smells like cherry candy but delivers a harsh, floral aftertaste
- Pineapple Mint: Thailand's Kool Fusions blend works surprisingly well - the fruit hits first, then the cooling finish
- Chocolate: Brazil's Hollywood Chocolate tastes like someone dipped a cigarillo in Nesquik powder
Notable Packaging
China's Chunghwa uses intricate landscape paintings on their premium boxes. Saw a collector in Macau with a 2008 Olympics commemorative edition - beautiful lacquered case, mediocre tobacco inside. Meanwhile, some Indonesian kretek brands print full comic strips on the packs.