As someone who's smoked my way through most of Camel's lineup over the years, I've got some thoughts about what makes this century-old brand stand out. Here's the real deal beyond the marketing.
Camel Cigarettes Price
- Camel 99's Filters Box: $25.00
- Camel Blue 85 Box: $25.00
- Camel Crush Rich Box: $25.00
- Camel Turkish Gold Box: $25.00
- Camel No. 9 Menthol Box: $25.00
What Still Works
The classic Camel blend - that mix of Turkish, burley and flue-cured tobaccos - remains distinctive. After all these years, you can still taste why it became America's top seller back in 1917. The Turkish varieties especially maintain that signature smoothness.
The Crush line deserves credit for actually innovating. The menthol capsule system works better than most competitors', giving a genuine cooling effect without making the cigarette taste artificial.
What's Changed
Modern Camels don't quite match the robustness of pre-2000s versions. The Turkish Royal that was my daily smoke in college tastes noticeably milder today. Some regular smokers complain the blends have been tweaked to be less harsh, but at the cost of some character.
The menthol options have improved though. The Jade Silver provides a cleaner menthol experience than the old Camel Menthols.
Variety Breakdown
Classic Camel Blue
The standard bearer. Medium-bodied with that distinctive Turkish influence. Burns evenly but can taste a bit one-dimensional after a few packs.
Turkish Blends
The Gold and Royal versions offer more complexity. The Royal has slightly more body, while the Gold is smoother. Both stand out in today's market.
Crush Series
The Rich (regular to menthol) and Silver (menthol to stronger menthol) provide legit flavor switching. The capsules actually work when you want that menthol hit.