Kreteks, Cloves, and the Joy of Indonesian Smokes

The crackle and the alluring aroma of the clove cigar (kretek) is worth a try. Here is a rundown on the brand remaining in the US - Djarum.

 So what happened to clove cigarettes in the United States? In 2009, Congress banned flavored cigarettes, except for menthol. The big manufacturers knew tighter regulations were coming and their gambit enabled the smaller importers to be effectively out of business in the US. Well played.

Shelf space was freed up to the (always profitable) pure tobacco and menthol cigarettes. Djarum quickly changed their wrapper to meet the cigar designation. The pack size was reduced from 20 to 12. Tobacconists continue to carry them today for around $5-$7 a pack.

Internet ordering is generally cheaper and limits steep taxes.


  Bali Hai - Best of the Bunch

• Initial Notes - Clove mixed with other soft spices. Reminders of a well-seasoned Thanksgiving.
• Flavor - Flavors mix very well. Pleasant inhale and room note.
• Ash - Dark and speckled.
• Aftertaste - Very light. A winner!

Black - The Runner Up

• Initial Notes - Black cigar with tightly packed tobacco, clean smell of cloves. Sweetened around the filter for an enticing pre-light.
• Flavor - True clove, with a hint of menthol like spice.
• Ash - Dark and speckled. Not a top drawer cigar, this is a pleasure stick.
• Aftertaste - Mild, little weight on tongue or clothes.

Splash - Fun and...lotiony?

• Initial Notes - Medium brown stick with top notes of clove and sunscreen. Fairly neutral wrapper
• Flavor - Subdued clove with a slightly cloying notes of cream with a nicotine finish.
• Ash - Dark and speckled.
• Aftertaste - Medium, likely from the pronounced tobacco flavoring

Vanilla

• Initial Notes - Black stick with subtle clove and muted vanilla. Sweet wrapper.
• Flavor - The clove is in even running with a traditional tabacco experience. Easy on the inhale.
• Ash - Dark and speckled.
• Aftertaste - Low-Medium, you know you've smoked one but it isn't ashy tasting.

Cherry

• Initial Notes - Clove and artificial cherry notes, not bad. Sweet and Mild Cherry is bad!
• Flavor - Clove gets overpowered by a slightly medicinal cherry.
• Ash - Dark and speckled.
• Aftertaste - Medium. The cherry is slightly unpleasant. Best to avoid this flavor.

Special

• Initial Notes - Brown wrapper, pleasant fragrance.
• Flavor - Clove is overpowered by traditional tobacco taste and smell.
• Ash - Dark and speckled.
• Aftertaste -  Heavy. Leaves the clove realm and heads into regular tobacco territory.