East India Theme for Exclusive Kardus Snus

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 10/08/2010

For the sixth consecutive year, Swedish Match is launching an exclusive snus in a limited edition. Kardus is described as the snus for connoisseurs: '[p]robably the world's most exclusive - and expensive - snus', according to a note posted on the company's website. The tobacco for this year's edition of Kardus has been picked in Java and flavored with the finest arrack. Arrack has its origins in Asian trade routes; so this year's Kardus provides something of a history lesson. "The 'East Indiaman' theme reflects the origin of both the tobacco and the flavour," said the company note. "The Pakpie Karang Jati tobacco comes from Java and is grown on the eastern side of the island. The leaves are individually selected as they grow, and only the middle leaves are used." "Then the tobacco is cut into long, thin strips - the Ranjangan method - and left to cure on bamboo mats in the hot sun." Lars　berg, the product developer behind the recipe, said that because the tobacco for Kardus was cut, it produced a surface that enhanced the flavors and elements in a way that simple snus, which was normally ground, could rarely achieve. The only additives were salt and - this year - arrack, he added. Batavia arrack, also from East India, is used to further enhance the flavor of this year's Kardus. The supplier is Norrtelje Brenneri, which uses the same arrack in its special liqueur Roslagspunsch. "The flavor of Kardus can be described as exotic fruit and spices, with a refreshing sweet and sour tone," said the note. "It is complex with well-balanced bitterness and saltiness, not unlike ripe tamarind, with distinct hints of Unami and elements of dark chocolate. Arrack enhances the rich sweet aroma, making it even rounder." "The unique curing process gives the tobacco a delicate texture, which makes the portion easy to bake." Kardus is sold in an oak box and a piece of china inside each box is a legacy from the final voyage of the East Indiaman, the Götheborg, in 1745, which was salvaged from the wreck in 1905. The china has been made available through a collaboration with the East India Company. Kardus Superior Blend 2010, which is limited to 500 boxes that are being released just in time for Father's Day, is priced at about SEK 600 per box. Enditem