Skoal (tobacco)
Skoal is an American brand of smokeless tobacco. First produced by the U.S. [Smokeless Tobacco Company] in 1934 as the first wintergreen flavored dipping tobacco, Skoal is considered a high-priced product within the dipping tobacco market. "Skoal" is an Anglicization of skål, a term used often in Scandinavia to announce a toast of friendship, with connotations of well-wishing.
Nicotine level
A study conducted by scientists at R. J. [Reynolds Tobacco Company] using both the nicotine levels and free nicotine levels in common tobacco brands produced in 2006 generated the following ranked results:Advancements in measurement. Using another measurement criteria known as the free nicotine level, a level which is generated mathematically using the nicotine levels and the pH level of the tobacco brand, the results are ranked on the chart below:
Nicotine level rankings
The results of this 2006 study on traditional moist snuff's most common varieties in terms of nicotine level only, show that Timberwolf Long Cut Winter Green, at 14.1 mg, is the highest, Copenhagen Long Cut, at 13.9 mg, is the second highest, and Longhorn's Long Cut Winter Green, at 13.8 mg, is third highest. The study also shows Cooper's Long Cut Winter Green, at 8.0 mg, is the lowest, Kodiak Long Cut Winter Green, at 10.7 mg, is second lowest, and Copenhagen Pouches and Grizzly Long Cut Wintergreen, both at 11.2 mg, tie for third last.Skoal ranking Skoal, with a long cut range of 12.7 mg , to a level of 13.4 mg of nicotine per gram of tobacco .
Free nicotine level rankings
However, in terms of the free nicotine level, it can be seen from the results that Kodiak Winter Green had the highest level at 8.2 mg, followed by Copenhagen Pouches at 6.8 mg, and Grizzly Long Cut Winter Green at 5.9 mg. The three lowest brands, were Cooper Long Cut Winter Green at 1.1 mg, Skoal Long Cut Cherry at 1.7 mg, and Kayak Long Cut Winter Green with a free nicotine level at 2.3 mg.Skoal ranking. Skoal had a long cut free nicotine level range of 1.7 mg to 3.9 mg of free nicotine per gram of tobacco .
Mixed opinions on strength
From these results, it can be seen that Skoal ranks among the upper average in most varieties of its dipping tobacco. However, in the nicotine level chart, a measurement designed to read how much nicotine one actually receives while using the product, Skoal's varieties ranged from average to poor depending on flavor and texture.Cuts and flavors
Skoal is packaged in a 1.2 oz plastic can with a metal lid and is available in three textures: fine cut, long cut and two different pouch sizes. Fine cut is more grain-like, while long cut is more string-like. Two pouch varieties of Skoal are also available, Bandits, which are small pouches, and standard size pouches. The tobacco is sealed in a teabag-like pouch, eliminating the problem of tobacco spreading through the mouth. They are also easier to remove, since the tobacco stays in the pouch throughout use. Skoal Bandits are smaller, 1 gram pouches. To compensate for the smaller portion of Bandits, tins of them contain 20 pouches, instead of the standard 15.Skoal Original Fine Cut Wintergreen was originally sold in a fiberboard can with tin lid, just like Copenhagen, and was packaged in the plastic can with a tin lid. Skoal Long Cut has always been sold in a plastic can, and originally had a plastic lid as well.
The product originally produced was only available in wintergreen flavor, but other flavors have been made available:
Skoal X-tra was introduced in 2011 and has a bolder flavor and slightly more nicotine than regular Skoal. Skoal X-tra Crisp Blend and Rich Blend are two regular Skoal flavors fused together. Crisp Blend is a combination of Apple and Citrus, while Rich Blend is a combination of Cherry and Berry.
Skoal ReadyCut was introduced in late 2012. It is 15 pre-formed cubes of long cut tobacco which eliminate the need for packing the tin and are more convenient than traditional long cut. As of 2015, it had largely been removed from most markets, with showings only in a few states and online.
When Skoal Long Cut was introduced, the original four flavors were:
- Wintergreen
- Mint
- Straight
- Classic
- Cherry
- Spearmint
History
- 1934: Skoal was introduced as a wintergreen-flavored smokeless tobacco.
- 1983: Skoal Bandits were released.
- 1984: Skoal Long Cut was released nationwide. It was introduced in four flavors: Wintergreen, Mint, Straight and Classic.
- 1989: Skoal Bandits were introduced to the UK, but banned by the government shortly afterwards amid widespread health concerns
- 2002: Skoal Berry Blend is introduced.
- 2003: Skoal Vanilla Blend is introduced.
- 2004: Skoal Apple Blend is introduced.
- 2007: Skoal Citrus Blend is introduced.
- 2008: Skoal Edge, a bolder and cooler version of Skoal Long Cut Wintergreen, is introduced.
- 2010: Skoal pouches were released.
- 2011: Skoal Snus was released.
- 2011: Skoal Xtra was released in pouches and longcut.
- Early 2012: Skoal ReadyCut was released in a limited area.
- Late 2012: Skoal ReadyCut was available across the United States.
- 2013: Skoal Xtra Mint Chill was released for trial in selected areas
- 2013: Skoal ReadyCut discontinued.
- Late 2015: Skoal Xtra Mint Chill discontinued
- Mid-2016: Re-introduction of Skoal Apple, Berry, and Citrus pouches