Let’s talk snuff!

SnuffTalk

Schmalzler “A”

A.J.L 11/24/06

 

Deep in the Black Forest, there lives a rare tree called the “blackcherry-prune apricot,” or, in the local German, “Schwartzenkirschrotenbackpflaumeaprikose.” The fruit of this elusive tree, for which many botany students have searched fruitlessly, is the flavoring agent for this Schmalzler. Picture, if you will, the colorful scene created by the liederhosen-wearing Pöschl agents crashing through the woods in search of the mysterious fruit, all the while singing Schubert (I suppose “Die Erlkönig,” though I may be making that up) and drinking beer. You’d want some beer, too, if it were you; there are wolves in those woods.

 

Upon first sampling this snuff, you will notice the black cherry, the prune, and the apricot flavors commingling in your nose. You may also detect an aftertone of over-dried dates. I suspect that the date flavor didn’t make it into the name of the fruit because the resulting word would have been too long even for speakers of German, who are used to such things.

 

Somehow, this bizarre fruit aroma works nicely with the tobacco scents, resulting in a pleasing, easy-to-take snuff. The aroma fades graciously, which is good, because one wouldn’t want a Schwartzenkirschrotenbackpflaumeaprikose unremittingly up one’s nose all day. Like all snuffs of the Schmalzler style, don’t try to brush any spillage from your shirt with your hand; it will only smear it into the fabric. I try to wear a dark shirt whenever sampling a Schmalzler. Undoubtedly you are a less messy person than myself, so you will not need to be concerned about this.

 

This Schmalzler is suitable for all-day use and would certainly be enjoyed by beginners, as it is easy to take and not overwhelming. It’s also surprisingly inexpensive when purchased in the charming foil pouch. The nicotine level is in the low-medium range.

 

And if you ever figure out what the scent of this snuff really is, I’d be forever grateful to know about it.

 

Pöchl’s Schmalzler “A” is available through Rajek’s.