Sure, sounds like fun to me. I'd start with the coarse, moist, unflavored, medium-nicotine type like Dingler Taxi Blue, Samuel Gawith Blue Crest or McCombie, something like that. One of the first "serious" snuffs I enjoyed was F&T's Morlaix, which has a nice texture and, though flavore, isn't nearly as strongly perfumed as some others from that brand. Of course, if someone is interested in snuff as a stop-smoking aid, my suggestions would be different.

One thing a lot of beginners do is to order a lot of different flavors from Wilson's, as they offer assortment packages and make an astounding array of flavors. I don't personally think that's a good idea, because Wilson's is mostly all the same stuff, just with different flavorings. One could be led into thinking that snuff is about the flavorings, rather than the tobacco, grind, and moisture content most suited to one's preferences. I was caught in that rut myself for a while and regret having wasted the time. Gawith's wide variety of styles was a great eye-opener for me-- there's every grind and moisture level imaginable.

These are just some initial thoughts.

Andy

Does anybody wants to add his favourite snuff here? Or maybe a snuff on this list shouldn't be recommended?

I want to make this a PDF with some additional information.

Here is a first sketch of what I thought of. Any comments (including correcting my English) are welcome!

Edit: The Snuff Beginners Guide can be found at the FAQs.

Hi Mo,

thanks for the feedback. I removed the double description (not online yet). I will also move the shops to the end with some notes on which of the mentioned snuff they carry. I thought a description of the 'how to use snuff' might be too much. But I could include some pictures and the four points you mentioned.

So far,
Alex

True! I will also add this to the guide. Making a choice isn't always easy, you're right. :-) Thanks for the hint.

Again a newer version with hints to prevent the snuff hitting the throat (Setting up a Beginner's Guide? # 18).

Thank you guys for the feedback.

Jeff, I think taking a Pöschl in the beginning might be misleading. Once upon a time, I started with the Gletscherprise myself. Today, I wouldn't touch it any more. Only for comparison to other snuffs. The good thing of the Pöschls is, that you can't get them in your throat, unless you eat them. The texture and scent is nothing special nor very pleasant for a beginner. People use it so much because Pöschl is doing a great marketing job, I guess. The snuff is okay, but there are far better ones out there. To sum up: In private, I would not recommend a Pöschl to a beginner, so I don't want to do it here. Being a serious snuffer, you have to try them, of course.

Columbia Oil? Good question. I have read somewhere that it serves as a flavour carrier more than a flavour itself. It also adds a certain moisture, I guess.

Thanks for the enlightenment.

I often need to dump some back into the package. I usually do 1 nostril at a time but you can also use the package to make a line or 2 piles. To me a full Packard's club measure is too much for 1 side so I do half in each. Both the apricot and the president are easer to control about half way through the pack. I think it is because it is a bit drier. When it is new and moist it clumps much more.

Thanks so much for the tips. I'm so happy I joined you guys.

The first thing i would tell the beginner or newbie....
Is,
WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME!!!
Second, I would try then all, dont just stick to one flavor that fits your fancy...

Third, even if at first you didnt like one give it time, the tin may need to air our a bit. Some as it has been my experience are more of an acquired taste.. I for one do not like aniseed because i dont like the taste of licorice, but i still have several times of them, and on occasion i will take a pinch just for a change of something differant....

Last but not least is ENJOY, and again WELCOME to an elite group of tobacco user, those who really know the finer joys of tobacco!!!

McChrystals Og is a good one,
Polsch Apricot
Anything toasty or plain with HIGH NICOTINE is a blast
Schmalzers are fun ones too..

Check Wikipedia for Columbia Oil

First Snuff was W.E. Garrett Scotch. It took three tries to get the delicate sniffing correct. The nic hits you like a hammer which I guess is good for the beginner. I wish i had started with something a little less fine and dry though.

Had two straight ones. Toque and Wilson's Best SP. I have to say that they are both very good and much more suited to my taste than the two American Scotches I had. Now my desire to explore is rapidly growing. Does anyone recommend any sampler sets, or better yet, given a bit of information on one's taste could anyone make several suggestions?

I just hate wasting things...especially things that other people really like.