Kaliber Plus

I was so surprised by how much I liked Kaliber Vit that I thought I’d give Plus a try. Partially because it has a bit more nicotine, partially because I wanted to add an original portion to my rotation, and partially out of sheer curiosity.

As a regular portion, Kaliber Plus is a bit deceptive. Regular portions I’ve had from other Swedish Match brands like General and Nick & Johnny as well as Oden’s have been downright soggy at times. Kaliber Plus is almost as dry as a white portion, both in feel in the can, and on the lip.

Immediately, there’s a peppery, spicy kind of flavor happening that softens to a rich tobacco flavor. Kaliber claims that you’re going to get lingonberries, bergamot, cocoa, and bitter orange. Personally, I think they’re either overselling or underdelivering. Bergamot: check. Bitter orange: well… yeah, once you’re about 10 minutes in, I get that. Cocoa and lingonberries: not getting any of that at all.

If spicy tea was a thing — not like chai, but if you put Earl Grey and some chili pepper flakes in a teabag and let it go for about 5 minutes, then put it in a portion bag, I think you’re getting kind of close.

Though, Kaliber makes a much more comfortable portion than that!

The stronger nicotine is a nice touch that helps when I really want a cigarette, but don’t want to go outside.

As for the drip, it’s not much heavier than your average white portion, though it packs a bit of a punch. I don’t feel a need to spit like I do with General Classic, but it isn’t something I’d want to start pushing an hour and beyond with.

I find that between Tre Ankare and The Emperor, I don’t really find myself needing what Kaliber is bringing to the table here. It’s good. It’s fine. It’s reasonably priced. But for as many times as I’ve had it, it doesn’t take long before I think about how I would have rathered Tre Ankare or The Emperor.