Swedish Match has quietly announced that the funeral for General Maxi Portion will occur in Week 6 (Feb 8) of 2010. Unlike Nick & Johnny East and West, General Maxi led a noble shelf life. Times have changed and Maxi Portions don't seem to be part of the future.

I first used General Maxi portion in 2007 when I started using Swedish Snus. It was great for long car trips as the taste was deliciously General, wonderfully strong, lasted forever, and was high nicotine: this was before the explosion of Strong and Extra Strong snuses beginning in the third and fourth quarters of 2008.

The oddest acclimation I had to make was after the only can of General Maxi I ever purchased was gone. I went back to my old favorite portion snuses and suddenly one gram portions felt so "small" under my lip. Took about a week to get used to regular portions again.

I suppose the closest example would be a long-time regular one gram portion user trying mini-portions; or an American "snus" user switching to regular or lab series one gram portions.

General Maxi Portion, may you Rest in Peace and thank you for for your service. I recently received an unexplained can of General Maxi...this was before the delisting announcement. I put it in the fridge, not the freezer, as I have a long drive coming up and wanted to re-live my General Maxi experience. Instead, I'll be holding the can until Week 6; 2010. With a glass of a fine alcoholic beverage in one hand and the General Maxi in the other, I will raise my glass in a toast and savor General Maxi for the last time. The flag of the Swedish Snus Embassy in the United States will be flown at half mast as well.

The Maxi is dead; long live Swedish Snus!

LARRY WATERS

Swedish Snus Ambassador to the United States
Reporting for SnusCENTRAL.org

Add Comment