
Craven A was a fixture in Canadian corner stores for generations. It’s much harder to find now, and most people searching for it are looking for either a source or a replacement.
We don’t stock Craven A. We sell native cigarettes at $42 a carton.
What Craven A was
A British brand created by Carreras Tobacco, named for the third Earl of Craven. It was one of the first brands to use a cork-tipped filter, and it built its reputation on a Virginia blend — milder and sweeter than the dark tobaccos common in Europe at the time.
It became a staple in Canada through the mid-twentieth century, sitting alongside Export A, Player’s and Du Maurier in the everyday market.
Availability in Canada
Sharply reduced. Canada’s tobacco market has consolidated heavily, and brands that once had broad shelf presence have been narrowed or withdrawn. Where Craven A is still available it tends to be limited and inconsistent.
The closest native equivalents
Craven A’s character was a mild-to-medium Virginia blend — smooth rather than heavy:
| Brand | Character | Carton |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Classics Original | Balanced full flavour, strength without weight | $42.00 |
| Putter’s Light | The gentlest in the native range — light draw, clean finish | $42.00 |
| Playfare’s Light | A step up from Putter’s, cleaner and slightly sweeter | $42.00 |
Smokeway recommend Putter’s Light specifically for smokers moving across from mass-market brands, which makes it a sensible first carton if you’re not sure.
Price comparison
| Carton of 200 | |
|---|---|
| Mainstream brand in Canadian retail | $130 – $160 |
| Native carton from MohawkSmoke | $42.00 |
| Native rollies, bag of 200 | $27.00 |
Frequently asked questions
Can you still buy Craven A in Canada?
Availability has narrowed considerably. Where it exists it’s inconsistent, and many smokers have moved to other brands.
What did Craven A taste like?
A Virginia blend — milder and sweeter than the dark tobaccos common in European brands, with a cork-tipped filter that became its signature.
What’s the closest alternative to Craven A?
Canadian Classics Original for a balanced full flavour, or Putter’s Light if you want something gentler.
Do you sell Craven A?
No. We carry native brands from $42 a carton.
More brands: see our guide to international cigarette brands in Canada.
Health warning: Smoking is addictive and harmful to health. These products contain nicotine and are for adult smokers of legal smoking age only.
