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Viceroy Cigarettes
Viceroy Cigarettes, a brand manufactured by British American Tobacco, has been a prominent name in the cigarette industry since its introduction in 1936. Known for its distinct flavor and evolving packaging design, Viceroy has carved out a niche in the market with its unique characteristics.
Viceroy Cigarettes History
Viceroy was introduced by Brown & Williamson in 1936. It was the world’s first cigarette with a cork-tipped filter. At that time, it was a mid-priced brand, similar to B&W’s Raleigh cigarettes but more expensive than Wings cigarettes, which were introduced in 1929.
In 1952, Viceroy became the first brand to add a cellulose acetate filter. This set a new standard in the industry. The following year, Viceroy introduced Filter Kings. In 1979, a low tar version called Rich Lights was launched.
In 1990, Viceroy Box Kings and Lights Box Kings were introduced in the U.S. market. This was followed by Viceroy Ultra Lights Kings and Ultra Lights 100’s in 1992. The 1990s saw changes in the box styles of Viceroy 100’s, and Viceroy Menthol was introduced in 2000. Despite changes in packaging, the product blend remained the same.
On July 30, 2004, Reynolds American was formed as a joint venture between the U.S. branch of BAT and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Viceroy became part of the Reynolds American umbrella through B&W under RJR Tobacco.
Markets
After the B&W merger, the Viceroy brand was less promoted in the U.S. However, it continued to be sold in markets where it was still popular, such as Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Argentina, Romania, the Middle East, Turkey, and Chile. In Canada, Viceroy Red and Blue are sold as budget brands.
In July 2017, British American Tobacco announced that it would phase out sales of Viceroy Red cigarettes in Argentina. They replaced them with Rothmans, making Argentina the first Latin American country to get Rothmans.
Advertising
Brown & Williamson used various posters and magazine ads to promote Viceroy. TV ads were also made from the 1950s to the 1970s. One notable ad claimed that Viceroy cigarettes, being filter-tipped, resulted in less tar on teeth, making them a “healthier” option. The slogan used in the 1940s was, “As your dentist, I would recommend Viceroys.”
In the 1970s, internal documents revealed that Viceroy was mainly smoked by women and couples. This led B&W to sponsor the Vel’s Parnelli Jones Racing team in autosport championships like the United States Auto Club and Formula 1. The aim was to give the brand a more masculine image, similar to Marlboro.
In 1974, Viceroy partnered with TAG Heuer to produce a special version of the black-dialed Autavia watch. This watch was sold for $88 and was called the “Viceroy.” Ads for this promotion featured racer Parnelli Jones and promoted both the cigarette brand and the Autavia watch.
Controversies
Viceroy faced several controversies over the years. In the 1970s, B&W considered a marketing test to see if children could be encouraged to smoke Viceroy. This was discovered by the Federal Trade Commission during an investigation, and the campaign was never carried out.
In 1994, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Aaron Kessler revealed that B&W had been growing genetically modified tobacco plants in South America. These plants were engineered to produce higher levels of nicotine. Viceroy King Size and Viceroy Lights King Size cigarettes made in 1993 were identified as containing about 10% of this high-nicotine tobacco called Y-1.
Further controversy arose in 1995 when Jeffrey Wigand, a former B&W vice president, revealed that B&W had been adding chemicals to increase smokers’ addiction to nicotine. This included brands like Kool, Capri, and Viceroy.
Viceroy Cigarette Variants
Viceroy Cigarettes offers a range of variants tailored to meet diverse consumer preferences and market demands. Each variant is crafted with specific characteristics that cater to different smoking experiences and needs.
Viceroy Red
Viceroy Red is known for its full-bodied flavor, appealing to smokers who prefer a stronger, more robust taste. It is one of the original and most popular variants of the Viceroy brand, providing a traditional smoking experience with a higher nicotine content compared to other Viceroy options.
Viceroy Blue
Viceroy Blue offers a smoother, milder flavor compared to Viceroy Red. It is designed for smokers who enjoy a less intense smoking experience while still wanting a satisfying taste. This variant balances flavor and smoothness, making it a popular choice for many.
Viceroy Menthol
Viceroy Menthol provides a refreshing and cool smoking experience. It is infused with menthol to deliver a minty flavor that adds a different dimension to the traditional tobacco taste. This variant is favored by those who enjoy a cooler, menthol-infused smoke.
Viceroy Ultra Lights
Viceroy Ultra Lights are crafted for smokers who prefer a lighter smoking experience. With reduced nicotine and tar levels, this variant offers a milder taste while still maintaining the essence of Viceroy’s quality. It caters to those looking for a less intense cigarette.
Viceroy 100’s
Viceroy 100’s are designed for smokers who prefer a longer-lasting cigarette. They provide the same flavor and quality as other Viceroy variants but with an extended smoking time. This makes them a popular choice for those who want to enjoy their smoking experience for a bit longer.
Viceroy Lights
Viceroy Lights are designed for smokers who enjoy a balanced flavor that is less intense than the original Viceroy Red but more robust than the Ultra Lights. These cigarettes provide a moderate nicotine content and a smooth taste, making them a versatile choice for many smokers.
Viceroy Rich Lights
Viceroy Rich Lights offer a low-tar option for those who prefer a lighter cigarette but still want a rich and satisfying flavor. Introduced in 1979, this variant caters to smokers who seek a blend of lightness and richness in their smoking experience.
Viceroy King Size
Viceroy King Size cigarettes provide a classic smoking experience with a larger cigarette size. This variant is popular among smokers who prefer a traditional cigarette length with the same quality and flavor that Viceroy is known for.
Viceroy Box Kings
Viceroy Box Kings are similar to the King Size variant but come in a hard pack. This packaging offers added protection and convenience, ensuring that the cigarettes remain fresh and intact. It’s a practical choice for those who value both quality and convenience.
Viceroy Ultra Lights 100’s
Viceroy Ultra Lights 100’s combine the extended smoking time of the 100’s with the milder flavor of the Ultra Lights. This variant is ideal for smokers who want a long-lasting and light smoking experience, maintaining a balance between duration and smoothness.
Viceroy Menthol Lights
Viceroy Menthol Lights are designed for smokers who enjoy the refreshing taste of menthol but prefer a lighter cigarette. This variant combines the cool menthol flavor with a reduced nicotine and tar content, offering a smoother menthol experience.
Viceroy Menthol 100’s
Viceroy Menthol 100’s provide a longer-lasting menthol smoking experience. These cigarettes offer the same cool, minty flavor as the regular Viceroy Menthol but with an extended length for those who want to enjoy their menthol smoke for a longer period.
Viceroy Menthol Ultra Lights
Viceroy Menthol Ultra Lights offer an even milder menthol smoking experience compared to Viceroy Menthol Lights. This variant is perfect for those who enjoy a subtle hint of menthol with very low tar and nicotine levels. It combines the refreshing menthol taste with an ultra-light smoking experience.
Viceroy Silver
Viceroy Silver cigarettes are designed for smokers who prefer a very smooth and light smoking experience. This variant features low tar and nicotine content while maintaining the distinctive Viceroy flavor. Viceroy Silver is ideal for those seeking a delicate and refined smoke.
Viceroy Gold
Viceroy Gold offers a balanced blend that provides a smooth and satisfying smoking experience. It is positioned between Viceroy Blue and Viceroy Red in terms of strength, making it a good option for smokers who want a moderate flavor with a touch of richness.
Viceroy White
Viceroy White is a variant that focuses on providing a clean and pure smoking experience. With a minimalist design and a smooth, mild flavor, Viceroy White is aimed at smokers who appreciate simplicity and quality in their cigarettes.
Viceroy International
Viceroy International cigarettes are tailored for different international markets, offering variations in flavor and strength to cater to local preferences. This variant ensures that smokers around the world can enjoy the Viceroy brand in a way that suits their taste.
Consumer Reviews about Viceroy Cigarettes
Consumer reviews about Viceroy cigarettes vary, reflecting a range of opinions and experiences among smokers. Many users appreciate the brand’s long-standing presence and the distinct qualities of its various cigarette types.
One smoker, John, expressed his satisfaction with Viceroy Red, stating, “I’ve been smoking Viceroy Reds for years. They have a strong flavor that hits the spot every time. It’s my go-to cigarette for its consistency and rich taste.”
Another reviewer, Sarah, prefers Viceroy Menthol Lights for their refreshing quality, commenting, “I enjoy the smoothness and coolness of Viceroy Menthol Lights. They’re not overpowering like some menthol cigarettes can be, making them perfect for a relaxing smoke.”
On the other hand, there are criticisms too. Alex, a smoker who tried Viceroy Ultra Lights, noted, “I found Viceroy Ultra Lights a bit too light for my taste. They burn quickly, and I feel like I need to smoke more to satisfy my craving compared to other light cigarettes I’ve tried.”
Overall, consumer reviews highlight Viceroy cigarettes’ appeal across different preferences, from robust flavors to light and menthol options. The brand continues to attract loyal smokers while also facing some critiques related to specific variants’ strength and smoking experience.
Innovation and Adaptation
Over the years, Viceroy has introduced various innovations in its cigarette variants to meet changing consumer preferences and regulatory standards. These innovations include advancements in filter technology, packaging design, and flavor enhancements, ensuring that Viceroy remains a relevant choice in the competitive cigarette market.
Conclusion
Viceroy cigarettes have a long history and have made significant contributions to the tobacco industry. Despite facing controversies and changes in the market, the brand remains recognized and continues to be sold in various countries. Its innovations, marketing strategies, and controversies have all played a role in shaping its legacy.
