Camel cigarettes
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Camel is the name of a brand of cigarettes introduced by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco (RJR) in 1913. Known among cigarette enthusiasts for its high quality and smoothness, Camels contain a unique blend of Turkish and American tobacco.
Camel cigarettes were blended to be considerably easier to smoke, in terms of both higher-quantity and female consumption, in contrast to the much harsher brands popular at the time of its introduction. In addition, they were promoted, prior to official release, by a careful advertising campaign that included "teasers" which merely stated that "the Camels are coming." This marketing style was, in fact, a prototype for attempts to sway public opinion that coincided with the United States' entry into the First World War.
The most famous variety of Camel cigarettes was the simple pack of the regular, unfiltered variety. Much too harsh for today's smokers, Camel regulars achieved their zenith of their popularity through personalities such as actor Humphrey Bogart, who popularized the brand in such movies as Casablanca; the brand also gained notoriety through news broadcaster Edward R. Murrow, who smoked up to four packs of Camel regulars per day, in effect using a Camel cigarette as his trademark.
Both Bogart and Murrow died of lung cancer. Prior to 1913, and the introduction of the "mild" cigarette, lung cancer was unknown even among smokers of earlier cigarettes.
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Reverse Side Text
The reverse sides of most packs or boxes of Camel cigarettes display the following text:
Turkish tobacco is the world's smoothest, most aromatic leaf. Blending it with more robust domestic tobaccos is the secret to Camel's distinctive flavor and world-class smoothness.
Varieties
Camel cigarettes come in the following varieties:
- Filters (King Size and 100s)
- Lights (King Size and 100s)
- Ultra Lights (King Size and 100s)
- Wides
- Wide Lights
- Menthol
- Menthol Lights
- Regular (unfiltered)
- Camel Rare
- Special Lights (King Size and 100s)
- Turkish Jade
- Turkish Silver
- Turkish Gold
- Turkish Royal
- Kamel Reds
- Kamel Reds Lights
In addition, "Exotic Blends" have been available in tins. These include:
Exotic Blends Main, Samsun, Basma, Cinnzabar, Twist, Crema, Izmir Stinger, Rare, Rare Menthol, Dark Mint, Mandarin Mint, Mandalay Lime, Aegean Spice, Bayou Blast, Beach Breezer, Margarita Mixer, Midnight Madness, Back Alley Blend, Kauai Kolada, Twista Lime, Warm Winter Toffee, Winter Mocha Mint.
New Developments
In 2005 Camel instigated new changes to the turkish flavors by adding the name on the rolling paper and changing the filter color and design. A blend called "Turkish Silver", a light version of either the Turkish Gold or Royal varieties, also became available that year.
Joe Camel
In late 1987, RJR created Joe Camel as its mascot for the brand. In 1991, the American Medical Association published a report stating that 5- and 6-year olds could more easily recognize Joe Camel than Mickey Mouse or Fred Flintstone. This led the association to ask RJR to pull the Joe Camel campaign. RJR declined, but further appeals followed in 1993 and 1994. On July 10, 1997, the Joe Camel campaign was retired and replaced with a somewhat more adult campaign which appealed to the desires of twenty-somethings to meet or as the case may be, actually be beautiful and exotic women (desires they nonetheless share with teenagers).
The camel in the logo is of the dromedary variety.de:R. J. Reynold Tobacco Company