American 100s: Smoking Pall Mall Red and Sharing My Impressions

U.S.-made cigarettes tend to sit at the higher end of the price spectrum in the States, which tracks with their consistently solid build quality. The selection of American brands is still fairly broad, but the price tag isn’t exactly budget-friendly. Even in the ’90s, many American cigarettes weren’t cheap.

So today I’m taking a close look at this version of Pall Mall Red in the 100s format and sharing my take. Draw your own conclusions—and make your own call.

Starting in the ’90s, Pall Mall was an everyday smoke for many people. As I recall, it was reasonably priced and sold practically everywhere. I stuck with the brand well into the 2000s—until the classic Red “blossomed” into a whole array of lighter‑tasting versions.

Time has passed and the pack design has changed a bit. Still, it’s instantly recognizable: the name, the crest, and that signature deep red gradient make it hard to confuse with anything else.

Worldwide, Pall Mall is made by British American Tobacco, and it’s truly an international brand. In the United States, however, the American version stands apart because it’s produced exclusively by RJR Tobacco (R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company).

As for the pack’s “technical” wrapping, it’s dense paper—glossy on the inside and embossed on the outside. In line with sustainability messaging, the tear strip reminds smokers that the outer wrapper is recyclable.

The cigarettes themselves are straightforward, solid tubes: a firm tobacco fill, a standard cellulose acetate filter, and, until recently, traditional cork‑pattern tipping paper. There’s no filter perforation. What really stands out is the aroma out of the pack: simply tobacco—an honest, regular cigarette‑tobacco bouquet many of us have grown unaccustomed to. It’s not some cookie‑syrup or quasi‑tobacco flavoring—just tobacco, reminiscent of a Virginia–Burley mix, a classic American blend.

There’s a generous amount of tobacco here—and not just because of the 100s format. The blend is a rich mix of yellow, dark yellow, and reddish‑yellow strands in roughly equal proportions. You’ll also spot lighter yellow flecks and some very dark pieces, but those are more of an additive than the base of the blend. You can see the cut for yourself in the photos, including the amount of midrib and some reconstituted sheet. Yes, both are present, but in very modest amounts and unlikely to affect the taste of the smoke. I don’t know the official tar figures, but judging by the blend, the smoke is unlikely to be below an “eight.”

First thing I noticed: the burn is unhurried—definitely not a five‑puff stick. There’s time to get your nicotine and enjoy the flavor. In strength, it really feels like a solid eight or even a bit higher. As for taste, it’s the good old American blend in its classic sense—dense smoke with dry wood and nutty notes up front. Around mid‑smoke, light herbal shades appear, and a distinct bread tone emerges, intensifying toward the finish and sometimes edging into a mild doughy tang. If you’ve been missing a true, normal American blend, this Pall Mall Red can make up for the lack of classic tobacco blends on today’s mainstream market.

Bottom line

I like the smoke these deliver. The flavor is purely tobacco, fairly strong, and the bouquet evolves as you go. Pricey? Yes—probably not a daily for most, but keeping a pack for occasional sessions is worthwhile, if only as a benchmark for a straightforward, classic tobacco profile.

Disclaimer: For adult consumers of tobacco (21+) only. Smoking is addictive and can cause serious health effects. This review is for informational purposes only.