Reasons Why 100 and 120 Cigarettes Taste Different

For many smokers, choosing which cigarette to smoke goes beyond brand. Many at times, it often depends on the length of the cigarette. Among the most common variations are ‘100s’ and the less common ‘120s.’ This naturally leads to a curious question: Do these longer cigarettes inherently taste different from their standard counterparts? If so, what are the reasons why 100 and 120 cigarettes taste different?

What are 100s and 120s?

100s: 

Refer to cigarettes that are approximately 100mm in length, offering a slightly longer smoke. These are widely available. 

The answer is a complicated one because it has to do with tobacco science, filter design, psychological perception, and so many other factors.

120s: 

The longest mass-produced cigarettes, measuring around 120mm. These are less common than 100s but are still available from certain brands.

Factors Influencing The Taste Difference and Experience Between 100s and 120s

Many smokers testify that there’s a difference in taste when switching between lengths. They describe 100s and 120s as being smoother, milder, or even richer than their shorter equivalents. However, for cigarettes of the same brand and blend, the core tobacco formulation is typically identical, regardless of length. So, if the tobacco is the same, why the perceived difference?

Tobacco Blend

This is the primary determinant of a cigarette’s inherent taste. The specific mix of tobacco types (e.g., Virginia, Burley, Oriental), their curing methods, and any proprietary additives are what give a brand its unique flavor profile. This blend generally remains consistent across different lengths within the same product line.

Filter Design

Filters play a significant role in altering the harshness and flavor delivery. Longer cigarettes, especially 120s, often feature slightly longer or more complex filter systems. These filters can have more ventilation holes, which allow more ambient air to mix with the smoke as it’s drawn, diluting it and making it feel smoother or milder.

Paper Type and Porosity

The type of paper used affects the burn rate and the amount of air that filters through. While often consistent for a brand, any subtle variations in paper for longer lengths like the 120s could theoretically impact the burn and taste.

Smoke Path Length and Cooling

This is arguably the most significant physical factor contributing to the perceived taste difference. In a longer cigarette like the 120s, the smoke travels a greater distance from the burning tip to the smoker’s mouth. This extended path allows the smoke more time to cool down. Cooler smoke tends to feel less harsh and can be perceived as smoother, which some might interpret as a different or milder taste.

Air Dilution (Ventilation)

As mentioned with filters, the increased length in the 120s provide more surface area for potential ventilation holes along the paper or in the filter. More air dilution means the smoke is less concentrated, contributing to a smoother, milder sensation.

Burn Time

The most obvious difference between the 100s and the 120s is the extended smoking time. A longer burn might lead to a slower, more deliberate draw for some smokers, which can also influence the perceived harshness and flavor delivery.

Psychological Expectation

The human brain is powerful. If a smoker expects a 100s or 120s to taste different, that expectation can genuinely influence their sensory experience. The perception of getting “more” cigarette for the money or the ritual of a longer smoke can also play a role.

Conclusion

While the core tobacco blend in 100s and 120s from the same brand is typically identical to their shorter counterparts, the experience can indeed feel different. This is largely due to the altered mechanics of the longer burn – increased smoke path length, potential greater air dilution through filters, and smoke cooling – which can result in a perceived milder or smoother draw. Coupled with psychological expectations, these factors contribute to the reported taste variations.

Above are just a few of the reasons why 100 and 120 cigarettes taste different. It’s less about a fundamental change in “flavor” and more about how the smoking experience is physically modulated by the cigarette’s increased length and associated design elements.