Camel cigarettes: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Camel cigarettes logo

Camel is a brand of cigarette introduced by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco (RJR) in 1913. It was for many years known for its high quality and smoothness. Camels contain a unique Turkish and domestic (American) tobacco blend.

Camels come in the following varieties:

• Filters (regular and 100s)
• Lights (regular and 100s)
• Ultra Lights (regular and 100s)
• Menthol
• Menthol Lights
• Regular (unfiltered)
• Camel Rare
• Turkish Jade
• Turkish Gold
• Turkish Royal

• many other special flavors are available as well, in tins.

In late 1987 RJR created Joe Camel, a mascot for the brand. In 1991, the American Medical Association pubilshed a report stating that more 5- and 6-year olds could recognize Joe Camel easier that Mickey Mouse or Fred Flintstone. This led to the association to ask RJR to pull the Joe Camel campaign. RJR declined, but was followed with more appeals in 1993 and 1994. On July 10, 1997 the Joe Camel campaign was retired. It was replaced with a more adult campaign.