Kool (cigarette)

KOOL is a brand of menthol cigarette, introduced in 1933, that has marketed itself towards the "sophisticated man". Originally introduced as an unfiltered "regular" size (i.e, short) cigarette, filtered 85 mm king-size versions were later added to the lineup as filtered cigarettes gained popularity in the 1960s. Since then, mild (milder menthol flavor), light (reduced tar), and 100 mm long varieties have been introduced. As a menthol flavored cigarette, the rough taste of tobacco is dulled as the menthol numbs the mouth, allowing for a smoother, full inhalation.

Kool cigarette advertising began with the character of "Willie" the penguin who was portrayed as several different professions, among which were a doctor, a soldier and a chef. In the early 1960s the image of the cartoon penguin was no longer used, and Kool instead began marketing their cigarettes by linking the cool taste of menthol to cool outdoor scenes portraying water or snow. In the newest Kool ads, male/female encounters and sports references are prominent.

Kool, and other mentholated cigarettes, have been criticized for extensive marketing campaigns designed and intended to attract more African-Americans to smoke. Documents released by the tobacco industry are cited as evidence of this effort to market menthol cigarettes to blacks in the United States. [http://www.trdrp.org/Docs/CNTR_06_S1_07.pdf]

The major competitor of KOOL is Newport. Market statistics suggest that KOOL is less popular than Newport, which is in the top three favored American brandsFact|date=November 2007.

Before banning cigarette ads on TV in 1971, the famous jingle used in advertising was "Lady be Kool".

ee also

*Menthol cigarette
*Tobacco smoking
*List of cigarette smoke constituents
*List of additives in cigarettes
*Cigarettes

External links

*http://www.kool.com
* [http://graphic-design.tjs-labs.com/gallery-view?product=KOOL*CIG Gallery of classic graphic design featuring KOOL cigarettes]