I was a menthol smoker for 25 years. I actually didn’t think of it as a ‘minority cigarette’ ’til a guy I worked with at the pharmaceutical company said, “I can guess what cigarette you smoke”. He used to work for Philip Morris. I gave him my specs (age, parenting, where I grew up, a few other questions) and he said, “You smoke… MERIT”. I said “When I don’t smoke light menthol 100’s, you’re right – I turn to Merit”. He laughed a little TOO hearty and said, “Did… did you say light menthol 100’s? You’re a middle aged middle class suburban black woman!” and I couldn’t have been prouder.

I was a menthol smoker for 25 years. I actually didn’t think of it as a ‘minority cigarette’ ’til a guy I worked with at the pharmaceutical company said, “I can guess what cigarette you smoke”. He used to work for Philip Morris.