The 1970s marked a vibrant time for cigarette brands, each with its own unique flair and loyal following. Iconic names filled shelves, and advertisements captured the attention of a generation. Today, many of these brands have vanished, leaving only memories behind.
How many of these once-popular brands do you recall? From the classic Viceroy to the elusive Misty, each brand had its own distinct identity and appeal. They were more than just products; they were part of a cultural moment.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we revisit 15 cigarette brands from the 1970s that everyone seems to have forgotten. Discover the stories behind these brands and why they once held a special place in our lives.
1. Viceroy
Viceroy cigarettes were launched by Brown and Williamson in 1936 as the first cork-tip filter cigarette. Aimed at the mid-price market, they offered an affordable option with better quality than budget brands. The cellulose acetate filter, introduced in 1952, was marketed as a healthier choice that reduced tar intake.
In the 1970s, Viceroy gained popularity for its smooth flavor. The brand targeted women and couples, positioning itself as less masculine than competitors. This clever marketing helped it reach a diverse audience during the decade.
However, Viceroy faced challenges in the 1980s and 90s due to health concerns and stricter regulations. By the early 2000s, its U.S. presence had faded, leading to a phase-out in many areas. It still remains available in some international markets, like Russia and Poland.
2. Belair
Belair cigarettes were launched by Brown and Williamson in 1959 as a mild, filtered menthol brand. They quickly gained popularity for their smooth and refreshing flavor, appealing to smokers who preferred a milder taste. The menthol filter added a cooling sensation, and the brand was marketed as a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes.
In 1968, Belair 100s were introduced, offering a longer smoking experience. Throughout the 1970s, the brand was recognized as a premium yet affordable choice, thanks to its distinctive grain packaging and refreshing smoke. It became a favorite among many smokers looking for something special.
However, Belair’s popularity began to decline due to increasing anti-smoking campaigns and stricter advertising regulations. Growing health concerns about smoking also contributed to its downfall. By the early 2000s, Belair had largely disappeared from the market.
3. True
As Belair cigarettes faded, True cigarettes emerged as a new alternative. Introduced by Lorillard Tobacco Company in September 1966, True quickly gained traction with its innovative design and marketing. It was one of the first brands to offer a low-tar, low-nicotine cigarette, appealing to health-conscious smokers.
The brand’s slogan, “Shouldn’t your brand be True?” resonated with consumers seeking safer options. True featured a recessed filter with a plastic piece to prevent crushing, giving it a distinctive appearance. It offered both full-flavor and menthol options, with the non-menthol variety known as True Blues due to its blue and white packaging.
Despite early success, True faced stiff competition and shifting preferences. Acquired by Reynolds American in 2015, the brand struggled to regain its popularity and was eventually discontinued.
4. Vantage
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company launched Vantage cigarettes in November 1970, quickly capturing attention with their unique filter design. Featuring a conical hole in the center, this filter was marketed as delivering the taste of a full-flavor cigarette while reducing tar and nicotine. The slogan, “the new cigarette that doesn’t cop out on flavor,” highlighted the brand’s focus on balancing taste and health.
Vantage’s distinctive filter helped it stand out among competitors, appealing to smokers seeking a less harmful option without sacrificing flavor. The brand offered both regular and menthol varieties, with stylish packaging that resonated with the modern image of the 1970s.
In 2015, the FDA banned Vantage Tech 13 due to safety concerns, impacting the brand’s availability. While Vantage has become rare, it can still be found in select markets.
5. Raleigh
Raleigh cigarettes were introduced by Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company in 1928, named after Sir Walter Raleigh. The brand quickly built a reputation for high quality and clever marketing strategies. Each pack included coupons that could be exchanged for various items, appealing to smokers who valued extra perks.
Raleigh’s smooth and enjoyable tobacco blend was available in both regular and menthol flavors, catering to different tastes. The brand’s unique packaging, featuring a portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh, made it stand out on store shelves.
However, Raleigh struggled to adapt as smoking trends and regulations changed. Facing tough competition from premium brands and a shift towards low-tar and low-nicotine options, the brand gradually faded. By the early 2000s, production had mostly ceased, and Raleigh had nearly vanished from the market.
6. Chesterfield
Chesterfield cigarettes were launched by Drum and Tobacco Company in 1873, named after Chesterfield County, Virginia. They quickly gained popularity for their unique blend of Turkish and Virginia tobacco, offering a rich taste. The brand was innovative, being one of the first to add an extra layer of wrapping to keep the cigarettes fresh.
Chesterfield stood out with its strong flavor and bold marketing, famously using the slogan, “Blow some my way.” This approach appealed to both men and women, and the brand sponsored sports teams and events to enhance its visibility. It offered both regular and king-size options to cater to different preferences.
However, as competition grew and consumer tastes changed, Chesterfield faced challenges. Liggett and Myers acquired the brand in 1912, followed by Philip Morris, now Altria, in 1999. Production of its non-filter cigarettes ended in 2018, signaling the brand’s decline in the market.
7. Winston
Winston cigarettes were launched in 1954 by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, named after Winston-Salem. The brand quickly gained traction with its catchy slogan, “Winston Tastes Good Like a Cigarette Should.” Its unique tobacco and water blend was marketed as simpler and more genuine, appealing to many smokers.
By 1966, Winston had become the top cigarette brand in the U.S., but it was surpassed by Marlboro in 1972. The brand’s sponsorship of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series from 1971 to 2003 helped bolster its American image and visibility among consumers.
In the late 90s, Winston faced challenges due to claims that its additive-free cigarettes weren’t necessarily safer. R.J. Reynolds sold its non-U.S. operations to Japan Tobacco in 1999 and its U.S. operations to ITG Brands in 2015. Today, Winston holds a much smaller market share than in its heyday.
8. Salem
Salem cigarettes were launched in 1956 by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as the first menthol cigarettes with a filter. This innovation set the brand apart, and its slogan, “Take a Puff, It’s Springtime,” highlighted its fresh flavor. The menthol provided a cooling effect that many smokers enjoyed, quickly making Salem one of the leading menthol brands.
In the 1980s, Salem tried to attract younger smokers with its Salem Spirit Campaign, featuring lively ads. However, it struggled to compete with popular brands like Marlboro and Kool.
In 2015, R.J. Reynolds sold Salem to Imperial Tobacco Group during its acquisition of Lorillard Tobacco Company. While Salem remains available, its market presence has diminished, with production handled by ITG Brands in the U.S. and Japan Tobacco elsewhere.
9. Eve
Eve cigarettes were introduced in 1971 by Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company to compete with Virginia Slims. Designed for women, Eve featured floral packaging and a slogan, “Every inch a lady,” emphasizing elegance and appeal. The cigarettes were longer and slimmer, aligning with fashion trends that favored slender figures.
Promoting the tagline, “Farewell to the ugly cigarette pack,” Eve highlighted its stylish look. However, despite a strong start, the brand struggled to keep market share due to fierce competition and changing attitudes toward smoking.
In the late 90s and early 2000s, the floral design was replaced by butterflies, but this change did not significantly boost sales. Eve cigarettes are still made by Liggett Group in the U.S. and Philip Morris International elsewhere, though their market presence has diminished.
10. More
In 1974, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco launched More Cigarettes, one of the first 120mm options, which were longer than the typical 100mm. Their dark brown wrapper helped them stand out from the common white brands. Initially marketed to both men and women, the brand soon shifted its focus to female consumers with the slogan, “Dare to be More,” creating a bold and sophisticated image.
More Cigarettes were known for their strong flavor and higher levels of tar and nicotine, available in both full flavor and menthol varieties. Despite an initial surge in popularity, the brand began to decline due to increasing competition and changing consumer tastes.
Today, R.J. Reynolds still produces More in the U.S., while Japan Tobacco handles production in the European Union. Though its market presence has diminished, More continues to cater to a niche audience.
11. Benson and Hedges
Benson and Hedges was founded in London in 1873 by Richard Benson and William Hedges. The brand quickly gained popularity for its premium cigarettes made from high-quality Virginia tobacco, delivering a rich and smooth flavor. Its luxurious image was reinforced by elegant packaging and a royal warrant received in 1878.
In the 1970s, Benson and Hedges became known for its distinctive gold packaging and full-bodied taste, often showcased in sophisticated advertisements targeting a high-end market. However, despite its initial success, the brand faced increased competition and changing consumer preferences.
In 2007, Japan Tobacco acquired the Gallagher Group, which included Benson and Hedges. Although the brand continues to be produced, it struggles to adapt to growing health concerns and stricter anti-smoking regulations, impacting its market presence.
12. Carlton
Carlton cigarettes were introduced by the American Tobacco Company in 1964, quickly gaining recognition for their low tar and nicotine levels. The brand was one of the first to display tar and nicotine information on its packaging, catering to smokers looking for a safer alternative. Marketed as an ultra low tar cigarette, some variants contained as little as one milligram of tar.
The focus on health was innovative for the 1960s, and Carlton’s competitive pricing attracted many consumers. Despite the lower tar and nicotine, Carlton maintained a good flavor, which helped retain its customer base.
However, awareness of the health risks of smoking grew significantly in the 1990s. Following American Tobacco’s merger with Brown and Williamson in 1994, Carlton struggled to maintain its market share and largely faded from the market by the early 2000s.
13. Marlboro Medium
Marlboro Medium was introduced by Philip Morris in the 1970s as a compromise between the robust Marlboro Red and the lighter Marlboro Lights. This brand targeted smokers seeking a balanced taste that wasn’t too intense or too mild. Known for its smooth flavor, Marlboro Medium combined high-quality tobacco with a unique filtration method.
The brand appealed to those wanting a satisfying smoking experience without the harshness of stronger cigarettes. It became a popular choice for smokers transitioning between full-flavored and lighter options.
However, Marlboro Medium was discontinued in 2011 as Philip Morris aimed to streamline its product lineup. The decision came in response to evolving consumer preferences and stricter tobacco regulations. As Marlboro Medium disappeared from shelves, many smokers began exploring new alternatives.
14. Doral
Doral cigarettes were introduced by R.J. Reynolds in 1969, quickly gaining a reputation for their smooth taste and high-quality tobacco. The tagline “Taste Me” highlighted the rich flavor achieved through a unique blend and filtration process. Initially marketed as a premium brand, Doral was rebranded in 1984 to position it as a value savings option.
This rebranding made Doral the first cigarette officially branded in the value segment, appealing to budget-conscious smokers. The brand’s combination of affordability and a premium experience attracted a wide audience. Doral also offered menthol flavors, further expanding its market reach.
However, as smoking rates declined and competition intensified, Doral’s popularity began to fade in the 2000s. In 2014, R.J. Reynolds contemplated selling Doral to Imperial Tobacco amid plans to acquire Lorillard Tobacco Company, but the deal ultimately fell through.
15. Maverick
Maverick cigarettes were launched in 1986 by Lorillard Tobacco Company under the name Harley-Davidson. In 1998, due to a legal dispute with Harley-Davidson, the brand was rebranded as Maverick. Known for their smooth taste and affordability, Maverick quickly gained popularity among budget-conscious smokers.
The brand offered various flavors, including menthol, which helped attract a broader audience. Maverick distinguished itself by providing a premium smoking experience at a low price, appealing to those seeking value without sacrificing quality.
In 2015, R.J. Reynolds acquired Lorillard and sold Maverick to Imperial Tobacco to avoid market monopoly concerns. Despite this change in ownership, Maverick maintained its discount brand status. However, its popularity has declined due to rising regulations and shifting consumer preferences, leading to a much smaller market share today.