A brand of kretek filter cigarettes from Indonesia. They are manufactured by the Gudang Garam Tobacco Company and besides Indonesia can be bought in many parts of Asia including Australia, though they are not always easy to find. In Melbourne, where I live, packets of twelve retail for $A5.

The packet of 16 which a friend of mine brought back from Bali contains sixteen cigarettes and is labelled "Professional". It cost Rp6500, which at time of writing is equivalent to $A1.28. Also on the label is marked the year of manufacture, "2002", and, mysteriously, "40%". What does this mean? 40% cloves? 40% tax? 40% nicotine? I hope not.

Update 21/06/02: nanoakron informs me that it is the tax. How dull.

Kretek cigarettes such as Gundang Garam are supposed to contain a high amount of nicotine. Aside from that, smoking cloves is surely not good for you. But these cigarettes taste so sweet and are hence they are worth trying if you are a smoker. Even unlit, they are a tasty treat to suck on. In my opinion, Gudang Garam are the most delicious brand of kretek available.

http://www.business.com/directory/agriculture/horticulture_and_field_crops/tobacco/gudang_garam_pt/profile/ has some info on the company. I couldn't find a website.

See also clove cigarettes.