kretek

Kretek, or clove cigarettes, are a type of cigarette that blends tobacco with ground cloves and sometimes clove oil. The resulting smoke is aromatic and is commonly associated with a distinct crackling sound as the cloves burn.

Composition and varieties: Clove content varies by brand and product line. Typical blends mix tobacco with ground cloves and flavor additives, with clove oil providing aroma and a mild anesthetic sensation. A popular variant is white kretek, which tends to have a lighter flavor and a different balance of tobacco and clove components.

Origin and production: Kretek originated in the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia, during the late 19th century and developed into a distinctly Indonesian product. Production centers are concentrated in Java, particularly Kudus in Central Java, where many long-standing brands were established and expanded.

Industry and brands: Indonesia hosts several major kretek producers, including Gudang Garam, Djarum, Sampoerna, Bentoel, and Wismilak. The kretek segment came to dominate Indonesian cigarette sales for much of the 20th century, and Indonesian kretek brands achieved recognition beyond the country’s borders.

Health and regulation: Like other tobacco products, kretek carry health risks, including nicotine addiction and exposure to tar and other chemicals. Some countries regulate or restrict clove cigarettes due to health concerns, while in Indonesia they remain widely consumed and are subject to national tobacco advertising, labeling, and taxation policies.