So, I picked up a pack of Esse Cafè. It's a superslim SKM LTLN (kretek) with a sweet creamy coffee flavor. Each stick is 100mm long but super slim at 5mm wide. The pack has 20 cigarettes, with 15mg tar and 1.0mg nicotine. I got it for about Rp 27,000. Let's see what this coffee break is all about.
Product Info
- Brand: Esse
- Variant: Cafè
- Type: SKM LTLN Superslims (Kretek)
- Key Feature: Sweet Creamy Coffee Flavor
- Tar/Nicotine: 15mg Tar, 1.0mg Nicotine
- Dimensions: 100mm length, 5mm diameter (superslim)
- Pack Contents: 20 cigarettes
- Price (at review): ~Rp 27,000 (approx. $4.50)
- Manufacturer: PT Tri Sakti Purwosari Makmur (under KT&G Korea)
The Pack & Look
The box is brown, beige, and gold with a swirly pattern that looks like stirred coffee. The logos are embossed, so it feels fancy. The cigarette itself is white with brown text and a wavy brown pattern on the filter. It's very slim and feels light in your hand.
The Smoking Experience
Even before lighting, you get a sweet, fermented smell with a strong coffee note. When lit, the first thing I notice is the creamy sweetness. The coffee flavor comes through, but it's more like a caramel macchiato or a latte—smooth and milky, not a strong black coffee. There's a bit of a fruity hint in the background, maybe lychee or banana, which is common in Esse SKM, but it's subtle. The clove spice is very muted, almost not there. The tobacco blend feels light, mostly Virginia and some Indonesian Oriental leaves, but the coffee and cream flavors are the stars. The smoke is incredibly smooth—almost no throat hit or harshness at all. It burns for about 8-9 minutes. The aftertaste is a pleasant, creamy sweetness that sticks around.
Flavor Breakdown
The main flavors are sweet cream, caramel, and a mild coffee. I also get a slight nutty note. It's not very spicy or earthy. The sweetness is noticeable but not overwhelming; it comes from inverted sugar and licorice. The clove is so faint that if you're looking for a strong kretek kick, you won't find it here.
How It Compares & Who's It For?
Compared to other Esse SKM like Esse Mild or Esse Change, this has a higher tar/nicotine level and a much more distinct, creamy coffee profile. It's less about clove and more about dessert-like flavor. I'd say it's suited for smokers who want a very smooth, aromatic experience and enjoy sweet, creamy flavors. It's also for those with a slightly higher budget, as it's priced above average. It might not be for traditional kretek lovers seeking a strong clove hit.
What to Pair It With
Obviously, coffee is the go-to. A plain black coffee or a latte would complement it well. Maybe even a sweet iced tea. I'd avoid anything too heavy or savory that might clash with its creamy sweetness.
Where to Find It & Final Thoughts
I found it at modern trade stores like Indomaret and Alfamart. Traditional warungs might get it later. The price is on the higher side, and the coffee flavor, while pleasant, is milder than I expected. The burn time is also a bit short. But if you're after a gentle, sweet, and creamy smoke for a quick break, it's a pretty unique option. Just know you're paying for that specialty flavor.