You’ve seen the target logo. It’s basically everywhere in pop culture history, from WWII ration packs to the desks of 1960s ad men. But the Lucky Strike Menthol 100s you see on shelves today? That's a different beast entirely. Honestly, if you walked into a gas station in 2005 looking for these, you would’ve walked out empty-handed. They weren't there.
The brand has been through the ringer. It went from being the best-selling smoke in America to a niche "non-filter" brand for purists, and then, suddenly, it pivoted to becoming one of the most aggressive value brands on the market. If you're curious about why these 100mm menthols are suddenly everywhere again, it’s not just a random comeback. It’s a calculated move by Reynolds American to reclaim the ground they lost to "deep discount" brands.
The 2020 Rebirth: Why They’re Back
For years, Lucky Strike was that brand your grandpa smoked—the unfiltered ones in the soft pack. Then, in late 2020, the parent company decided to slap the Lucky Strike name on a whole new line of filtered cigarettes.
This included the Lucky Strike Menthol 100s.
Basically, they took the "Newport" DNA—since Reynolds owns both—and created a high-quality alternative that doesn't cost ten bucks a pack in most states. It’s a strategy to keep people from switching to bottom-shelf brands like Montego or LD. They’re using the "An American Original" heritage to sell a product that feels premium but fits a tighter budget.
What Do Lucky Strike Menthol 100s Actually Taste Like?
It’s not that "medicine" taste some cheap menthols have. Kinda the opposite, actually.
Because Lucky Strike uses a "toasted" tobacco process—the famous "It’s Toasted" slogan from 1917—there’s a specific roasted undertone to the smoke. When you mix that with the menthol in the 100mm length, you get a slower burn and a cooler draw.
The Flavor Breakdown:
- The Menthol Hit: It’s a balanced chill. It’s not "ice storm" levels of cold like some crush-ball variants, but it’s more pronounced than a "green" light cigarette.
- The Tobacco Body: You can still taste the Burley and Bright leaf. It’s a fuller flavor than you’d expect for the price point.
- The 100s Format: The extra length (100mm vs 84mm) means a slightly tighter draw and a longer experience. If you’re a fast smoker, these might actually force you to slow down.
Honestly, many smokers compare them to a "smooth Newport." It makes sense, considering they likely share some supply chain components. But the Luckies have a slightly "drier" finish that’s pretty distinctive.
The Silver vs. Dark Green Confusion
If you’re looking for Lucky Strike Menthol 100s, you’re going to see two main versions: the standard Menthol (usually in a dark green and white box) and the Menthol Silver.
Don't mix them up.
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The Silver version is the "lights" equivalent. It has more ventilation in the filter—those tiny little laser-cut holes—which lets in more air. If you want that punchy, "I’m definitely smoking" feeling, stick with the dark green box. If you want something that doesn't linger as much, the Silvers are your bet.
Pricing and Availability in 2026
In the current market, Lucky Strike has positioned itself as the "leader of the value segment." In states like North Carolina or Missouri, you might still find these for significantly less than their premium cousins. Even in high-tax states, they usually sit a dollar or two below the top-tier brands.
Retailers like Sam's Club and various liquor outlets often stock them in 10-pack cartons because the "value" aspect is the whole selling point. If you see them out of stock, it’s usually because the demand for "premium names at discount prices" is through the roof right now.
What You Should Know Before Buying:
- Check the Pack: Make sure you're getting the 100s if you want the longer burn; the "Kings" are the shorter, standard size.
- The "Mexico" Factor: Some recent batches have been noted by collectors and daily smokers as being manufactured in Mexico. While the blend is supposed to be identical to the U.S.-made versions, some purists swear they can taste a difference. It's a common topic in smoking forums lately.
- Menthol Bans: Depending on where you live (looking at you, California and Massachusetts), you might not find these at all due to state-wide flavor bans.
The Reality of the "Value" Brand
Let's be real for a second. Lucky Strike Menthol 100s aren't trying to be a luxury product. They are a "working man’s" menthol. They’re reliable, they’re consistent, and they don't taste like cardboard, which is a high bar for the discount category.
They’ve managed to take a brand that was almost dead in the U.S. and make it relevant again by acknowledging that people want a name they recognize without paying a "heritage tax" at the register.
If you're looking to switch brands or just want to see if the hype around the "toasted" tobacco holds up in a menthol format, start with a single pack rather than a carton. The toasted notes aren't for everyone—some people find it a bit too "savory" for a menthol—but for most, it’s exactly what’s missing from the more "chemically" tasting budget brands.
Check your local tobacco tax laws first, as "value" pricing varies wildly by zip code. If you’re in a state where menthol is still legal, these are likely the most consistent option in the sub-premium price bracket.
Next Steps for You: Check the bottom of the pack for the manufacturing code if you're curious about the origin, and compare the price of a single pack at a high-volume gas station versus a dedicated tobacco shop to see where the "value" pricing actually lands in your area.