The French-Spanish company, Atladis, owns Gitanes cigarettes. Although a true French brand, Gitanes cigarettes are currently produced only in Holland, where the manufacturing facility is situated. The name ‘Gitanes’ means ‘Spanish gypsy women’ and this is the reason for the logo on the package of these cigarettes which show a silhouette of a gypsy woman. The brand was heavily promoted during the 1970s and 80s. The brand was also the sponsor of one of the most famous Formula 1 racing team, ‘Ligier’.
The filtered version known as Gitanes Blondes is very popular in many countries. So too are the Lights variety that is extensively exported to major countries around the world. Their popularity in certain countries such as Russia dates back to the times of the erstwhile Russian empire. The original Gitanes cigarettes were rolled with dark tobacco. The brand has evolved in the sense that they are always on the lookout to launch new cigarettes suiting the tastes of smokers all over the world. The classic brunes Gitanes cigarettes come with their own distinctive taste which comes because of a unique method of curing the tobacco. They are also subjected to what is known as the ‘rice’ type of rolling the cigarette paper, which is quite different from other cigarettes. These classic cigarettes are quite strong in flavor and come with a pleasing aroma. The unfiltered version of Gitanes cigarettes comes with a distinct taste that is similar to that of drinking espresso coffee, with the task being bitter and at the same time pleasant. The Blonde version is milder and is more ‘American’ in taste and blend.