Choosing a rolling paper might seem like a minor detail, but any experienced smoker knows it makes a real difference to the overall experience. In the Spanish market, three brands account for the lion’s share of searches and sales: OCB, RAW and Smoking. Each has its own manufacturing philosophy, its own range of formats, and a user profile it suits best.
In this comparative guide we look at their objective characteristics — material, thickness, gum, burn and available formats — so you can make an informed choice. Please note that the sale of tobacco and accessories is strictly reserved for adults aged 18 and over.
OCB: French precision and ultra-thin paper
The OCB brand was founded in France in the early twentieth century and has been a benchmark in the European market for decades. Its defining characteristic is the pursuit of the thinnest paper possible without compromising strength during the rolling process.
- Material: OCB’s most popular range uses linen fibre cellulose or hemp blends, depending on the line. The OCB Slim Premium and OCB X-Pert variants are the most widely recognised for their reduced grammage.
- Gum: Natural Arabic gum, a feature shared with its main competitors.
- Burn: Even and slow thanks to the reduced thickness; the paper tends to virtually disappear visually during use.
- Formats: Available in standard size (70 mm), King Size (110 mm) and King Size Slim, as well as booklets with individual leaves or continuous rolls.
- Presentation: Booklets with a distinctive black cover; there is also the OCB Organic Hemp version, made from unbleached hemp paper.
You can browse the full range in the OCB papers section of the shop.
RAW: the case for unbleached paper
The RAW brand burst onto the market in the early 2000s with a distinctive proposition: unbleached papers in a light brown or cream colour, made primarily from hemp fibre with no chlorine or bleaching additives.
- Material: Unbleached hemp fibre, which gives it its characteristic toasted colour. The RAW Classic line is the most widely available; RAW Black offers a thinner paper within the same philosophy.
- Gum: Natural Arabic gum with a generous adhesive strip, making it easy to seal even in humid conditions.
- Burn: The slightly textured surface of the unbleached paper promotes a slower, more controlled burn compared with very smooth papers.
- Formats: A wide variety: 1¼, King Size, King Size Slim, and also in roll format (RAW Classic Roll). There is also the RAW Organic Hemp line with organic certification.
- Presentation: Unlaminated recycled card packaging, consistent with the brand’s aesthetic.
Browse the available models in the RAW papers section.
Smoking: Spanish tradition and maximum versatility
The Smoking brand is the oldest of the three: its origins date back to the late nineteenth century in Alcoy (Alicante), the historic heartland of the Spanish paper-making industry. It is the go-to brand for many smokers looking for a classic, reliable paper with an exceptionally wide range of formats.
- Material: It offers several lines with different materials: rice paper (Smoking Rice), standard cellulose paper (Smoking Blue), hemp paper (Smoking Hemp) and ultra-thin paper (Smoking Master).
- Gum: Natural Arabic gum across all its lines.
- Burn: Varies by line: the rice paper is particularly thin with a very clean burn; the standard paper is more robust and easier to handle for beginners.
- Formats: The brand with the greatest variety of sizes: short (70 mm), long (78 mm), 1¼, King Size and King Size Slim, as well as double window and roll formats.
- Presentation: Booklets with colourful covers that vary by line; instantly recognisable in any Spanish tobacconist.
Find all models in the Smoking papers section.
Comparison table: OCB vs RAW vs Smoking
| Feature | OCB | RAW | Smoking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | France | USA / global production | Spain (Alcoy) |
| Main material | Linen / hemp | Unbleached hemp | Rice, cellulose, hemp (depending on line) |
| Paper colour | White or semi-transparent | Brown / cream (unbleached) | White or cream (depending on line) |
| Thickness | Very thin (especially X-Pert) | Thin (RAW Black) / medium (Classic) | Variable: very thin (Master/Rice) to standard (Blue) |
| Format variety | High | High | Very high |
| User profile | Experienced smoker seeking a thin, discreet paper | Smoker who prefers a natural paper with no bleaching additives | All profiles; ideal for those just starting to roll |
Which paper suits each profile?
If minimum thickness is your priority
The OCB X-Pert and OCB Slim Premium ranges are the benchmark here. RAW Black also competes in this segment with its thinner paper within the unbleached line.
If you want a paper with no bleaching additives
RAW is the most widely recognised option in this segment, thanks to its naturally coloured hemp paper. OCB Organic Hemp is an alternative within the same philosophy but with a different finish.
If you value versatility and availability
Smoking is the brand with the greatest number of lines and sizes, making it the most flexible choice. Its rice paper (Smoking Rice) is particularly popular with those seeking a very clean burn and an almost invisible paper.
If you are just starting to roll
Standard-thickness Smoking papers (Blue) or OCB King Size papers are more manageable for those still perfecting their technique, as their greater consistency makes the rolling process easier.
Conclusion
There is no objectively «best» paper: OCB, RAW and Smoking each cater to different preferences in terms of material, thickness and manufacturing philosophy. The best way to find your favourite is to try the different lines from each brand and see which one best suits your rolling style and personal preferences. You will find all three brands in our shop, with their full catalogue of formats and lines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between OCB and RAW rolling papers?
The most notable difference lies in the material and manufacturing process: OCB uses primarily linen or hemp fibre in white or semi-transparent papers, whereas RAW uses unbleached hemp, which gives it its characteristic light brown colour. This results in a distinct texture and visual appearance.
Is Smoking a Spanish brand?
Yes. The Smoking brand originated in Alcoy (Alicante) and is one of the oldest rolling paper brands in the world, with over a century of history in the Spanish paper-making industry.
Which rolling paper format is easiest to handle for beginners?
As a general rule, King Size papers with a standard thickness — such as Smoking Blue King Size or OCB King Size — are more manageable for those learning to roll, as their larger surface area and greater consistency make the process easier.
What is the difference between rice paper and hemp paper?
Rice paper, such as Smoking Rice, is particularly thin and typically offers a very clean burn. Hemp paper, found in lines such as RAW Classic or OCB Organic Hemp, has a slightly different texture and a more natural colour. Both are plant-based materials commonly used in rolling paper production.
What is roll paper and what is it used for?
Roll paper is a continuous format that allows the user to cut the exact length they need for each cigarette. Brands such as RAW (RAW Classic Roll) and Smoking offer this format, which is particularly practical for those who prefer to customise the size of their cigarettes.