State Express 555, commonly known as 555, is a British cigarette brand that originated in London in 1896. It was initially produced by the Ardath Tobacco Company and later acquired by British American Tobacco (BAT) in 1925. 
The brand gained significant popularity in China during the early 20th century, becoming a top seller in the high-end market segment. Notably, Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, favored 555 cigarettes during the Chinese Civil War years. 
In terms of product offerings, State Express 555 provides a blend of 100% Virginia tobacco. For instance, the “State Express 555 Original” variant contains 11 mg of tar and 1.0 mg of nicotine per cigarette. 
Over the years, 555 has also been involved in various sponsorships, including motorsports like rallying and Formula One, further enhancing its global brand recognition. 
Today, State Express 555 continues to be available in various markets worldwide, maintaining its legacy as a premium cigarette brand.
