These days I have been switching to try other brands, because Exotica is not available in the market in Korea and it's too bothersome to order online sometimes. These are some brands I have tried, and I think they are a good substitute for Exotica.
Arab Coal:
I got this from Thailand (@Huay-Kwang Night Market) because Exotica is not available in the market in Korea. This one is called Arab Coal, it is a product of Thailand so it's not available just any where but you can actually get more information on the sites (Here!). It is very cheap comparing to other coals and very long lasting (similar quality to Exotica). This brand comes in thin rectangular bars, and very easy to break. It has 3 different type of coal types (single, double, non-coated charcoal) It's about $5 (150 Thailand Baht), so it is good for a substitute. (call to check again about the price)
Torch Coal
It is said to be a Japanese style coal. Each box contains 20 bars, and each bar can be broken up to 3 pieces. It is available in the market comparing to Arab Coal (In Korea, I found at the foreign market in Itaewon 이태원). I don't know the official site for this type of coals but I think you can search online to find out more about it.
Exotica coals are made in Holland, were imported in the US. This brand produced long lasting coals, you can smoke for an hour long. It comes in rectangular shaped block (no rolling around the bowl), and is very easy to break (each block can be broken to 3 pieces). It's the brand I use all the time to smoke. (I have a vdo about Exotica reviews from hookahpro.com below this page). There are four different types of coals available for this brand:
Exotica (Square Finger Style) Hookah Coals:
This is a regular exotica coals, they are not pre-cut but are easy to break. 2 blocks are enough for you to smoke for an hour or so. It has no chemical smell and doesn't leave a mess (no breakage when heated). Each box comes in 1 kilogram (around $8).
Exotica Gold (pre-cut) Hookah Coals:
This is the same as Exotica (Square Finger Style) Hookah Coals, except that it comes in 36 pieces (smaller box) and it's already cut so you don't have to break it. The price is the same as the Square Finger Style, but smaller box, so I don't prefer getting this one unless you are too lazy to break coals every time you're gonna smoke.
Exotica Natural Hookah Coals (12 pieces) NEW:
This is a 5 years anniversary edition, it comes in sample sized 12 pieces box, which contains (3 fingers scored by 4). I haven't tried it yet, but I think it is pretty much the same as ones mentioned above. It comes in a chocolate bars-like box (about $1 for a box). I think it could be good for those who doesn't want to get big pack of coals, but just want to try out the brand.
Exotica Easy-Lite Hookah Charcoals:
This is a quick light coal type, which takes less time for you to heat up. I have never used it because I prefer natural coals more than quick light ones even though it takes more time heating the coals up. There are varied reviews on this type of coals, some say that it burn out too quickly and some say that it is alright. Each box contains 96 pieces in a box, the coals come in silvery small square shape . Personally, I think you can find other options that are similar to these. Each box is about $9, so it would be better to get the natural light ones even though it takes some time to heat, but they have better quality and long lasting.
There are two types of hookah charcoals: Quick Light Hookah Coal & Natural Hookah Coal. Personally, I prefer Natural Hookah Coal, because it last a very long time and gives you thicker smoke, unlike Quick Light Hookah Coal.
Quick Light Hookah Coals usually come in circle, they die out in like 20mins max and they don't give you thick smoke unless you put three on your hookah (some brands like Exotica, Chronic Hookah, Silver Flint, etc. came out with square ones). If you don't like to wait for a long time for the coals to burn, quick light hookah coals are a good option, but again, you won't get thick smoke.
Natural Hookah Coals are a very good if you like to have a good long session of shisha, because you can smoke for a very long time and gives you thicker smoke. The only bad part is that it takes time for the coals to burn. Most natural hookah coals come in square shape, except for some (like Romman Natural Lemonwood coals that come in broken pieces). I've always used a brand called Exotica, it is said to be a world leading and fastest growing charcoal brand. Exotica coals don't have any chemical taste, so you will get a pure flavored tobacco smell when you smoke. However, some reviews say that CO or Carbon Monoxide, but majority say this brand very good. Many reviews say that Coco Nara Natural Coals are the best coal. This brand is 100% made by coconut shells, many reviews say that it is long lasting and doesn't get too harsh. I haven't tried this brand yet, but I will definitely order some when I get a chance.
**Click HERE to find out more about Exotica Coals**
