Abstract: A cigarette having an improved carbon-bearing filter. A cigarette is provided with a smokable rod attached to a filter element having a region of carbon-bearing cellulose acetate tow surrounding a substantially impermeable member in the form of a hollow plastic tube crimped at the upstream end. As a result, the carbon-bearing region transitions from a circular cross-section to an annular cross-section. A plurality of circumferentially arranged holes are provided in the filter to permit dilution of the smoke passing through the filter. The resulting filter element provides reduction in gas phase components of smoke, dilution by ambient air and acceptable drawing characteristics.