The weeks leading up to the first weekend of October were approached with bated breath. All seemed to be a-go for the much-anticipated Pipe Smokers Gathering, or the Richmond Pipe Show as it’s commonly referred to. But after both the West Coast and Chicago Pipe Shows cancelled for the second consecutive year, any presumption of certainty felt naïve. Now on the other side of the event, we have only the looming bitter-sweetness of a perfect weekend in the rearview to toil with.

Established in 1984, the Conclave of Richmond Pipe Smokers (CORPS) have put on the Annual Pipe Smokers Gathering almost every year since the club’s founding. On October 1^st and 2^nd, the 33^rd iteration of the hallowed event saw pipe smokers near and far convene at the Sutliff Tobacco building in the Manchester district of the historic tobacco city.

Near the James River’s southern edge, blocky mid-rises loom above crimson brick apartment complexes purposed from the bones of long defunct factories. Further southward, we step into the scattering of still vacant factories, waiting—eagerly I’m sure—to be reborn as the next trendy brewery or loft. The once bustling industrial district has plenty of factories, warehouses, and shipping yards still operating—but it surely isn’t the manufacturing center it was in the 1950s when Sutliff pulled its western roots, anchored in the California gold rush, and replanted in the notorious tobacco capital.

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But the pipe tobacco factory has held strong through the changes around it. They found where the light shone through the canopy of cigarette and vape dominance, of production outsourcing, and remain steadfast in the threat of broad legislation which sees all forms of tobacco use as being of the same beast.

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of commonality between the location and the event itself. What is the pipe smoker if not the hanger-on amid the shifts in culture and industry? Where many may see an anomaly, we see a tradition worth preserving. While pipe smoking may not have the numbers it once had, its foundation is made of those who are pulled not to a convenient nicotine fix, but of ritual and community. It was in this spirit that the CORPS Pipe Show was established, and this most recent show demonstrated how true that still is.

Friday, October 1

Sutliff Factory Tour

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One of the greatest threats to the modern pipe show is the difficulty securing a venue where smoking is permitted. This was a significant obstacle to the CORPS team in years past, but sometimes obstacles can lead to something even better.

The CORPS Gathering was first held at Sutliff Tobacco in 2019. Given 2020's cancellation, this was only the second time Sutliff hosted the event. Beyond being a space that enables pipers to, well, pipe—there’s also something so fitting about a staple of the industry hosting such an event, it garners the energy of a home game. But possibly the best thing about the location—attendees had the opportunity to tour the factory that produces some of their favorite blends.

I went along on one of the first tours of the day. Sutliff President Jeremy McKenna took a group of roughly 17 around the factory to give us a behind the scenes look.

“Factory tours are my favorite part of the pipe show,” McKenna tells me. “This is where we get to show off the high-quality tobaccos we purchased, coupled with the intricate manufacturing process to deliver the highest quality pipe tobaccos to the smoker.”

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We made our way through shipping and we're led into a large, chilly room stacked high with saratogas, the large bins you see above. This is cold storage. Each saratoga is filled with tobacco which has been processed and cased but not finished. Tobacco Beetles are especially attracted to the unfinished leaf and an outbreak of those would mean devastation for the product. Luckily, they don’t much like the cold, so this storage keeps the critters at bay.

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Leaving cold storage, we followed McKenna past high shelves of stored tins, labels, palettes, and unconstructed wooden bales, until we stopped at the end of one of the shelves where barrels were stacked, labeled, and dated. Here is where popular blends such as Seattle Pipe Club’s Plum Pudding Bourbon Barrel Aged and Mississippi River Rum Barrel Aged are stored in casks for a month at a time. As they sit, the remnant aroma and flavor infuses the tobacco to offer a fantastic variety on the already popular blends.

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From there we make our way into a room where big boxes of raw tobacco are arranged, each holding a different blend component: Burley, Dark Fried Kentucky, Red Virginia, Oriental Katerini, and at the center of it all, a barrel of Perique. The guests orbit the boxes, feeling the raw leaf as McKenna explains that after being compressed into these bales, the leaf has little to no moisture. The tobacco is brittle and can be crumbled like dry autumn leaves. This display set the stage for our next destination as we turn to two large chambers on the other side of the room.

Of course, quite a few are reluctant to pull themselves from the barrel of Perique, huddled near like a campfire on a cold night. Not hard to find your Perique lovers on this tour.

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Once everyone has regrouped, our attention is directed to the conditioning chambers pictured above. This is where tobacco is rehydrated by steaming it in the vacuum chamber to the right, pulling the moisture all the way through the bale. In the left chamber, tobacco is blackened. Metal tubes lined with holes are inserted into hogsheads filled with tobacco where steam is pumped in for 24 hours, then the bale is flipped, and the process is repeated to ensure the tobacco is evenly blackened.

After this process, the tobacco is not easily broken apart like the raw leaf we just came by. It is now pliable and allows for safe handling, processing, and cutting to ensure the highest quality ribbon cut.

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We are then escorted past a huge, rotating drum from which a conveyor belt carries dark brown latakia. This is a drier where the tobacco is cased and then tested to ensure an optimal moisture level. It’s crucial that it’s just right, they don’t want it too dry, but too wet and the threat of mold arises. One of the workers takes bowls of the tobacco to a machine resembling an instant coffee maker that measures the moisture. We turn the corner to see where the rehydrated tobacco is compressed and cut before being fed into the drier. McKenna catches a handful as it falls from the cutter and holds it out. In turn, spectators feel the tobacco.

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Before heading into the next room, we pivot toward a few old machines. This is the original equipment that made the iconic Mixture no. 79 blend, the flagship brand that Sutliff has been producing since 1933. These machines were used in Sutliff’s earliest days in the Richmond factory, making the Mixture no. 79 which packed our fathers’ and grandfathers’ pipes McKenna assures us.

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Then we’re brought to what I suspect was many of the guests’ favorite part of the tour, where the tobacco is pressed into dense, 9 pound bricks which will then be cut into crumble cake. The tobacco is loaded in molds and then pressed with 20 tons of force for a 48 hours. McKenna holds up a block of Sutliff’s 2021 Cringle Flake but you would have thought he was holding up a tablet fresh from the presses of Mount Sinai the way this group gazed on the slab. It’s then passed around the party—“uhh, I think it disappeared!” one tour-goer jests.

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After seeing where the aromatic blends are flavored, we end our tour in packaging where McKenna takes questions from the group. At the end of our tour we’re about two hours into our first day and it’s already looking to be a great weekend.

Blending Seminar

Later in the afternoon I attended a blending seminar which was guided by Russ Ouellette and Mark Ryan. They began giving us an introduction to the blending process, offering advice as to how we should navigate our mixing before setting the eager pipers on their way.

Mark Ryan is an expert on Perique, and quite a gifted orator as well. His scholarly knowledge from years of experience transmits through captivating stories and anecdotes. The armchair linguist in me was especially enthused when he explained Perique’s etymology (a not so kind nickname for Pierre Chenet, the 19^th century farmer who developed Perique through pressure-fermentation).

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Then the attendees were set loose on tables of component tobaccos to mix their own blends. They began to float from table to table, inhaling the aromas of the bins. I half expected someone to leave the ground like a Looney Tune downwind from a pie cooling in the windowsill.

After loading a pinch into their tin-liner, the blenders would jot down their most recent addition, documenting their recipes for later inspection. Finally, they sealed the tins in a vacuum chamber. Now, nothing to do but wait—Ouellette recommended at least a month to allow the flavors an opportunity to get properly acquainted.

Swap Meet

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Friday ended with a swap meet, an opportunity for anyone to set up shop at the rows of tables to sell and trade their goods.

Artisan pipe maker S.E. Thile displayed his impeccable works arranged around a gorgeous painting—as it turned out, a still-life his wife had painted.

Old Hollywood Briar, the YouTube Pipe Community favorite, had a display of vintage blends, some of the tins signed by famous actors and musicians such as Chris Rock, Dusty Hill, and Steven Adler.

Everywhere you looked, pipes and aged tobacco jars sprawled over the black cloth.

This event was one of my favorite parts of the whole weekend as it truly showcased one of the things I find most endearing about this community—everyone has their niche. From one display to the next, you glean the tastes and preferences that curated the collection, an insight into the person behind the table. Next thing you know you’re hearing their story; how they got into pipes, what it is that draws them to these shapes or those blends, their other interests and where they’ve intersected with tobacco pipes. It’s a rare and gratifying pleasure to come into a community, cultivated around a mutual passion, that is as fertile for individuality as it is for kinship. I think that’s the happy result of an esprit de corps that places value on knowledge and perspective—that sees a difference in praxis as a point of interest, perhaps a learning opportunity, but certainly not an affront to one’s own preferences or ways of doing things.

I suppose “big tent” is the proper idiom, considering we were literally under one. The atmosphere is a welcoming one, advice and instruction are delivered in good faith and are the jumping off point for discussion, not lecture—if you ask me, far more conducive to learning, and certainly for connecting as people. And from the conversations I had over the weekend, I certainly feel I learned a lot.

Tobacco pipe smoking in and of itself is a niche hobby these days. A newcomer into such a niche may anticipate a disregarding shoo from old hands of the craft, but events like this confound whatever cynic may be wading in the back of one’s head. I’m thankful for that as someone relatively new to the scene myself. My grasp on the allure of pipe shows which I had gathered from forums, social media, and podcasts is no longer something I take on faith. I’m happy to say I know it first hand now.

Saturday, October 2—Exhibitor Day

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Bright and early, the blacktop outside the Sutliff shipping area was abuzz. All the vendors were getting situated for the long day ahead. I of course was being of what use I could over at the TobaccoPipes station, but I can’t say I wasn’t more than a little distracted, my head on a swivel scanning all the pipes and tins being unloaded around me.

Between trips around the convention to talk with other vendors, I hovered about the TobaccoPipes table, talking with browsers who were delighted in perusing the selection of pipes, tobacco, and accessories. Up to this point, I hadn’t thought too much about how this would be my first experience really getting to gab with pipe enthusiasts outside of a virtual space, save for the handful of us here at TobaccoPipes. But the reality of what I had been missing out on quickly dawned.

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One of the highlights of this day was the raffle our gracious hosts had put together. Many attendees purchased tickets at the Sutliff table. They had amassed a collection of great prizes to raffle off, and tickets were drawn throughout the day to choose lucky winners. Such prizes included tobaccos like McClelland 5100 Red Cake; Virginia Vaper and Heavy English Crumble Cake; Seattle Pipe Club’s Mississippi River, Plum Pudding, and their barrel aged variations. There were also many boxes of cigars and other accessories included in the raffle.

And for those looking for a guaranteed win, Sutliff offered a “five scoops for five dollars” deal. Sitting on the table were large jars and bags of popular Sutliff blends from which pipers gleefully took advantage of the bargain. Best of all, the proceeds from the raffle and the five-scoop deal were donated to the Fisher House Foundation, an organization which supplies comfortable housing close to medical facilities to military and veteran families so that they may stay close to hospitalized loved ones.

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One stop I was especially excited for was the Missouri Meerschaum table. My second pipe was their Legend corncob and I’ve been sold on the hollowed maize pipe since. 

It was a great treat to talk with Shannon Hoch for a bit. First, I had to ask about the special edition Moonshine corn cob, a blacked-out poker cob done in collaboration with BriarWorks a few years back. That thing is a beaut, and I’ve been determined to get it in my rotation since I first came across one online. To my delight, it seems the future’s bright (or moonshining?) for more of those being sold down the line.

We went on to chat about some of the commerce headaches plaguing this last year. One might think, since they grow their bowls right out of the ground, a good harvest would be the only concern. If only life were so simple.

Apparently in a shortage of planting stakes, more gardeners turned to bamboo, which backed up orders of the reed stems for which Old Dominion cobs are notorious. (The very next week we here at TobaccoPipes received a new stock of Old Dominions, so I can only hope that order has been restored.)

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Many other staples of pipes and pipe tobacco were present. The boutique favorite, Cornell &Diehl, had stacks of blends calling out to each passerby. One table down we had Peterson and Savinelli displaying an impeccable array of pipes. Going down the line brought us to 4th Generation tobacco and Nording Pipes. Suffice it to say, I spend a good bit of time ambling about this row.

However, I had resolved to leave with my first estate pipe. Well, I walked away with two; a leather-bound Longchamp and a Weber Meerschaum (also first) poker. Both have been joys since. Throw in that this was my initiations to pipe shows, I supposed it was a weekend of firsts for me.

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As thankful as I am that we have the infrastructure for virtual meeting and online shopping, especially over the past year and a half, this event made unequivocally evident the sustenance that is genuine, face to face togetherness to any community. Every pipe smoker has their way of engaging with the craft, but to me, and I’m sure countless others, a passion shared is a robust one. It’s not meant to stagnate, it’s meant to be explored ever deeper, and the kinship between those that share a passion is one of the greatest fodders to keep it thriving. Before March 2020, it was easy to think that fodder was an unlimited resource. If there’s a silver-lining, it’s seeing how gratitude abounds in our renewed appraisal of how meaningful these opportunities are.

If you didn’t make it this year, be sure to keep up with CORPS and Sutliff so you don’t miss out on the 34^th gathering. 

The 33rd Annual CORPS Pipe Smokers Gathering occurred on October 1-2, 2021 at Sutliff Tobacco in Richmond, Virginia. Here is our full coverage from before and after the event. Click here to skip our pre-show blog. 

The 33rd Annual Pipe Smokers Gathering is Coming Back to Richmond

Posted Aug-24-2021

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CORPS Show Specifics

When?

The 33rd Annual Pipe Smokers Gathering will be held on Friday October 1 - Saturday October 2, 2021. Friday’s festivities will be between 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and will include factory tours, seminars, and a swap meet. There will be a BBQ dinner and food trucks will be onsite.

Saturday’s events will be between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. This will be the exhibitor day, no tours or seminars. Food Trucks will be onsite.

Where?

The event will be held at Sutliff Tobacco Co. in the Manchester neighborhood of Richmond. The official hotel for the event is The Omni located in downtown Richmond. You can get a group discount by reserving at 1-800-THEOMNI using the Group Discount Name: The Conclave of Richmond Pipe Smokers. But, there are limited rooms, so reserve yours as soon as possible.

There will be no parking available on site but a shuttle will run from The Omni to the Sutliff building.

What’s the Cost?

Friday will be free, Saturday will be $5.00 (cash only).

For information on Registering for a table or any other questions regarding the event, you can visit the CORPS Website for more information.

The CORPS Show is Quickly Approaching

The wait is nearly over. Come the weekend of October 1-2, 2021, the Conclave Of Richmond Pipe Smokers (CORPS) will be hosting their annual Pipe Smokers Gathering here at the Sutliff Tobacco building in Richmond, Virginia. The longest running pipe show in the world, since 1985 this tradition has been going strong, bringing pipe enthusiasts together from all around the world to share in their tobacco pipe passion. With last year’s cancellation in the wake of the pandemic, we couldn’t be more ready to indulge in this fantastic community in the best way possible—at the CORPS Annual Pipe Smokers Gathering.

What’s the Deal with Pipe Shows Anyway?

For many readers, this is like asking why the World Series is special for Baseball fans, but bear with me. For our truly green pipe friends, let’s start with what’s so special about pipe shows in general, and what they really mean to this community of ours. Then we’ll narrow our scope to what this show is all about.

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It can be hard to imagine, especially for us younger pipe smokers, but there was a time when pipe smoking was ubiquitous—”well I always saw my grandpa with a pipe” is the cliché origin story for many enjoying the hobby today. There just aren’t so many of us anymore, at least, not everywhere you turn like cigarette smokers, and even they’ve dwindled over the years. On the bright side, what we lack in numbers, we make up for in passion—in a strong core. Sometimes it’s not about quantity, and pipe smokers the world over are notorious for enjoying their pipecraft with care—with preserving the patient, ritualistic heritage of smoking a pipe.

It is this very ethos that makes us so drawn to the social aspect of pipe smoking, and despite the fact that we aren’t the biggest clan, we’ve found ways to carve out community where we can. This gets to the point of why institutions like pipe conventions are especially crucial for the 21st century piper. They are staples of our pastime. Here, that core is brought together to revel in our shared passion.

And setting aside the sentimental stuff, it’s very simply exciting to be around so much pipe stuff. As pipe smokers, we’re used to the smoke shop being curated around other smoking mediums, nodding at us here and there, but ultimately relegating pipe smoking to a niche hobby. And hey, I get it, demand is demand, stock what’s selling. But with this in mind, walking into a room to see tables stacked with tins, spread with pipes, even binfuls nearly overflowing—well it’s just Wonka’s pipe factor isn’t it? I mean, this picture of an attendee scouring bins of pipes is almost hard to look at on the pain of pure envy.

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Looking Back - The Club and Convention

Every pipe show is special, for the reasons mentioned above, and because no two are exactly alike—they each have their own charms. So let’s look back on the history of the Richmond Gathering of Pipe Smokers and of the pipers who have brought it to us all these years.

So What Is CORPS?

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CORPS stands for the Conclave of Richmond Pipe Smokers. They are a pipe smoking club based in Richmond, Virginia, going strong since their founding in 1984. They were founded with the simple purpose of bringing local pipe smokers with a mutual appreciation for the craft together. After all, there’s nothing like sharing this hobby with others. How many of our own favorite tobaccos, pipes, and neat tips or tricks that we now swear by are the result of gabbing with a fellow enthusiast about their pipecraft? This is the magic of CORPS and pipe clubs in general.

And it’s this spirit that gives life to the pipe show in all its glory. You could say the pipe club meeting is the microcosm of the pipe show. This group and their tenets as pipe smokers being the soul of this tradition no doubt has much to do with the gathering’s lasting popularity with pipe smokers from around the world.

As per their own statement, CORPS “encourages the enjoyment, education and continuance of the ancient and honorable art and sport of pipe smoking and all positive aspects thereof.”

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Now, roughly 37 years after the club’s first meeting, they still congregate once a month at a local Richmond establishment to chew the fat and smoke the pipe. And of course, continue to host the annual CORPS Pipe Smokers Gathering.

Pipe Smokers Gathering History

In 1985, one year into the club’s existence, they hosted the first gathering. In only its second year, the gathering garnered a good deal of attention, really solidifying its place on the calendars of pipe lovers around the world. It was this year that CORPS secured the preeminent pipe writer Richard Carleton Hacker as an MC and keynote speaker for the event. In also having local newscasting legend Gene Cox attend as a judge for the pipe smoking competition, the gathering received significant coverage from local television and print media.

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Ever since, the CORPS Pipe Smokers Gathering has been one of the most beloved events in the pipe world. Enthusiasts and vendors alike have come from across the country and across the sea to take part.

The 33rd Gathering - What's to Come

If ever there was a time to attend the Richmond Pipe Show, this may be it. We have slogged through a year and then some, seeing treasured traditions and milestone events placed on the backburner or cancelled altogether. The camaraderie with our extended pipe smoking family has gone unsatiated for a long time.

Given last year’s cancelation, this will only be the second time the gathering is located at Sutliff Tobacco, and as many will remember from 2019, having the show at such a venue only elevated the already enshrined event. So what can we expect from this time around?

Take a Tour of the Sutliff Factory

More than offering a space for the event, the gracious hosts at Sutliff Tobacco will be giving tours of their factory. Come along and see the fascinating process of how your favorite tobaccos journey from long raw harvested stalks to the treasure packing your pipe.

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Blending Seminar

Per Jensen has been Mac Baren’s product specialist since 2001. Per has been making pipes since he was 15. You can get a taste of the tobacco guru through the excellent educational videos on His YouTube Channel, but of course, nothing beats having the teacher right in front of you! As Per says himself, “...if you're going to learn something, you have to do it yourself by being involved." The convention will also offer the chance to attend a blending seminar with one of the best in the business—Per Jensen.

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To register for the factory tour and/or seminar, Follow This Link.

Swap Meet

Of course it wouldn't be a pipe show without the chance to shop around, and maybe even sell/trade your own pipes. A few hours on Friday afternoon will be allocated for this, but all of Saturday is exhibitor day. Schmooze with other pipers and vendors, share a bowl, and of course, seek out that perfect pipe (or several) to add to the collection.

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Pipecraft is a multifaceted business, which is probably why its devotees are as well—many of us appreciate pipes as works of art just as one might admire the fine craftsmanship of artisan furniture or some other, as we say, functional art. We are fascinated by old pipes and their history like any collector of antiques. We are particular about our preferred tobaccos, developing story-telling palates which invite us to postulate on the particulars of its journey from the field to our pipe chambers, much like a sommelier deciphering the properties of fine wine. Sometimes the appreciation is less as a connoisseur, and simply that pipe smoking is a pleasant, welcomed ritual we delight in, especially with some company. Whatever your niche is (and let’s be honest, most of us can say all of these factors weigh in to some degree), and whether you're a New Pipe Smoker, or an experienced one, the Richmond Pipe Smokers Gathering will gratify the pipe smoker in you.

Our Look Back on the 33rd Annual Pipe Smokers Gathering

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The weeks leading up to the first weekend of October were approached with bated breath. All seemed to be a-go for the much-anticipated Pipe Smokers Gathering, or the Richmond Pipe Show as it’s commonly referred to. But after both the West Coast and Chicago Pipe Shows cancelled for the second consecutive year, any presumption of certainty felt naïve. Now on the other side of the event, we have only the looming bitter-sweetness of a perfect weekend in the rearview to toil with.

Established in 1984, the Conclave of Richmond Pipe Smokers ( CORPS) have put on the Annual Pipe Smokers Gathering almost every year since the club’s founding. On October 1 ^st and 2^nd, the 33^rd iteration of the hallowed event saw pipe smokers near and far convene at the Sutliff Tobacco building in the historic tobacco city's Manchester district.

Near the James River’s southern edge, blocky mid-rises loom above crimson brick apartment complexes purposed from the bones of long defunct factories. Further southward, we step into the scattering of still vacant factories, waiting—eagerly I’m sure—to be reborn as the next trendy brewery or loft. The once bustling industrial district has plenty of factories, warehouses, and shipping yards still operating—but it surely isn’t the manufacturing center it was in the 1950s when Sutliff pulled its western roots, anchored in the California gold rush, and replanted in the notorious tobacco capital.

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But the pipe tobacco factory has held strong through the changes around it. They found where the light shone through the canopy of cigarette and vape dominance, of production outsourcing, and remain steadfast in the threat of broad legislation which sees all forms of nicotine use as being of the same beast.

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of commonality between the location and the event itself. What is the pipe smoker if not the hanger-on amid the shifts in culture and industry? Where many may see an anomaly, we see a tradition worth preserving. While pipe smoking may not have the numbers it once had, its foundation is made of those who are pulled not to a convenient nicotine fix, but of ritual, community, and infinite exploration. It was in this spirit that the CORPS Pipe Show was established, and this most recent show demonstrated how true that still is.

Friday, October 1

Sutliff Factory Tour

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One of the greatest threats to the modern pipe show is the difficulty securing a venue where smoking is permitted. This was a significant obstacle to the CORPS team in years past, but sometimes obstacles can lead to something even better.

The CORPS Gathering was first held at Sutliff Tobacco in 2019. Given 2020's cancellation, this was only the second time Sutliff hosted the event. Beyond being a space that enables pipers to, well, pipe—there’s also something so fitting about a staple of the industry hosting such an event, it garners the energy of a home game. But possibly the best thing about the location—attendees had the opportunity to tour the factory that produces some of their favorite blends.

I went along on one of the first tours of the day. Sutliff President Jeremy McKenna took a group of roughly 17 around the factory to give us a behind the scenes look.

“Factory tours are my favorite part of the pipe show,” McKenna tells me. “This is where we get to show off the high-quality tobaccos we purchased, coupled with the intricate manufacturing process to deliver the highest quality pipe tobaccos to the smoker.”

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We made our way through shipping and we're led into a large, chilly room stacked high with saratogas, the large bins you see above. This is cold storage. Each saratoga is filled with tobacco which has been processed and cased but not finished. Tobacco Beetles are especially attracted to the unfinished leaf and an outbreak of those would mean devastation for the product. Luckily, they don’t much like the cold, so this storage keeps the critters at bay.

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Leaving cold storage, we followed McKenna past high shelves of stored tins, labels, palettes, and unconstructed wooden bales, until we stopped at the end of one of the shelves where barrels were stacked, labeled, and dated. Here is where popular blends such as Seattle Pipe Club’s Plum Pudding Bourbon Barrel Aged and Mississippi River Rum Barrel Aged are stored in casks for a month at a time. As they sit, the remnant aroma and flavor infuses the tobacco to offer a fantastic variation on the already popular blends.

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From there we make our way into a room where big boxes of raw tobacco are arranged, each holding a different blending component: burley, dark fried Kentucky, red Virginia, oriental katerini, and at the center of it all, a barrel of perique. The guests orbit the boxes, feeling the raw leaf as McKenna explains that after being compressed into these bales, the leaf has little to no moisture. The tobacco is brittle and can be crumbled like dry autumn leaves. This display set the stage for our next destination as we turn to two large chambers on the other side of the room.

Of course, quite a few are reluctant to pull themselves from the barrel of perique, huddled near like a campfire on a cold night. Not hard to find your perique lovers on this tour.

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Once everyone has regrouped, our attention is directed to the conditioning chambers pictured above. This is where tobacco is rehydrated by steaming it in the vacuum chamber to the right, pulling the moisture all the way through the bale. In the left chamber, tobacco is blackened. Metal tubes lined with holes are inserted into hogsheads filled with tobacco where steam is pumped in for 24 hours, then the tobacco is flipped, and the process is repeated to ensure it is evenly blackened.

After this process, the tobacco is not easily broken apart like the raw leaf we just came by. It is now pliable and allows for safe handling, processing, and cutting to ensure the highest quality ribbon cut.

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We are then escorted past a huge, rotating drum from which a conveyor belt carries dark brown latakia. This is a drier where the tobacco is cased and then tested to ensure an optimal moisture level. It’s crucial that it’s just right, they don’t want it too dry, or too wet and the threat of mold arises. One of the workers takes bowls of the tobacco to a machine resembling an instant coffee maker that measures the moisture. We turn the corner to see where the rehydrated tobacco is compressed and cut before being fed into the drier. McKenna catches a handful as it falls from the cutter and holds it out. In turn, spectators feel the tobacco.

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Before heading into the next room, we pivot toward a few old machines. This is the original equipment that made the iconic Mixture no. 79 blend, the flagship brand that Sutliff has been producing since 1933. These machines were used in Sutliff’s earliest days in the Richmond factory, making the Mixture no. 79 which packed our fathers’ and grandfathers’ pipes McKenna assures us.

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Then we’re brought to what I suspect was many of the guests’ favorite part of the tour, where the tobacco is pressed into dense, 9 pound bricks which will then be cut into crumble cake. The tobacco is loaded in molds and then pressed with 20 tons of force for a 48 hours. McKenna holds up a block of  Sutliff’s 2021 Cringle Flake but you would have thought he was holding up a tablet fresh from the presses of Mount Sinai the way this group gazed on the slab. It’s then passed around the party—“uhh, I think it disappeared!” one tour-goer jests.

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After seeing where the aromatic blends are flavored, we end our tour in packaging where McKenna takes questions from the group. At the end of our tour we’re about two hours into our first day and it’s already looking to be a great weekend.

Blending Seminar

Later in the afternoon I attended a blending seminar which was guided by Russ Ouellette and Mark Ryan. Ouellette is the master blender behind  Hearth & Home and the RO Firestorm blends. Ryan of Daughters & Ryan Tobacco is known as the savior of perique, as he bought and revitalized one of the last production facilities in 2005 when the component seemed it may become unobtainable.

Beyond being an expert on perique, Ryan is quite a gifted orator as well. His scholarly knowledge from years of experience transmits through captivating stories and anecdotes. The armchair linguist in me was especially enthused when he explained perique’s etymology (a not so kind nickname for Pierre Chenet, the 19th century farmer who developed perique through pressure-fermentation).

The seminar was centered around perique as a blending condiment. They began by giving us an introduction to the blending process and perique's role in the mix, so their advice on how and how not to use it was crucial. If the knowledge weren't enough, we were further spoiled as Sutliff gave each participant a quarter ounce of the highly coveted 2003 St. James Parish perique to use in our blending. This one of a kind and perfectly aged perique is a star component in Sutliff's 2021 Cringle Flake. 

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The attendees were set loose on tables of component tobaccos to mix their own blends. They began to float from table to table, inhaling the aromas of the bins. I half expected someone to leave the ground like a Looney Tune downwind from a pie cooling in the windowsill.

After loading a pinch into their tin-liner, the blenders would jot down their most recent addition, documenting their recipes for later inspection. Finally, they sealed the tins in a vacuum chamber. Now, nothing to do but wait—Ouellette recommended at least a month to allow the flavors an opportunity to get properly acquainted.

Swap Meet

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Friday ended with a swap meet, an opportunity for anyone to set up shop at the rows of tables to sell and trade their goods.

Artisan pipe maker S.E. Thile displayed his impeccable works arranged around a gorgeous painting—as it turned out, a still-life his wife had painted.

Old Hollywood Briar, the YouTube Pipe Community favorite, had a display of vintage blends, some of the tins signed by famous actors and musicians such as Chris Rock, Dusty Hill, and Steven Adler.

Everywhere you looked, pipes and aged tobacco jars sprawled over the black cloth.

This event was one of my favorite parts of the whole weekend as it truly showcased one of the things I find most endearing about this community—everyone has their niche. From one display to the next, you glean the tastes and preferences that curated the collection, an insight into the person behind the table. Next thing you know you’re hearing their story; how they got into pipes, what it is that draws them to these shapes or those blends, their other interests and where they’ve intersected with tobacco pipes. It’s a rare and gratifying pleasure to come into a community, cultivated around a mutual passion, that is as fertile for individuality as it is for kinship. I think that’s the happy result of an esprit de corps that places value on knowledge and perspective—that sees a difference in praxis as a point of interest, perhaps a learning opportunity, but certainly not an affront to one’s own preferences or ways of doing things.

I suppose “big tent” is the proper idiom, considering we were literally under one. The atmosphere is a welcoming one, advice and instruction are delivered in good faith and are the jumping off point for discussion, not lecture—if you ask me, far more conducive to learning, and certainly for connecting as people. And from the conversations I had over the weekend, I certainly feel I learned a lot.

Tobacco pipe smoking in and of itself is a niche hobby these days. A newcomer into such a niche may anticipate a disregarding shoo from old hands of the craft, but events like this confound whatever cynic may be wading in the back of one’s head. I’m thankful for that as someone relatively new to the scene myself. My grasp on the allure of pipe shows which I had gathered from forums, social media, and podcasts is no longer something I take on faith. I’m happy to say I know it first hand now.

Saturday, October 2—Exhibitor Day

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Bright and early, the blacktop outside the Sutliff shipping area was abuzz. All the vendors were getting situated for the long day ahead. I of course was being of what use I could over at the TobaccoPipes station, but I can’t say I wasn’t more than a little distracted, my head on a swivel scanning all the pipes and tins being unloaded around me.

Between trips around the convention to talk with other vendors, I hovered about the TobaccoPipes table, talking with browsers who were delighted in perusing the selection of pipes, tobacco, and accessories. Up to this point, I hadn’t thought too much about how this would be my first experience really getting to gab with pipe enthusiasts outside of a virtual space, save for the handful of us here at TobaccoPipes. But the reality of what I had been missing out on quickly dawned.

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One of the highlights of this day was the raffle our gracious hosts had put together. Many attendees purchased tickets at the Sutliff table. They had amassed a collection of great prizes to raffle off, and tickets were drawn throughout the day to choose lucky winners. Such prizes included tobaccos like McClelland 5100 Red Cake; Virginia Vaper and Heavy English Crumble Cake;  Seattle Pipe Club’s Mississippi River, Plum Pudding, and their barrel-aged variations. Many boxes of cigars and other accessories were also included in the raffle, and as a surprise last minute donation, master pipe carver  Yiannos Kokkinos, who travelled all the way from Cyprus, offered one of his amazing, artisan pipes. 

And for those looking for a guaranteed win, Sutliff offered a “five scoops for five dollars” deal. Sitting on the table were large jars and bags of popular Sutliff blends from which pipers gleefully took advantage of the bargain. Best of all, the proceeds from the raffle and the five-scoop deal were donated to the Fisher House Foundation, an organization which supplies comfortable housing close to medical facilities to military and veteran families so that they may stay close to hospitalized loved ones. By the end of the day, over $3,000 had been raised. 

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One stop I was especially excited for was the Missouri Meerschaum table. My second pipe was their Legend corncob and I’ve been sold on the hollowed maize pipe since. 

It was a great treat to talk with Shannon Hoch for a bit. First, I had to ask about the special edition Moonshine corn cob, a blacked-out poker cob done in collaboration with BriarWorks a few years back. That thing is a beaut, and I’ve been determined to get it in my rotation since I first came across one online. To my delight, it seems the future’s bright (or moonshining?) for more of those being sold down the line.

We went on to chat about some of the commerce headaches plaguing this last year. One might think, since they grow their bowls right out of the ground, a good harvest would be the only concern. If only life were so simple.

Apparently in a shortage of planting stakes, more gardeners turned to bamboo, which backed up orders of the reed stems for which Old Dominion cobs are notorious. (The very next week we here at TobaccoPipes received a new stock of Old Dominions, so I can only hope that order has been restored.)

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Many other staples of pipes and pipe tobacco were present. The boutique favorite, Cornell & Diehl, had stacks of blends calling out to each passerby. One table down we had Peterson and Savinelli displaying an impeccable array of pipes. Going down the line brought us to 4th Generation tobacco and Nording Pipes. Suffice it to say, I spend a good bit of time ambling about this row.

However, I had resolved to leave with my first estate pipe. Well, I walked away with two; a leather-bound Longchamp and a Weber Meerschaum (also first) poker. Both have been joys since. Throw in that this was my initiation to pipe shows, I supposed it was a weekend of firsts for me.

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As thankful as I am that we have the infrastructure for virtual meeting and online shopping, especially over the past year and a half, this event made unequivocally evident the sustenance that is genuine, face to face togetherness to any community. Every pipe smoker has their way of engaging with the craft, but to me, and I’m sure countless others, a passion shared is a robust one. It’s not meant to stagnate, it’s meant to be explored ever deeper, and the kinship between those that share a passion is one of the greatest fodders to keep it thriving. Before March 2020, it was easy to think that fodder was an unlimited resource. If there’s a silver-lining, it’s seeing how gratitude abounds in our renewed appraisal of how meaningful these opportunities are.

If you didn’t make it this year, be sure to keep up with CORPS and Sutliff so you don’t miss out on the 34 ^th gathering. 

1. Mac Baren - Plumcake Navy Blend
2. Cornell & Diehl - Black Frigate
3. Cobblestone - High Spirits Spiced Rum
4. G. L. Pease - Barbary Coast
5. Sutliff - Crumble Kake Barrel Aged Series no. 2
6. Peter Stokkebye - PS 38 Highland Whiskey
7. Seattle Pipe Club - Plum Pudding Bourbon Barrel Aged
8. Sutliff - Private Stock Great Outdoors
9. Sillem's - Copenhagen

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Considering liquors can be some of the most complimentary libations to a good tobacco blend, it’s no wonder that liquor flavored tobaccos are so popular with aromatic lovers and can even be the exception for those picky about their flavored blends. The addition of different liquor flavorings can bring remarkable textures and nuances to the profile of a blend one might not expect.

Often, it’s these aromatics that depart from the saccharin acuteness which turns many smokers with a taste for darker, bolder blends off from aromatics. To be fair, most tobacco blends are cased, subtly altering the flavor of the tobacco. But this is more to attenuate some of the heavier qualities of raw tobacco and balance a blend. Aromatics have a top flavoring (sometimes more than one) which usually centers or plays a much more forward role in the mix. With most aromatics, the flavor is applied as a spray on the cased tobacco, but we also get a number of fantastic barrel-aged liquor blends—those that are sealed in a cask that liquor was once aged in. Those spirits haunt the old vessel, their character pervasive through the wooden staves, which will impart the inherited flavors onto the tobacco for a natural aromatic essence.

Of course, there are a lot of options to consider for the pipe smoker curious to try a few liquor blends. From brands, to flavors, and the tobaccos which abut them, it’s hard to know exactly where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 9 of the best liquor blends and why we think they’re sure to delight any spirited aromatic smoker. Hopefully you can apply your own preferences and find a few blends that are just what you’re looking for.

Rum

1. Mac Baren - Plumcake Navy Blend

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Plum and rum—they aren’t merely a complementary duo for the bard’s rhyme scheme. Plumcake from Mac Baren shows how well these flavors play off each other in practice.

When Plumcake was first introduced in 1957, Mac Baren was merely a line of blends from the Danish company Harald Halberg Tobacco. The name Mac Baren was the company’s attempt to approximate an English sounding name, as German names weren’t doing businesses any favors in the post-WWII era, and Danish names were easily mistaken for German.

However, this line would go on to become so familiar that the company changed their name altogether in 1995 to the Mac Baren Tobacco Company.

This aromatic English blend from their Classics line is a widely praised pipe tobacco. As the name would suggest, the Classic blends are those that have been mainstays for the illustrious company. The Jamaican rum topping offers a slight spice to the mix that adds to the nuance and harmony between the bright Virginias, burley, original Mac Baren cavendish, and Cyprian latakia.

Plumcake is a great blend for English lovers who are picky about their aromatics. It offers all the delight of aromatic fragrance with flavor that works with the tobacco, not too big a personality to get along with the forward condimental tobaccos. This blend is renowned for its dynamic, complex flavors and heavenly room note, but it is one that asks to be sipped to be enjoyed. If you’re more of a puffer, consider using a charcoal active filter to beat the heat while delighting in the flavorful bouquet.

2. Cornell & Diehl - Black Frigate

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Black Frigate from Cornell & Diehl is one of those great blends that is especially difficult to place into a category. From the tobacco manufacturer’s Navy Blends Series, Black Frigate is truly one of a kind. The Virginia cavendish, soaked and aged in rum, forms a dynamic base. The flavoring is present but discreet and brings a wonderful aroma and sweet spice to the mix, but it certainly isn’t the lone, defining flavor of the blend. The earthy Cyprian latakia and the woody Turkish components bring much of their own to the fray.

This is one of the first blends that saw me branching out from aromatics where the added flavoring is the dominant force, into more woody, spicy, darker blends. Black Frigate was incredibly inviting and remains a favorite. It has the slight rum presence but not in such a coating that it’s depended on for more than an interesting nuance in the mix.

3. Cobblestone – High Spirits Spiced Rum

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I think I hit my quota for “spirit” puns in the introduction, but we’re not quite through with them yet.

Spiced Rum is one of several great blends from Cobblestone’s High Spirits line of liquor blends. This is a delicious, straight-forward aromatic for those who want a less busy profile and are looking for an aromatic that is true to its title—a blend that kindly introduces itself in the tin note.

Black cavendish, burley, and Virginias set a discreet, earthy foundation for the rich, distinct spiced rum top note. With a mild to medium strength, Spiced Rum is an all-day smoke that fills the room with a pleasant sweetness, sure to be enjoyed by company.

If you’re a fan of liquor aromatics, you really can’t go wrong with any of the outstanding blends that comprise the High Spirits line which also includes Whiskey, Sangria, Kahlua, and Amaretto.

Brandy

4. G. L. Pease - Barbary Coast

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Pease’s foray into professional blending was in 1998 when he started a small operation creating tobacco pipe mixtures with a friend. Despite that brief venture ending in 1999, Pease had already found some success with these blends, so he opted to keep that passion alive and debuted G. L. Pease Tobacco in 2000.

Barbary Coast is one of the earlier blends for G. L. Pease, introduced in 2001. In this blend, the brandy topping mixes perfectly with fine cube-cut burley for a nutty depth on which the sweetness of red Virginias and spice of perique can blossom. This is one of those aromatics that clearly isn’t the outcome of throwing in flavor willy-nilly, but of strategic consideration as to the interplay between the natural flavors of the tobaccos and the top flavor. As Pease says himself , “flavorings, when used, are added with restraint to enhance the natural character of choice tobaccos, not to obscure inferior ones.”

5. Sutliff - Crumble Kake Barrel Aged Series No. 2

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The second of Sutliff’s Barrel Aged Series, Crumble Kake no. 2 sees the pipe tobacco stewards replacing the aged apple brandy barrels of the first iteration for an oak cognac barrel. Pressed into a cake after one month of aging, the citrusy bright Virginias and spicy dark-fired Kentucky boldly intertwine with the sweet and smoky cognac flavoring for a fantastic medium blend.

This is a blend especially worth cellaring, it will surely age wonderfully and with 4,000 tins made, you’ll probably be thankful for your stock once it’s off the shelves.

Whiskey

6. Peter Stokkebye - PS 38 Highland Whiskey

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Peter Stokkebye Tobacco exemplifies fine tobacco with four generations of tradition behind it. Peter started his business in the 1970s, but the family’s tobacco legacy goes back further with Peter’s grandfather, Erik-Peter Stokkebye, who opened his tobacconist shop in 1882. Now it is Peter’s son Erik Stokkebye keeping the tradition alive.

This flavorful blend features Carolinian and Zimbabwean flue-cured Virginias, white burley, and black cavendish. To pull it all together, fine aged whiskey from the Scottish Highlands is added for a lavishly fragrant smoke. The whiskey is truly the front player in this blend but not without its support from the nutty burley and citrusy Virginias. The slow, cool burn on this mild aromatic makes it a great option for greeting the day. I recommend packing a pipe with PS 38 and sitting outside with that morning coffee.

7. Seattle Pipe Club - Plum Pudding Bourbon Barrel Aged

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Following Mississippi River, Plum Pudding was master blender Joe Lankford’s second blend. Upon sharing it with his comrades at the Seattle Pipe Club, it was also his second instant classic. This modification on the original is truly the blend you never knew you needed. I mean, it’s not as though the stalwart Balkan blend was at all lacking. But I’m always more than happy to embrace another excellent blend.

Bourbon Barrel Aged is, well, the name pretty much says it. For one-month the blend is stored in a charred oak Kentucky barrel, taking in the aromas and flavors of the bourbon-imbued wood. In fact, the Plum Pudding variation is neighbors with Crumble Kake no. 2, stored on the Sutliff factory shelves, waiting to be de-barreled, pressed, and cut into crumble cake. It is even tinned with a piece of one of the barrel staves before making its way to your pipe’s chamber (or to your cellar, as this is another great aging blend).

Plum Pudding Bourbon Barrel Aged is a refined smoke for those who like a little guest star flavor that doesn’t mellow boldness. This is a full-bodied smoke in which spice comes through in great harmony with the embedded bourbon flavor. All in all, it’s a dynamic blend meant to be enjoyed slowly—although it has a cool burn, its complexity deserves a patient cadence.

And I should also say, Lankford has developed his first success, the beloved English blend Mississippi River, into an impeccable liquor blend with Seattle Pipe Club’s Mississippi River Rum Barrel Aged. These are two boutique blends you really have to try.

Liqueur

8. Sutliff Private Stock Great Outdoors

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Great Outdoors is an impressive blend from Sutliff’s Private Stock brand. Geared toward the spirit of the American outdoorsman, their aim is true in each draw of this coarse-cut aromatic.

It seems Carl McAllister, the master blender behind so many of the beloved mixtures from Sutliff Tobacco, was aptly guided by a maxim essential to an adventuresome trekker: pack light and only what you need. In this blend, black cavendish and burley modestly set the foundation for the anisette and vanilla top flavors. The liquor addition in this blend is not so forward, its role is a humble one that brings a delightful accent to the notes of grass, brown sugar, and honey. This blend is discreetly sweet and has a wonderful room note.

9. Sillem’s Copenhagen

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The name Sillem’s stretches back centuries in pipe tobacco history. Appropriately, there is something old-world wholesome about the Copenhagen blend. It carries the tastes and flavors that one associates with a haimish, peaceful atmosphere. You want to light a fire, pour a drink, and grab a book with this aromatic.

Black cavendish, burley, and Virginias form the base of Sillem’s Copenhagen, on which flavorings of amaretto, nuts, and beans mingle in a dynamic array. The Virginias most prominently feature in the tobacco taste, but the burley gives a wonderful body to the profile on which the sweet, lightly fruity lilt of the amaretto carries a gentle melody throughout.

Like the tin says “…a taste you’ll never forget!” It certainly is one of those that just stays with you and can be a conduit, summoning the peace of the evenings that it’s attended in the past.

We all have our individual tastes and preferences; the best liquor blend is the one you’re loving. But hopefully a few of the blends on this list stuck out and lead you to some new favorites in your pipe smoking.

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In the mid-19th century, Saint-Claude, the small French commune nestled in the Jura mountains, changed pipe making forever with the popularization of briar as the wood of choice for the smoking instruments. And since nearly the earliest days of briar’s dominance, the prominence of the Barling name has been central. Although manufacturing of these pipes became gradually sparser in the decades following the 1960s when Barling was acquired by Finlay & Co., a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco, Barling pipes continue to be discussed, studied, collected, and appreciated.

For a century-and-a-half, Barling thrived as a family business with a history in tobacco pipe smoking that reached back far into the annals of the industry. The debates and scholarship devoted to understanding Barling’s history epitomize the intersection of the schmaltzy nostalgic and the studious wonk. It's at this improbable convergence that many of us with this passion of pipe smoking seem to meet.

Generation after generation of Barlings weaved and bobbed their company through an ever-changing industry and culture. The family’s craftsman tradition can be traced back to the 1700s—and well before they were turning pipes from briarwood, the Barling business clearly had a niche as artisans with a focus in tobacco products.

The company was eventually purchased in the 1960s. The following decades saw the brand take many iterations. Most recently, the Barling name has been seen on Peterson-made pipes, complete with P-Lip stems. However, the brand’s presence has not been significantly felt outside of the estate market for some time, at least not until now.

The history is fascinating, but it isn’t over. We’re seeing a new era for the famed brand, with a new line of Barling pipes. In celebration, let’s take a look back at some of the history, before delving into what these new pipes are all about. 

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History of Barling Pipes

Origins - From Silver to Briar

Benjamin Barling, born in 1788, was the first Barling to lead the eponymous company which he likely launched in 1812 as a jeweler. At the very least, the Barling business was operating by 1815 when Ben first registered a silver hallmark. However, the line of Barling craftsmen stretches back two generations still; Benjamin’s grandfather, Aaron Barling, had worked as a goldsmith, while his father, John Barling, was a silversmith.

Ben would be married in 1811 and go on to have seven children—four sons and three daughters.

Benjamin Barling Starts a Dynasty

Of the sons, Edwin and William would go on to join Ben in the business, taking up their father’s trade, just as their father and grandfather before them had.

We can glean the breadth of craftsmanship calcified in the amber of generational knowledge through hallmarks which list Ben as a jeweler, copper worker, silversmith, goldsmith, and engraver throughout his life. Additionally, a hallmark from 1882 tells us that Edwin and William were also listed with an array of skills within the craftsman profession. This foundational artisanship passed through the family may offer some insight into the Barlings’ forthcoming adaptability as we see their capacity for taking on new specialties and bringing certain creative processes in-house (all of which we will soon delve into).

The evolution into Barling, the briar pipe company, was soon to come. But we can observe that, as early as 1840, within their jack-of-all-trades craftsmanship was a niche for tobacco products such as cigar cutters and match strikers. One of the earliest instances of Barling (at this time B. Barling & Sons) engaging with pipecraft is in 1851 at the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations. Here, the team was awarded a medal as manufacturers of “silver-mounted meerschaum smoking pipes.”

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We can see that by the time Ben passed away in 1870 and his sons took over the operation, the gears were already in motion for Barling’s prestige in the world of tobacco pipes.

Barling & Sons - Briar Pipe Makers

The third generation of Barlings to join the business would see the full integration of briar pipe making. The Barlings were still considered jewelers and silversmiths in census reports up into the late 19th century, but in 1901, the listing changed to pipe makers, and in 1911, to briar pipe manufacturers.

Barling Needs Sons

Although Edwin had three sons, two of whom spent some time in the trade, they ultimately would go in other professional directions and, despite being the younger brother, it would be William’s three sons (William Henry, Alfred Montague, and Walter Frederick) who would inevitably take the helm.

With the death of Williams in 1882, his sons were made partners and helped their uncle run the company until Edwin’s death in 1905 when they fully took the reins.

Taking Bowl-Turning in House 

To discuss the prevalence of Barling as briar pipe makers and their role as such in the earliest period of the material's mandate on quality wooden pipe making, let’s first turn to the origins of this shift in the industry.

Briarwood’s Origins in Tobacco Pipe Making

Tucked in the Jura Mountains of western France sits the small commune of Saint-Claude, the unlikely pipe capital of the world.

Woodwork had been central to this region since the 7th century when monks would craft religious tokens such as crucifixes and rosaries. The appreciation for the craft came to spill-over into secular enterprise, seeing woodturning workshops sprout up, manufacturing toys and other nonreligious items. Naturally, the introduction of tobacco in France led to the manufacturing of pipes (mostly made of boxwood at the time), and with Saint-Claude's existing infrastructure of workshops and expertise, a reputation for the excellence of Saint-Claude pipes developed.

This reputation only found a stronger foothold as the pipe making community was one of the first to switch to briar in the 19th century. As you can imagine, there are complications when working with a wooden instrument meant to take a flame. However, it was discovered that briar was exceptionally heat resistant, making it the ideal wood for smoking pipes. 

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In the 19th and into the 20th century, most British pipes were made with bowls imported from Saint-Claude. Although these pipes were still stamped with a mark identifying them to be English made, almost no bowls were actually turned in England. Barling began importing these pre-turned bowls in 1870 when briar pipe making was likely a budding focus in their business. But as we know, Barling would still be listed in census reports for decades to come as craftsmen of various other niches. However, it was in 1906 that Barling started to turn their own bowls, right between the census listing them as pipe makers (1901) and then specifically as briar pipe manufacturers (1911).

The Saint-Claude Strike and Barling’s Adaptation

But why exactly did Barling make the change to in-house? Perhaps a desire for greater agency over quality, the marketing value of having a major facet of their operation that set them apart from competitors, or an economic move uniquely accessible to Barling given their expertise? All of these exclamations could very well factor in, but the direct impetus is almost certainly the Saint-Claude strike in the second half of 1906.

This period saw the pipe making communities of Saint-Claude and nearby localities go on strike for three months, adversely impacting tobacco pipe companies. Even after the strike, the price of pre-turned bowls shot up. One could imagine that even if this move to in-house was conceived as temporary, it only made sense to continue—Barling could avoid the increase in cost, and also have some assurance that their business wouldn’t be impacted by conflicts in other parts of the world (though they would face such a problem in the 1950s when the Algerian Civil War obstructed their access to the allegedly superior briar that grows in the region).

The Last Generations of Barlings

So, as a proverbial “You Are Here” marker: It is now the early 20th century. Their uncle having died, William’s three sons are now running the show, and the Barlings are now committed, bowl-turning, briar pipe makers.

Now we come to the fourth generation of Barling leadership. Between William Henry and Alfred Montague, the two eldest of William’s sons, we have no suitable heir (Alfred had a daughter). Not to fear, Walter Frederick bounces two baby boys into the world—Walter William, and Montague “Monty” Henry. In 1914, Walter William and Monty became partners, and in 1918, William Henry and Alfred Montague bowed out and left their youngest brother, Walter Frederick, and his two sons to run the company.

Another Heir-y Situation

We find the Barlings approaching the mid-20th century in crisis

Walter William and Monty each had two daughters, offering no heir to the Barling business. To work around this, a son-in-law would have to do. Monty’s eldest daughter, Beryl, married William Alan Williamson in 1944.

Adding the Barling name to his own (or double Barling it, one might say), William Alan Williamson-Barling joined the company. I imagine it was supposed that at least William Alan and Beryl’s offspring, or even a son from one of the other daughters, would inevitably continue the Barling Pipes bloodline in due time, but this never came to fruition. As we’ll see, Monty and William Alan would be the last Barlings to run the company.

End of a Dynasty

Although the transition occurred in the 1960s, the last chapter in the family era of Barling Pipes was really set in motion in 1927, when Imperial Tobacco bought a large portion of the British tobacconist chain, Finlay & Co. At the time, Imperial held just shy of half of Finlay’s common equity and most of their preferred shares. Then in 1960, Finlay purchased B. Barling & Sons Ltd., bringing an end to the Barling family’s absolute control. However, this didn’t immediately translate to the family having no role in the company.

In 1963, Imperial acquired the remaining Finlay stock. A year and a half before this however, right between Barling’s acquisition and Imperial's control over Finlay, there was an overhaul of management at Barling. This included William Alan resigning in 1962, his role as managing director being filled by an employee from Finlay. It is in the 1962 catalogue following the departure of the Barling family that we see Barling pipes with revised grades and nomenclature. This is the first change to the pre-Finlay pipes—even after they bought Barling, there was no observable change until this point.

Whether Finlay was unsatisfied with the performance of their recent acquisition or were privy to the impending takeover by Imperial and were making changes in anticipation, this marks the end of the Barling family's role in the company since Benjamin Barling started it in 1812. 

Imperial and Beyond

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In 1970, Imperial officially closed the Barling factories and moved production of the pipes to independent pipe makers. More lines were added, and Imperial rebranded the company Barling of England. Eventually, manufacturing moved to Denmark where Erik Nording took the reins of production. By this time, Barlings were available in three ranges of varied price and quality, each with a few options for different finishes. Folks may gripe in a supposed quality difference in the Imperial era, but like any large operation, the stratification of standards must be considered, and few would attest that the Barling Presentation Pipe range, Barling’s high-grade handmade selection of the late 1970s, offers anything short of a great pipe.

However, attempts at rekindling the Barling allure were nonetheless futile, and Imperial discontinued Barling operations in 1980. But Barling general manager Ronald Harden held that the company could be revived to its former glory with an acute embrace of family era methods. Acquiring the naming rights and rebranding as Barling Pipes Ltd., a new line was released within the year.

The brand would keep a presence in the market through the 1990s, and though some Peterson-made Barlings have popped up in the years since, the Barling pipes of old live on in the fascinations of pipe collectors and (armchair) historians.

However, we are about to see a new chapter in this history, as a new line of Barling pipes have arrived. 

New Beginnings

The new line of Barling pipes features two styles—Marylebone and Trafalgar—each available in an array of twelve classic shapes and three finishes—Fossil, Ye Olde Wood, and The Very Finest. In many ways, this new collection pays homage to the historic brand.

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New Barling Styles

Each of the new styles sees the Barling revival nodding to its vintage London roots.

Consistent between each style is the Barling stamp. Barling pipes always varied a good deal in their nomenclature—many of their pipes from the early to mid-20th century featured a block-font “Barling’s Make” logo, with “Barling’s” arching over “Make.” However, they also used a cursive script for media, packaging, and occasionally, special pipes were stamped with it. 

The new lines feature a stamp reminiscent of the cursive font. The main difference being the spelling. Marylebone and Trafalgar’s stamp reads “Barling” as opposed to “Barling’s” as most lines of old pipes were labeled, save for The Pipelet filtered-pipe line which similarly omitted the “‘s”.

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Additionally, these new Barling pipes don a small, elegant inlay centered at the bottom of the stem where it meets the shank. Look a little closer and you’ll see the visage of a lion head perforating out from a silver mane. No doubt this is a stoic salute to Barling’s roots as world class silversmiths.

Trafalgar

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Assuming that this name isn’t paying respect to the Bee Gees album, it is likely named for Central London’s Trafalgar Square. Perhaps more specifically, this name alludes to the Barling roots in central London. An 1820 census lists Ben Barling as a jeweler at 23 Broad St, Golden Square—but half a mile from Trafalgar.

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The Trafalgar style gives a further nod to the silverwork at Barling’s origins with a rustic sterling silver band. An elegant addition that wonderfully compliments the ornamental lion inlay.  

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Marylebone

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Similar to Trafalgar, Marylebone is named for the district where Ben Barling opened up shop. 

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Aside from the silver band around the Trafalgar, these styles are distinct in the colors accompanying each respective finish. 

New Barling Finishes

Fossil - Sandblasted

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The Fossil gives us an exquisite sandblast for a natural, rustic look. The dark burnt brown of the Marylebone is accented with the peaking light orange to further enhance the classic texture, while the Trafalgar is stoic and craggy in its black coating. “Fossil” pays homage to an earlier Barling style of the same name which can be seen in a 1941 George Yale catalogue. 

Ye Olde Wood - (Dark) Brown

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The Ye Olde Wood finish also nods to a Barling style of yore. Pipes marked YE OLDE WOOD can be found in the same 1941 catalogue—although, the YE OLDE WOOD stamp can be seen as early as 1913. On the Marylebone style, the Ye Olde Wood finish is a deep, polished dark-brown, with lighter browns imparting a marble like texturing. The Trafalgar substitutes the dark brown for a lighter maple-brown. Poised and dignified, this finish wonderfully evokes the roots of fine English pipecraft. 

The Very Finest - Natural

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The Very Finest finish is similar to the Ye Olde Wood in its polished and textured look, however the color is instead a milky burnt orange, like a glowing, dense amber.

Barling has all the staples of a storied brand that fuels our fascination. Craftmanship to be admired, tradition to be honored, a legacy to be learned. Such brands breathe life into the hobby, their charm permeates from our smoking rituals to our conversations with those who share our passion. This new line resumes that legacy, saluting the craftsmanship and tradition that keeps the pastime alive.

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Maybe you’re considering taking up cigar smoking, or maybe you just want a grip on the basics for that infrequent celebratory smoke. There’s certainly a good deal of technique to follow when smoking a cigar, it’s not quite as simple as the light, puff, stub cigarette routine. But it really isn’t so difficult, and once you have the basics down, you can start finding your rhythm and developing your own preferred methods.

If you want to learn how to smoke a cigar, what’s most important is setting yourself up for a proper smoke.

Sounds obvious, but what I mean is, you’re not going to start off a seasoned expert, orating on the eloquent notes and nuances of the blend. But you don’t have to be that developed to have an enjoyable, relaxing smoking experience, you just need to know enough to avoid the errors that undercut the real joys of the craft. Beginner mistakes can often lead to disinterest based on an inaccurate representation. It’s like messing up a recipe and saying, “this dish isn’t for me” without truly having experienced it.

So, let’s explore how to smoke a cigar and you’ll have no problem dodging the pitfalls to a good smoking experience.

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How to Choose a Cigar

As was said above, someone curious about cigars can often be discouraged by a poor experience that could have been avoided. The culprit can often be a poor choice in cigar. You definitely want something quality (which doesn’t have to mean expensive), but even a quality cigar can deliver a regrettable experience if its strength is beyond what you can handle. Most often, cigars with high strength, or “full" cigars, must be worked up to.

Let’s make sense of what exactly I mean by “strength” so that you can find a suitable cigar for your level of experience.

Strength and Body

The strength of the cigar refers to the nicotine content, or “nic hit” as we often call it. This is what can cause the buzz or light-headedness to new smokers.

The body refers to the weight, or presence of flavor on one’s palate.

We often see “strength” used in a broader sense to describe a cigar’s boldness with all of these factors of flavor and nic-hit taken into consideration. This is what is meant when you hear cigars designated as mild, medium, or full.

It’s important to remember that being a fan of “full-bodied” flavor outside of cigars (merlots or dark lagers, for example) doesn’t necessarily mean you should jump right into a full-strength cigar. Taking a strong nic hit with little tolerance for nicotine can be an unpleasant experience to say the least, even with a taste for dark, robust flavor.

As a rule of thumb, it’s probably best that you start with a mild cigar, maybe mild to medium.

Tips for Dealing with Nic Hit

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Plenty of factors go into how we experience nicotine, it doesn’t affect everyone the same. These factors aren’t dissimilar to how susceptible one may or may not be to intoxication—body type, tolerance, whether or not you’re consuming on an empty stomach—all of these can make a world of difference. Of course, as a new cigar smoker, you may still have a tolerance from other nicotine products, but it’s best to take these precautions either way (some of them are good form whether you’ve a tolerance for nicotine or not). Especially be mindful of them if you’re coming with no tolerance, even if you have the mildest cigar.

1. Don’t smoke on an empty stomach.

2. Drink water.

3. Keep a few sugar packets handy. Sugar can help neutralize the nicotine dizzies, just pour the packet on your tongue, and wash it down with that water.

4. Go slow. This is sound advice for simply enjoying your smoking experience and keeping a nice cool burn. But it’s all the more important for beginners to pace themselves so that they can ease in. Also, even if you don’t have the palate for picking out the nuance of flavors yet, a slow, smoldering smoke is most conducive to getting flavor, and the right time to start learning good habits is day one.

Cigar Shapes and Sizes

Along with picking a cigar that’s the right strength, choosing a manageable size is also important.

Cigars come in an array of vitolas. The vitola is the size and shape of the cigar. The dimensions for each vitola aren’t standardized across the industry, so you may have a brand that defines the size a bit differently, or they may use their own names in lieu of the commonly accepted ones.

Cigars are an investment in time, and that—among other things—is the point. We get to relax, reflect, converse—whatever it may be. But for those learning how to smoke a cigar, a good average smoking time is best—around 45 minutes to an hour. For a good average size, Coronas are great, or maybe a Petite Corona if you’re looking for a little less.

The Café Duke of Devon and the Café Hampton Court are two great cigars from Macanudo that could be a solid place to start. I would also recommend the Reserva Real from Romeo y Julieta. Any of these mild, moderately sized cigars make for a fine smoke.

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For a deeper dive into choosing a cigar complete with suggestions, check out our 8 best cigars for beginners list.

How to Cut a Cigar

Cutting a cigar isn’t difficult, but it’s not as simple as pick a spot and chop.

What to Cut a Cigar With

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The first step to cutting your cigar is getting the right equipment. To get the precise cut you need, it’s best to use a cigar cutter. There are a few different kinds of cigar cutters that make different cuts such as the guillotine, v-cut, and punch cutter. There are different reasons to use one cutter or another, be it the cigar's shape or one’s preference, but getting into all this is unnecessarily complicated for our purposes here. A guillotine cutter is the standard and most common and will do fine.

The guillotine cutter is a simple straight blade that gets a good clean sever. Guillotines that use two blades coming from each side are preferable, but a single blade will work too.

However, maybe you don’t want to make the investment in a tool quite yet. If you don’t have a cigar cutter, a knife will get the job done—but be careful of course. Cigar cutters offer more control.

Getting the Right Cut

First you want to find where you’re going to cut. The ideal cut will be severing the top part of the cap. The cap keeps the wrapper leaf secure; you can locate this by finding the longitudinal seam(s) rounding the dome. You may see one or more depending on the kind of cap.

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What’s crucial is that you don’t cut too far down the shoulder, the point where the cap straightens out and the head begins. Since the cap holds the cigar together, severing it too close to the head can cause the cigar to unravel.

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Much like your summer jorts, you can always take a little more length off, but if you cut too much, you’re going to have to live with the consequences.

Remember, as long as you’re not too far down the shoulder, there isn’t really a definitive place to cut. The picture on the left is my suggestion, but ultimately, as you get better acquainted with the way cut affects how a cigar draws, preference will guide you. The further from the top of the cap you cut, the more draw you’ll get.

Once you’ve located where to cut, slice away. If you’re using a cutter, cut the cigar in one swift move, no hesitation. Too slow and you can get drag and tear instead of a neat sever. For this same reason, be sure that your cutter is good and sharp.

If you’re using a knife, find the place where you’ll cut, then with the knife lightly pressed to the spot, rotate the cigar until the top of the cap comes off or it’s perforated enough to pull off. Remember to rotate so that the knife is going in the same direction as the wrapper so as not to pull it.

How to Light a Cigar

Flame Source - Lighters and Matches

As a flame source, the best option is either a torch cigar lighter or cigar matches. I would suggest the torch lighter for those new to cigar smoking. There’s a bit less sleight of hand involved, so the lighter may be more beginner friendly, but either one will work fine.

What’s most important is not to use a source that will impart taste to the cigar. That means for lighters, you want the fuel to be butane.

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To be clear, butane quality can differ. Experts suggest using butane that has been refined at least 5 times, as unrefined butane can impart a taste too. As a beginner, will your unrefined palate notice unrefined butane? Probably not. You’re not setting yourself up for failure by not getting “the good stuff.” Although if you do invest in a nice lighter, more refined butane will likely be better for the lighter’s longevity. However, you may not be looking to add any expenses until you know cigars are for you. In which case, you can get the job done just fine with a cheaper butane lighter—a simple Bic will do.

As for matches, it’s easiest if they’re long. Wooden cigar matches are made with odorless wood and are very long and robust. Trying to light your cigar using something much smaller, you would likely have a pile of burnt matches by the time you got things going smooth, and it’s easier to get an even burn with a consistent flame.

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Lighting Your Cigar

To light your cigar, you’ll start with what is called “toasting." Hold the cigar just above the flame at a downward angle. Let it heat up while rotating the barrel to make sure the whole end of the foot is getting equal heat.

(Note: if you are using matches, wait for the head of the match to burn before bringing the flame up to the cigar.)

Now you can start to light the cigar by taking puffs as you continue to hold the flame near the foot, though still shy of contact. And remember not to inhale as you begin puffing.

Once you think you have it lit well, hold the foot of the cigar toward you and gently blow on the ember to check that it’s even. The orange glow should give a good indication of where you might still need to apply heat.

This gentle approach to lighting will achieve an even burn. Incinerating the foot end directly can ruin the taste of an otherwise fine cigar. It’s easy to think “lit is lit, right?” but not quite. If you have experience with pipe smoking, you know that what you really want is the smoldering of the leaf— that’s what delivers the taste. In much the same way, you don’t want to scorch the cigar, this is what is meant by the seemingly oxymoronic “cool burn” of which you’ll often hear.

How to Smoke a Cigar

Pacing

First off don’t inhale. That can’t be said enough.

You’ll want to take a few consecutive drags of the cigar to start, being careful to just fill your mouth before exhaling. You don’t have to (and really shouldn’t) puff this consistently throughout, it just helps get your cigar well-lit so that you can slowly enjoy it without the cherry going out. When the smoke is consistent, then you’re good to ease up.

When still learning, a good rule of thumb is to draw the cigar for 4 to 5 seconds and every thirty seconds to a minute or so. This becomes a pretty natural rhythm you don’t have to think about, but it’s easy for beginners, especially if they’ve smoked cigarettes, to smoke too quickly. Drawing too hard and frequently can heat up the cherry too much and your otherwise perfectly good cigar starts tasting like char.

This gets back to what was said at the beginning of this piece about how some beginner mistakes can leave newcomers with inaccurate representations of cigar smoking. This is one of the instances where the unseasoned smoker may be alluded by the representation of smoking a cigar in movies and shows. You don’t want to be puffing out dense plumes. This is a sign of smoking too hot.

Ashing

You might see some folks letting their ash get as long as possible, sometimes nearly the length of the cigar. This does indicate a well-constructed cigar, but it isn’t necessary. However, it is good to keep a decent half inch to one inch of ash built up as it can help keep the temperature of the ember down.

When you are going to remove the ash, don’t tap it off. It’s best to roll it out. Hold the cigar angled downward so that the rim is lightly against the side of a surface, ideally an ashtray, and roll it along the rim of the foot with ease, the excess should drop right off.

Touching up - Correcting an Uneven Burn

Sometimes your cigar will start to burn unevenly, this can be due to not having an even initial light, a section being packed too lightly, a dry cigar that hasn’t been fully re-humidified, among other causes. Depending on the cause, one effective way to prevent these problems is to rotate your cigar between draws. But it’s still something you’ll run into from time to time, so it’s good to know a few methods of “touching up”—that is, evening out the burn.

Slight Slant

If your cigar is burning at a very slight slant, this probably won’t have much of an effect on how it smokes at first, but it may continue to burn faster on one side until it’s very uneven—what’s called “canoeing.” Luckily, if you catch it in this early stage, it’s usually easy to correct. Try setting the cigar down on the side of the ashtray. The ember should be over the bowl of the tray with the side with more wrapper still intact—the side burning less fast—facing downward. Leaving the cigar here briefly allows the slow burning area to get more oxygen, heating it up and evening it with the other side.

Touching Up Canoeing and Tunneling

Canoeing refers to when the aforementioned slant becomes a more dramatic slope.

Tunneling is when the filler tobacco is burning much quicker than the binder and wrapper. When this happens, you can usually look straight on at the foot and see a hole in the ash.

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You can even out canoeing by lighting the area that is burning slower so that it catches up with the rest. It might take a few draws to notice it’s evened out, but this usually does the trick. You can try this with tunneling as well, with the flame underneath the hollowing area at the end, rotating so that the wrapper and binder are evenly heated and can catch up with the filler. However, tunneling can be a bit more daunting and if this doesn’t work you can try severing the cigar right above the uneven burn and relighting. Although, you may just want to call it quits or start from square one with another cigar. The culprits causing tunneling tend to be more finnicky, but there’s no harm in trying to salvage it.

In general, “touching up” is something you will develop a feel for, there are different little nit-picks that can get in the way of an absolute perfect smoke but that just makes cigar smoking join the ranks of all other things in life.

Relighting

If you’re keeping a moderate pace to your smoking, it’s reasonable that your cigar may go out, especially as you’re still finding that happy medium in your pace. That’s perfectly fine, you would much rather have a cigar that needs a relight than one burning too hot.

To relight a cigar that was already being smoked, start by ashing it, rolling off the excess just as you would normally ash it. Then you want to find something (a key or the wooden end of a match work well) to gently remove whatever ash didn’t fall off. Push the ash away, mindful to not damage the wrapper, until you reach the tobacco.

Then you’ll light it all the same. Toast the end above your flame, rolling the cigar so that it’s getting a nice even ember, and then start puffing, being sure to check that you’re getting an even burn and adjusting if needed.

To be clear, this advice is geared toward relighting your cigar right when it goes out or soon after. Once a cigar that has been smoked goes out, it probably won’t take more than a few hours at best for it to go stale. So, while you can absolutely relight, putting it out to save for later is not likely to lead to a quality smoke. This is another reason for beginners to be strategic when considering what vitolas to try. By no means do you need to get cigarillos to start, but you do want something reasonable that you can get the most out of.

(Although I will say, cigarillos are a great way to try new blends without the commitment, or if you want a cigar experience for a brief smoke.)

But that’s really why we see such a variety in sizes and shapes. No doubt there are seasoned smokers out there who are married to their favorite vitola, but most adjust for situations, changing it up depending on what is right for the occasion, or even guided by inclinations that are pure whim.

How to Put Out a Cigar

Of course, first you'll have to know that you're done. 

Again, this is something you’ll just feel out, the answer will be different from person to person and cigar to cigar. You’ll be able to tell when the cigar has “turned,” getting harsher somewhere into the last third. But the best way to know is very simple. If it’s not enjoyable anymore, you’re done. Sounds simple enough, but often times those learning to smoke a cigar worry that there may be some “code” they don’t want to break, taking the ember down to the nub. There’s no shame in stopping here opposed to there. Sometimes that last third has more of a spiciness or kick to it even before the turn. If it’s not your taste, maybe it will be as your palate develops—if not, that’s fine too.

If there is one piece of etiquette to keep in mind when finishing your cigar, do not stub it out like one might a cigarette. Smothering the end like this can create an acrid smell. Cigarettes contain certain chemicals that keep them burning even without regular draw. Cigars do not, once you stop smoking it won’t take long for it to go out on its own. Simply place your cigar in the ashtray and let it burn out.

Best Way to Enjoy

Ultimately the best way to enjoy cigar smoking is to treat it as an exploration. Then it can develop into the personalized respite it ought to be. But here are some ideas for spurring that exploration:

• Take your time. Find the right pace and take in the moment.
• Pair your cigar with a beverage. Experiment with different drinks and blends and try to take notice of how they complement each other.
• Smoke a cigar with company. If you have a friend that smokes cigars, that would be great. We certainly hope this guide helps you along, but having someone right there with you is a wonderful way to learn. 
• Take notes as you go. Have a dedicated notebook for journaling the different cigars or pairings you try and the impressions they leave. This is a great way to navigate what you want to try next, and to see how your palate develops as you return to a blend you've tried before.  

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There’s nothing fun about a dizzy spell or nausea, especially when spurred by what was supposed to be a leisurely activity. Unfortunately, this can often be the disruptor to the tranquil delight of  enjoying a cigar. Luckily, there are ways to avoid the nic-hit dizzies and to counteract the sickly feeling when it occurs.

Many variables factor in to how each of us experiences nicotine. It’s not unlike how one may be more susceptible to intoxication than another based on their body type or tolerance. With nicotine, studies even suggest that some are more genetically predisposed to the dizzying effect, finding that those who report dizziness are more likely to have a particular genetic variation. However, just as with alcohol intake, much is in our control, and we can set ourselves up for a positive, ail-free experience if we approach cigar smoking responsibly.

Here’s a list of 6 things you can do to ward off cigar sickness and set yourself up for the best smoking experience.

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1. Choose More Mild Cigars

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When a cigar is full bodied, that means it has a higher nicotine content, or “nic-hit.” Naturally, for those with less of a tolerance to nicotine, this can lead to an adverse reaction. If you’re new to smoking, or only partake on occasion, it’s difficult to know where your tolerance is at. Start with mild-bodied cigars, from there you can work your way up to stronger blends as you navigate/develop your tolerance.

2. Start Hydrated and Keep Hydrating

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It’s always a good idea to be mindful that we’re drinking enough water—smoking or not. But it’s especially important that we’re coming to smoking well hydrated. Also, it’s never a bad idea to have some water with you as you smoke.

In addition to fostering a sick-free smoking experience, many find water to be a useful palate cleanser so that they can best sift through the nuance of flavors.

3. Don’t Smoke on an Empty Stomach

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So, you have a couple drinks, well under the amount it usually takes to get the ol’ tie loose, but you realize you’re already two buttons down. Then your error dawns…” wait, when was my last meal?”

It’s happened to the best of us. Well, nicotine isn’t much different. Smoking a cigar on an empty stomach is going to make the nic hit that much more potent, and you’ll be far more vulnerable to cigar sickness. Make sure you’ve had a recent meal when you smoke. It’s also a good idea to keep a snack on you, especially something sugary, as sugar can have a counter effect on the nicotine buzz.

4. Take Your Time

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Keep a slow pace. The influx of nicotine from puffing too fast doesn’t give your body the chance to process and adjust quickly enough.

Additionally, this is how you’ll get to really experience the flavor, keep a good even burn, and simply relax. A good smoke is all about the respite, slowing down and taking things in. Sickness aside, this should be your goal for the sake of getting the most out of your cigar, but the effectiveness of a moderate pace in warding off the dizzies is one more testament to the importance of taking your time.

5. Don’t Inhale

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There’s not a whole lot to say about this, it’s the golden rule of cigar and pipe smoking. You should just be allowing the smoke to enter your mouth, sit on the palate for a moment, and releasing. Luckily, most of us will know right away if we’ve gone wrong in this regard. Be mindful of your draw so you can avoid the sickness and the coughing fit.

6. Have Some Sugar

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Just like sugar can be useful for keeping nausea at bay, it can be a good antidote if you’re unfortunate enough to get the dizzies. As was said, a sweet nourishment can be good for this, but for something more direct, sugar packets are perfect. If you start to feel ill, knock back a sugar packet and wash it down with water. Often, this will counter the light headedness coming on.

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I will preface the list with information that I feel may be beneficial to beginner pipe smoker looking for blends to try. However, you can skip right to the blends with the table of contents below. 

Here are the best pipe tobaccos for beginners:

1. Cobblestone Maple Walnut
2. Peter Stokkebye PS 23 B&B
3. Hearth & Home Classic Burley Kake
4. Sutliff 504C Aromatic English
5. Cornell & Diehl Good Morning
6. Newminster No.17 English Luxus
7. Arango Balkan Supreme
8. Capstan Gold Navy Flake
9. Astley’s No. 2 Mixture
10. G. L. Pease Cairo

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With so many options and opinions, choosing the best pipe tobacco for a beginner pipe smoker can be a difficult process. Myriad factors determine one’s reaction to a blend—from personal taste right down to the chemistry of their tongue. What bites one tongue may not another, what makes a “strong” nic-hit is a personal perception. One experienced smoker’s advice might sound like a sadistic joke to another. “You recommended what?!”

No doubt, this is a symptom of what makes pipe smoking the enigmatic delight that it is—an indulgence that is boundless in exploration and personalization—one that you can bask in with others while knowing your experience is all your own. But before that enchantment touches ground, the beginner pipe smoker has some searching to do, and some technique to learn.

Every facet of pipe smoking—be it the blend, cut, or pipe shape and material—carries pros and cons in terms of new-smoker-friendliness. The most palatable blend to the new smoker might also be the one that teaches them the pain of tongue bite; the cut that’s more difficult to pack might have a more seamless burn. It’s hard to say precisely what will and won't be best for someone learning about pipe smoking. But what we can do is explore the common wisdom and try to find some context for choosing the best tobacco blends to start with.

Given that no advice is sure to apply universally, this guide will make suggestions for a wide range of blends. Even though some may be a bit easier than others to work with at first, I think trying a bit of everything is important to both exploring your taste, as well as developing an adaptability to the many variables involved in pipe smoking. But we’ll definitely orient those suggestions toward those which are inviting to beginners, making recommendations that navigate the hurdles inexperience.

Basically, I hope for this list of the best pipe tobaccos for beginners to not only help new smokers find blends that agree with them, but that can help along in the exploration of pipe smoking as well. 

Types of Tobacco Cuts

Before we get into blends, let’s have a brief overview of the different types of tobacco cuts. The cut of a blend factors in to how hospitable it may be to an inexperienced pipe smoker. The suggestions in this guide will have a few different cuts so I want to make sure you have context for each.

Remember that, while you may develop a preference for certain cuts, all of these are conducive to a great smoke, some just take a little more trial and error to get right. Packing is a balancing act.

Ribbon Cut

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Although I do think trying a few different cuts early on is a good idea for a beginner to get the sense of the impact each variable has on the smoking experience, Ribbon-cut should probably comprise a good deal of your early blends.

Ribbon is the most common pipe tobacco cut. It often refers to a handful of other more specific cuts such as shag or broad. Much like pipe shapes, blend types, and all matter of things pipes and tobacco, there’s not really an industry standard to go by. 

Due to the loose, fine cut of Ribbons, they don’t inherently require any steps before packing ( although you may want to let dry for a bit depending on the blend). The narrower cut varieties such as Shag can be easy to pack too tight, but in general these cuts making the packing process easy and have little temperament in taking a light.

Most of the suggestions in this list will be Ribbon-cut.

Flake

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Flakes come in jerky-like slabs of tobacco that have been pressed under heat. This process leads to a mixing of flavors between the tobacco varieties.

Flake will most often be “rubbed out,” or rolled in the fingers or palm to break up the Flake into strands to be packed, but sometimes they can simply be folded into the chamber. Because Flake is generally tougher, it can be finnicky getting the pack just right, but it’s a rewarding cut once you get it down. Having to rub out the Flake gives the smoker a lot of control over just how fine they want it. Many seasoned smokers may even strategically stratify the consistency of tobacco in their chamber. And once you do have a better gauge for packing Flake, it can offer a more controllable burn rate.

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You may also see Ready-Rubbed as a cut. Ready-Rubbed looks to be between a Ribbon-cut and a Flake—it’s strand-like but less fine than Ribbon. This is simply Flake tobacco that has been somewhat rubbed out before packaging.

If you’re coming from cigars, you might want to consider trying some Flakes, as they tend to have a dense smoke similar to that of cigars. 

Cake

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Often referred to as Plug or Bars, Cake looks similar to Flake but a bit thicker usually. Cake is made under steam compression, pressing the tobacco into large bricks before being sliced. The resulting slices are easily rubbed out like Flake, and sometimes they are diced smaller still into cubes. This Cube-cut can be packed as is.

There is also Crumble Cake (often spelt Krumble Kake), where a fine Ribbon-cut is compressed and sliced into blocks. As the name suggests, this block is very easy to pull a piece off of and crumble into the Ribbon. Cake however holds moisture better than Ribbon-cut.

Additionally, there is Rope cut, but I wouldn’t concern you with that as a beginner. 

Blends

We’ll focus in on three blend families: Aromatic, English, and Virginia. However, this is just a very broad divvying up of infinite possibilities. With all the tobaccos that can be blended in different ways, these distinctions can categorize blends based on their components and star players, but there are many sub-genres within them and none of it’s standardized. They’re convenient categories for grouping blends and discussing them, but many blends challenge an easy classification. Even between these broad categories there can be plenty of overlap. Take an English, give it a top flavoring, and you would best describe it as an Aromatic English, no more one than the other.

I only belabor this point because I remember as a beginner, I was dizzyingly confused thinking I didn’t understand how it all worked, but I was really just over thinking it. I’d hear a blend categorized one way, then another, and think “which is it?” I was expecting to find some objectivity.

These are convenient ways of categorizing while we go through some different blends to try to understand why they may be right for you, but there are always exceptions.

I often think of it like music genres. Some English blends might be quintessentially English, like Chucky Berry to Rock. Sometimes the label is more of a “close enough,” like Bohemian Rhapsody—a piano ballad, wall-of-sound bridge, and operatic anthem idiosyncratically harmonizing in one composition most would not hesitate to call a Rock song.

Remember, all of the pros and cons ahead are not sure to apply to all beginners but are sourced from common experiences. Another reason to give all things a fair shake. 

Aromatics

We’ll start with Aromatics as they’re often recommended pipe tobacco blends for beginners and seem to be where many start out.

Pros

Since Aromatics feature one or more added flavorings (aside from casing which most blends have), they are often regarded as more palatable pipe tobaccos for beginners. With flavors of fruit, chocolate, liquors, etc.—they offer a more civilian introduction.

Other blends may impart their forward flavor through condiment tobaccos such as Perique and Latakia, which may be an acquired taste. Other blends may use tobaccos that aren’t exceptionally potent, the nuances being what tells the story. These may not pique the interest of a pipe smoker who has yet to pick up on the subtleties of flavor .

One other positive to Aromatics for beginner pipe smokers is that while they can be forward in flavor, they are often Cavendish heavy blends, and thus aren’t especially bold in terms of body. Cavendish is a mild tobacco (really a Virginia or Burley that has undergone a particular process). Their own flavor isn’t especially bold, and they take on other flavors well, making them especially useful in Aromatic blends.

Keep in mind that really all kinds of blends that fit into other categories can be flavored and may be classified in a number of ways. This however is a benefit too. While the wealth of Cavendish Aromatic blends poses an opportunity to find pleasant-tasting, light-bodied blends, heavier blends that use flavoring with condiment tobacco are great for exploring these more robust varieties.

Cons

Aromatics are certainly inviting in their flavor and scent, but because of their heavy casing, some can be difficult for inexperienced pipe smokers to puff without getting tongue bite.

There are a lot of factors that go into what causes tongue bite. Some tobaccos are more prone to it, certain people are more susceptible. Tobaccos that smoke more wet often smoke hotter. The top-flavor on Aromatics often makes them smoke more wet, thus they can be notorious deliverers of tongue bite.

As you gain more experience, you get a handle on all the little nit-picks that can keep you burning cool. More than cadence, how you dry, pack, and light your tobacco are all relevant to controlling how hot you’re smoking.

Finally, I think the supposition that non-Aromatics will prove less palatable may be over-assumed. It will often be the case, but far from a rule. It’s avoiding harsh nic-hit that I find to be most important in these early searches (provided you aren’t coming to pipe smoking with tolerance from other mediums of nicotine use). To be fair, this point isn’t exactly a con toward Aromatics as beginner pipe blends; it makes them no less inviting that they aren’t alone in their approachability.

Aromatic Recommendations

Cobblestone Indulge Walnut Maple Pie

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• Tobacco: Burley, Virginia, Black Cavendish
• Flavoring: Maple, Nut
• Cut: Ribbon
• Strength: Mild
• Tin

Cobblestone’s Walnut Maple Pie, part of the Indulge series, is a great place to start for those not looking for bold tobacco flavor out of the gate and want that mild Aromatic with little nic-hit. Black Cavendish and Burley wonderfully embrace the top flavoring, the Burley offering a mild body. Maple and nut make for a great mix that isn’t syrupy-artificial tasting. Behind the top flavors, a slight grassy sweetness from the Virginias pokes through.

Walnut Maple Pie is only one blend in the Indulge series which also includes Crème Brulee, Cherry Delight, and Vanilla Custard. If the properties of this blend seem right to you but any of these other flavors seem more up your alley, they are all excellent choices.

Hint: might smoke a little wet right out of the tin, try giving a little drying time. 

Peter Stokkebye PS 23 B&B

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• Tobacco: Black Cavendish, Burley
• Flavoring: Vanilla
• Cut: Ribbon
• Strength: Mild
• Bulk

A good vanilla is crucial in the arsenal of any Aromatic smoker, and you can’t go wrong with PS 23 B&B from Peter Stokkebye.

Another great mild Aromatic with a light nic-hit; perfect for beginners looking to get their feet wet with an easy pack and cooler burn than some other Aromatics. This one will especially get some attention for its fantastic room note. 

Hearth & Home Classic Burley Kake

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• Tobacco: Burley, Kentucky, Virginia
• Flavoring: Cocoa, Rum, Anise
• Cut: Crumble Cake
• Strength: Mild – Medium
• Bulk

For a little variety, here’s a great, mellow Aromatic that departs from the light Cavendish blends. The Classic Burley Kake from Hearth & Home gives us a wonderfully flavored Burley blend. Four Burley varieties, Red Virginias, and natural cocoa, rum, and anise top flavors coalesce in this easy to prep Crumble Cake.

I thought this would be a great inclusion because, unlike most mild Cavendish Aromatics common to beginners, Classic Burley Kake gives us a mild, yet dynamic Aromatic. The Burley varieties with several top flavors gives this blend a unique complexity—it’s easy for blends with a lot going on to taste more busy than harmonious, but blender Russ Ouellette certainly pulls it off.

That isn’t at all to knock the Cavendish Aromatics, many of which I love for a right-over-the-plate tasty smoke. But the guiding principle of this list is broadly exploring all kinds of options through a beginner friendly lens. 

Sutliff 504C Aromatic English

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• Tobacco: Black Cavendish, Burley, Cavendish, Latakia
• Flavoring: Liquor
• Cut: Ribbon
• Strength: Mild – Medium
• Bulk

Sutliff’s 504C is actually the third blend I ever had. I tried two mild Cavendish Aromatics and wanted to step into some bolder tobacco flavor and figured that an English/Aromatic would be a good bridge. I certainly think it was, and I still enjoy this blend very much. The Latakia gives it the woodsy flavor of an English, the Burley adds body, but it still sits in that mild range, maybe a bit shy of medium.

As well as being a great introduction to Latakia, I see 504C working well for a cigar smoker looking to discover pipe blends. 

English Blends

An English blend in the broadest terms is one that uses Latakia as the dominant flavor—often joined by Turkish/Orientals and Virginias. When the Turkish/Oriental varieties play a larger role, we’ll often hear the blend referred to as a Balkan. Remember, blends in these categories might be parsed differently depending on who is smoking them, don’t get too frustrated on the smaller details.

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Pros

English blends are great for some beginners because they offer a non-Aromatic that is still rich in flavor. However, instead of the topping imparting a forward flavor, it’s the assertive Latakia—a condiment leaf that has been through a smoke curing process which gives it that smoky campfire essence.

Anyone will pull out that distinct flavor from the jump. No doubt, there’s more complexity to find as you develop your taste—how the different tobaccos complement each other, how the ratios of the tobaccos used bring out different properties—but in the meantime, it gives the inexperienced palate something interesting and overt to grab onto while getting acquainted with all the nuances.

English blends are also generally easier to keep a moderate burn temperature on. This can depend on the Virginia to Latakia ratio, but Latakia is a useful tamer of hot-burning Virginia varieties.

Cons

Although English blends also offer a pronounced flavor to the beginner pipe smoker, Aromatics are often recommended for the variety and familiarity of the flavors. Aromatic flavors come in many of the same varieties as juices, candies, and liquors. It isn’t as though all Latakia tastes the same, especially when abutted by different tobaccos in a blend, but to the budding pipe smoker, much of the difference in flavor may not be so readily noticed, and the flavor that is pronounced might be an acquired taste.

However, if you have a taste for cigars, English blends may be a great place to start. 

English Recommendations

Cornell & Diehl Good Morning

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• Tobacco: Latakia, Orientals, Virginia
• Cut: Ribbon
• Strength: Mild
• Tin

After the discontinuation of infamous Dunhill blends, blenders throughout the pipe tobacco world went to work trying to fill the gap that was left on the palates of pipe smokers everywhere. Good Morning was Cornell & Diehl’s crack at Early Morning Pipe, the infamous Dunhill English. I cannot speak to the accuracy of this pursuit, but that shouldn’t mean much to a beginner anyway. All I know is I thoroughly enjoy this blend on its own merits as a flavorful, yet tame English.

Red Virginias and Latakia share centerstage. The Virginias tone down the drama of the Latakia smokiness, while the Latakia cools the Virginias’ hot burn.

To me, this is the best English blend for a beginner pipe smoker to get the essential profile of English blends with a forgiving strength. 

Newminster No. 17 English Luxus

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• Tobacco: Black Cavendish, Burley, Latakia, Perique, Virginia
• Cut: Coarse
• Strength: Mild - Medium
• Bulk

Here’s one of the occasions where we really need to make peace with the flexibility of category in tobacco blends. Also, one of the times we need to celebrate it, because this blend, which you might call American/English, is complex. This dual citizen has a lot going on.

American blends are a vague descriptor even less standardized in the collective glossary of pipe smokers than other blend families. But the gist of it is American blends have a significant presence of American tobaccos such as Burley and Perique (despite the name, Virginias are grown in many places in the world).

Perique is expertly applied here as a subtle, not-too-busy addition. This would make a great introduction to the spicy condiment for anyone who has stayed more around Latakia blends.

I thought Newminster’s No. 17 English Luxus would be a good choice for our list because (in addition to being a great blend) it wonderfully showcases the fluidity of blends and demonstrates how categorizing gets us only so far. It is also a great example of a complex blend with forward players in harmony.

I should say, English Luxus may be a bit stronger, more to the medium range. Perhaps not for the day one beginner. 

Arango Balkan Supreme

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• Tobacco: Black Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia
• Cut: Ribbon
• Strength: Medium
• Bulk

We had to feature at least one Balkan, and Arango’s Balkan Supreme is a favorite. It even took home Best English Blend at the 2014 Chicago Pipe Show.

My only caution here, I recommend coming to Supreme having developed some taste for English blends. The nic-hit is around the medium mark, but the body of flavor is closer to full. However, if you’re coming to it with a taste for English (which would assume you have built some nicotine tolerance) this could be a quick favorite. Though it might be a bit strong for a day one smoker, Balkan Supreme has all the accommodable features of a good beginner pipe tobacco blend. It’s easy to pack, takes a light with little to no fuss, and burns cool.

One thing that’s especially beginner friendly, I find this blend needs little to no drying time. Moisture level is a matter of preference like most anything else, but I can’t imagine it’s too far from anyone’s ready-to-smoke threshold out of the bag. Even though experimenting with drying is all part of the learning experience—progressing through trial and error to find that optimal smoke—sometimes we want a great smoke that’s accessible right then and there. 

Virginias

Virginias are one of the few pipe tobaccos often smoked without any other varieties. Virginia blends often feature Orientals, Burley, and/or Perique, but there are also some beloved straight Virginia blends.

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Pros

A great thing about Virginias is the nuance and range of flavors you can get with them. The different varieties (Red, Stoved, Bright, etc.) are designated by how the leaf is processed. Generally, Virginias are noted for their grassy, sweet, lemony taste. Their high sugar content makes them a great candidate for aging and offers a more natural sweetness than we often get with Aromatics.

Virginias are an excellent base for bringing a blend together, so there’s a lot of different things you can get under the Virginia blend umbrella. It’s a good playground for trying the different condiments and exploring the palate.

Cons

Maybe “cons” isn’t the right word. Really, the biggest drawbacks of Virginia blends to beginner pipe smokers are sort of benefits too. You’ll see what I mean.

The first thing you’ll be told about Virginias as a beginner is to watch out for the tongue bite. Although the high sugar content of Virginia tobaccos has its benefits (aging, sweetness), it also can lead to a hot burn and some Virginias are notorious for tongue bite for the inexperienced, and even many experienced pipe smokers.

That being said, this shouldn’t necessarily be a disqualifier for a beginner. One of those straight Virginia blends notorious for tongue bite is Mac Baren Virginia no. 1, but I attribute that blend with really helping me find my cadence as its hot combustion made me all the more conscious of my pace, draw and how I was packing the Ready-Rub. So, I wouldn’t discount straight Virginias altogether as a beginner, they can be very helpful. But maybe come to them with a little experience with an English or a Virginia blend that is mixed with tobaccos that will tame the hot combustion.

Another issue a beginner might have with straight Virginias—they may not seem all that flavorful at the onset the way Aromatics and English blends are. There’s a lot of nuances to their flavor and what they bring to a mix, but most Virginia varieties aren’t going to sit on show like the cherry from a top flavoring or the smokiness from Latakia. This however makes them really interesting once you’ve developed your palate a bit, because once you notice their subtlety, it can really unlock that appreciation for the nuances in all kinds of blends that use Virginias.

So, similar to the hot burning of Virginias, this is a half con half pro really. In addition, with helping my cadence, that Mac Baren Virginia no. 1 offered an early instance of picking up on discreet tastes, and I distinctly recall trying blends I had already been smoking and finding the Virginias in them in a way I hadn’t before. So once again, sometimes obstacles are a good opportunity to learn. And more than appreciating Mac Baren Virginia no. 1 from a utilitarian standpoint, it’s a favorite straight Virginia even now.

Virginia Perique

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I’ll also include as part of the Virginia blends the ever-popular Virginia Periques, usually referred to as VA/Pers. Perique is bold and isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. When it is, it often didn’t start that way. So, it may or may not be for you as a beginner, but Perique is a slow burning condiment tobacco that is great for taming the bite of Virginias. A VA/Per that is light in the Perique might be a great way to navigate cadence without too hot-burning of a blend while also giving a palatable introduction to Perique.

Virginia Recommendations

Capstan Gold Navy Cut

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• Tobacco: Virginia
• Flavoring: Fruit, Citrus
• Cut: Flake / Ready-Rubbed
• Strength: Mild - Medium
• Tin

As I discussed, some of the drawbacks to Virginias—especially straight Virginias—for beginners, can be positives if used as a learning opportunity. So, a good straight Virginia seems appropriate here. That said, Mac Baren Virginia no. 1 just happened to be the one I picked up, and it’s notorious for bite, even among Virginias. If I had to recommend one that can help train your cadence and develop the palate, but which offers beginners more than a lesson, that would have to be Mac Baren’s Capstan Gold Navy Cut.

This blend is right down the middle in strength, has a good mix of Virginias, and gentle embellishments from the flavoring. While you still have to respect it on the draw, it’s not the same biter as some other straight Virginias.

I also appreciate this one for the options it presents. You can try the Ready-Rubbed or the Flake, and there’s even Capstan Original Navy Cut, which is a good option if you want something that kicks up in strength a bit.

Astley’s No. 2 Mixture

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• Tobacco: Perique, Virginia
• Cut: Ribbon
• Strength: Mild – Medium
• Tin

Astley’s No. 2 Mixture is a great VA/Per introduction for tobacco pipe beginners. It offers a dynamic mix of Red and Gold Virginias that are complimented by just a bit of Perique. If you’re looking for a blend that delivers Perique in a less busy mix but still subtle enough to ease into, this blend is ideal.

Although, the limited Perique only slightly tames the enthusiastic burn of the Virginias, so make sure you’re keeping a slow pace. 

G. L. Pease Cairo

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• Tobacco: Oriental, Perique, Virginia
•  Cut: Ribbon
•  Strength: Medium
• Tin

Here’s another instance where the categorical lines get a bit blurry. One niche blend we sometimes see is Oriental. As you can imagine, this category refers to a blend with a significant Oriental/Turkish presence. Although there are some straight Orientals, they are often Virginia based and can sit comfortably in either category.

Cairo is one of renowned blender G. L. Pease’s Original Mixtures which showcases the creative, artistic approach to blending for which Pease is revered. This blend will give you a wonderful awareness of Oriental and Turkish qualities. I recall it being one of the blends that helped shape my consciousness to this versatile tobacco family when I couldn’t seem to pick it out beyond faint hints in the English blends I was smoking. The small amount of Perique adds its own intricacy, more on the raisin-y side rather than spicy. The Virginias bring a nice citrus and grassy forward flavor to the ensemble.

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When I get a new blend, I try to devote myself to it for a bit (how long that bit is varies blend to blend). I’ll try it in briar, meerschaum, corn cob—I’ll smoke it in the morning, at night—with coffee, with tea—I’ll smoke it in a box, with a fox, in a house, with a—okay you get it. I’ll try to refrain from packing another blend until it feels like I’m getting a more fleshed out, intimate sense of the new one. Admittedly, that’s sometimes difficult to do if my initial reaction to a blend is dull. I’m tempted to pack a bowl with a tried-and-true favorite. Often it works out and that blend that didn’t initially inspire comes into view in dazzling revelation. Sometimes not.

Cairo was one of those blends I had no trouble devoting my smoking to. I’m not even so sure that I was initially enamored with the blend so much as I was fiercely intrigued—the way that the Orientals and Virginias defined and played off one another just didn’t seem to belong to any formula I had precedence for. It was a square peg for which I had to drill a new hole. These sorts of fixations are part of what took my curiosity about pipe smoking and gave it life. It’s like, sometimes you want to read the book you’ve read one hundred times because you know it resonates so. Sometimes you pick up something new and maybe even difficult to wrestle with because, infuriating as it might be, it asks something of you. 

Things to Keep in Mind

Here are some tips and other information to consider so that you’re making as informed a decision as possible and getting the most out of your pipecraft.

Don’t Choose the Tobacco on Smell Alone

What we call the tin note or bag note is the aroma you get right when you open that container. It’s easy to think this scent translates to the taste of the tobacco, but that isn’t always the case. In fact, it may not even be very accurate to the room note.

This cuts both ways—a wonderful aroma may not be so pleasing of a smoke, but an offensive tin note may not mean a bad smoking experience.

Starting With a Few Small Quantities of Bulk

I know bulk makes it sound like you’re buying Cost-Co quantities, but not quite. Bulk tobaccos generally come in a range of sizes. But this usually includes a 2 oz. option, sometimes even 1 oz.

I made sure to include a number of bulk options here because (in addition to them being blends I genuinely love) they’re cheaper and perfect for exploration. You can start uncovering your taste without spending too much on something you end up disliking, then apply what you learn about your taste when you want to try some boutique blends.

Just remember, bulk usually comes in bags, which are fine as temporary storage. But you’re best off getting  some other means of storage, even if you’re not cellaring them and just using them for your current stock.

But speaking of cellaring…

Cellar What You Don’t Like

To the new pipe smoker, cellaring might sound like some real aficionado, obsessive behavior. It’s really not (I mean, it can be if you want). “Cellaring” makes the whole practice sound like a grand undertaking. It’s simply storing in airtight containers—usually unopened tins or mason jars—stowed away from sunlight in a consistent, not too humid environment. Not need to convert the basement or build a bunker. You can read our blog on the subject to learn more about cellaring tobacco.

If a blend really isn’t working for you, go ahead and start aging it. Tastes change in more ways than one, both the qualities of the tobacco will change as will the preferences of the smoker, especially if they’re new to pipe smoking and haven’t ventured much into more full-bodied blends or haven’t found the nuances in varieties like Virginias. You already bought the stuff, so what do you have to lose?

The exception however is that many Aromatic blends shouldn’t be aged long. However, if their flavor was imparted from an exposure such as barrel aging as opposed to spray casing, by all means.

Give a Little Bit of Everything a Chance

When it comes down to it, you like what you like and there is no shame in that. If you get into fruity Aromatics and that’s all you ever enjoy, well, the key word there is enjoy. You’re enjoying your Aromatics, ergo you’re enjoying a pipe. You’re doing it right in my book.

But I do encourage beginners to be curious about everything and try everything. Not only is it good for developing and navigating your preferences, but it’s good for your technique as well. One blend might work better in one pipe and then it’s a whole different experience in another. One cut might need to be packed a little bit differently than another to get it right. You like to dry out this blend for this long but when doing it with that one it’s too dry.

Learning about pipes and pipe tobacco and finding your rhythm is like stepping into another culture. It’s good to go in with some best practices, have some idea of how it all works and any self-sabotaging behaviors to avoid. But it’s engaging that truly begets clarity. It’s through osmosis that the intricacies of customs and practices start to be understood not in isolation, but in relation to a larger cooperation. 

Hopefully this guide has provided a good place to start your exploration. 

1. Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
2. Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
3. National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
4. andrew welch andrewwelch3, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (thumbnail-text added to original)

Cigars make an excellent accompaniment to a good glass of whisky, brandy, and even rum. The smoky flavors complement each other well and the whole process of smoking one is like a ritual.

When it comes to cigars, however, it's important to maintain a little patience during the lighting process.

Lighting a cigar is not as simple as lighting a cigarette and it requires a certain delicate hand. That being said, the process is what makes smoking a cigar so enjoyable.

Keep reading to learn how to light a cigar (properly!) as well as how the right lighter can make the whole process painless.

Choosing the Right Lighter

So you've picked a cigar and are excited to light up. Where do you start? 

When you're lighting your cigar, it's important to use the right flame source to get it burning. Many people don't know that certain types of lighters and matches will leave a foul residue on your cigar.

For example, candles and oil-fueled lighters all leave a bad taste in the mouth when used to light a cigar. Additionally, standard sulfur matches can also impart an odd flavor to your smoke.

At the end of the day, using a butane fueled lighter made exclusively for cigars is the best method to get the right burn. 

The options are going to feel endless when choosing the right cigar lighter, and ultimately the best one for you is going to be based on personal preference.

Cigar matches are another effective option in getting the perfect light. Cigar matches are longer than regular ones and they are sulfur-free.

The Intricacies of How to Light a Cigar

When considering how to light a cigar properly, we need to take a few factors into account. We want to make sure that we get a nice, even burn on the foot of the cigar. That way, we're setting ourselves up for a consistent burn the whole way through.

After cutting your cigar, you're going to start with something that sounds a little unexpected. It is, however, particularly important, and is the best way to light a cigar.

We're going to toast the foot.

When you draw on a cigar, the combustion is hottest in the center of the cherry, where the filler is. Toasting before drawing gives the wrapper and binder a head start. It's a simple process that will make the whole ritual of lighting a cigar and keeping an even burn more manageable.

You're going to hold a match to the outside edge of the cigar's tip, otherwise known as the foot. Then you want to rotate it evenly along the edge, which will result in a fine, white, ashy color change. This means it's been properly toasted.

Once you have toasted the foot, it's time to light your cigar. Start by holding it at a 45-degree angle just over the flame. You want to make sure the visible flame isn't touching the cigar itself.

Slowly puff on the cigar, rotating the barrel every few draws to ensure equal heat is being applied to the foot's surface. Take a look to check that it is burning evenly. 

Once lit, let the cigar sit for a minute. This gives it time to stabilize, much like you would let a bottle of wine breathe before pouring the first glass.

What to Do After the Cigar is Lit

When the cigar has begun to smolder, place it gently in your mouth and puff away!

If you find that during your smoke, your cigar is starting to burn unevenly, you will need to give it a bit of attention.

The first thing you can do is simply rotate the cigar in your mouth so that the combustion isn't too concentrated on one side of the foot.

If rotating doesn't even it out, you can apply a little bit of moisture to the wrapper where you want to slow down the burn. You can use a touch of saliva on your finger and dab it on the wrapper.

That being said, don't drench the cigar and don't touch the tip of it. It goes without saying that it's very hot.

While letting a cigar go out is absolutely fine in one sitting, you want to avoid relighting a cigar the next day as the taste will be bitter and unpleasant. 

Our guide on how to smoke a cigar offers more ways to troubleshoot the possible complications that may arise while enjoying your smoke. 

Enjoy the Process

Smoking a cigar is akin to performing a ritual. The act of smoking is itself only a part of the main event. Cutting, toasting, and lighting a cigar is almost meditative and the whole process can be incredibly relaxing.

The qualities that make a cigar such a dynamic pleasure, are also what make it a bit more demanding than the quick scorch and puff process of lighting a cigarette. A premium cigar is a hand-rolled work of fine craftsmanship, and it's only appropriate that we put the same care into smoking it as the artisans did in creating it. 

We hope that this guide has helped you learn how to light a cigar properly. You should have no problem if you follow these instructions, but remember, after a few trials, it will start to become second nature. 

There are many different cigar shapes and sizes out there, keep reading below and become a more informed cigar enthusiast.

Do Size and Shape Matter?

The strength and flavor of a cigar comes down to the type of tobacco used. For instance, you might have a thick, fat stogie, but if mild tobacco is used then it will be a mild smoke. However, shape can affect some qualities of the smoking experience. For instance, thicker barrels will generally have more filler tobacco. Since different leaf is used, this can make a difference in the taste. This is why we see cigars rolled in many different shapes—to satisfy a vast diversity of preferences. 

The size and shape also matter because they affect how long a cigar burns. Naturally, a thick long cigar will burn for an hour or more and a thin, small cigar will burn hotter and faster. You can pick an array of cigars that suit a particular time and place. A small, thin cigar would be better for a quick smoke break, whereas a long, thick cigar would be selected for an afternoon of relaxing and unhurried smoking. 

Before we get into shapes, it's important to be informed about the different sizes of each kind of cigar. Cigars are measured in two ways, by length and ring-size. Ring-size refers to the diameter of the cigar measured in increments of 1/64th of an inch. 

The list below will help you decide which size of cigar would be perfect for each occasion.

One thing to keep in mind—the vitolas (which are the labels corresponding to length and gauge) aren't standard through the industry. This means the dimensions associated with the vitolas below are a rough, general consensus. You may see brands using slightly different dimensions or even use their own names for their vitolas.

Rothschild

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The shortest cigar on our list is the Rothschild. It measures four and a half inches long and has a ring gauge of 48.

Robusto

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Similar in length to the Rothschild, the Robusto measures at a length of four and 7/8 of an inch. The Robusto has a slightly bigger ring gauge of 50.

Small Panatela

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The small Panatela is slightly longer than the Robusto measuring in at five inches. However, it is a thin cigar with a ring gauge of 33.

Petit Corona

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Not by any chance the thickest of cigars!

The Petit Corona, as the name would suggest, is the smallest Corona with a length of five and 1/8 of an inch and a ring gauge of 42.

Corona

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The Corona is longer than the Petit Corona. It measures five and a half inches long with the same size ring gauge of 42.

Corona Gorda

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As the name says the Corona Gorda is a medium-length cigar of five and 5/8 inches! It has a wider diameter ring gauge of 46 compared to the standard Corona.

Panatela

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Compared to the Small Panatela, the original Panatela has a longer length of six inches. You'll find that it is wider too, with a ring gauge of 38.

Corona Grande

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This is a fairly big cigar! The Corona Grande measures six and 1/8 inches and has a ring gauge of 42. Hence the name grande!

Lonsdale AKA Cervantes

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A Lonsdale is generally thicker than a Panatela. It's also longer than a Corona, measuring at six and a half inches and a ring gauge of 42.

Churchill

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A large cigar in the Corona format, the Churchill measures in at seven inches with a ring gauge of 50. Nothing quite completes the image of Churchill than one with a cigar in hand.

Lancero

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A long, thin cigar, the Lancero has a ring gauge of 38 but an impressive length of seven and a half inches.

Lancero means you go for length as opposed to thickness.

Double Corona

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Not quite double the size of a standard Corona, regardless of its name. The Double Corona measures seven and 5/8 inches long and has a ring gauge of 49.

Presidente

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The Presidente is one of the largest cigars available on the market! This bad boy has a length of about nine inches and a ring gauge of 50.

Different Cigar Shapes

There are two different shapes of cigars, Parejos and Figurados. 

Parejos

Parejos have straight sides with a cylindrical shape and need to be cut before smoking them. The cigar sizes that have the Parejos shape are:

• Lonsdale
• Double Corona
• Panatela
• Corona Gorda
• Robusto
• Churchill
• Petit Corona
• Corona

Figurados

A Figurado is any cigar that doesn't have a straight-sided cylindrical shape. Although most cigars are Parejos, more and more cigarmakers are enhancing their portfolios with different Figurados. The basic Figurado shapes are:

Torpedo

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Belicoso

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Perfecto

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Pyramid

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Cigars Aren't That Complicated

Like most things, all the cigar shapes and sizes can be quite confusing at the start but by reading and educating yourself, you will become an expert on the matter in no time whatsoever.

Again, this is a convenient classification system, but not an industry standard. My suggestion, if you find a cigar with a size that you really like, make sure to look up the length and ring gauge. That way you can search for others, even with brands that might use their own vitola names.

Are you still unsure which cigar will suit you for each occasion or need to find out any more information? Contact our team today and let us take care of your every cigar need.

Alternatives to:

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Before clutching the pearls or grinding the teeth (or axe) at the notion of a “match” or “replacement” for a legendary blend, let me kick off this collection of alternatives to classic pipe tobacco blends with the assurance that I am aware as you are, things can’t truly be recreated—not perfectly. Heck, even with a consistent manufacturer, in the same factory, using the same equipment, change is inevitable.

Sourcing of raw leaf is a variable game; the days of the auction system are no more—large cigarette manufacturers such as Philip Morris and J.R. Tobacco commission farmers by the millions of pounds while humble operations struggle to find high quality leaf and the agency to be selective. Old school methods of manufacturing disappear from farms. Some varieties may go away completely as Syrian Latakia has—Perique has certainly given us a few scares before.

Absolute consistency is difficult for anyone. So, we certainly can’t expect a perfect match from approximating a blend without the proprietary practices and equipment, mapping out a recipe from the discerning palate of a clever blender. 

But we need not get hung up on this idea of the perfect match. Because we may still find ourselves with a fantastic blend that can supplement the absence while bringing us something new to discover. In fact, you’ll see through this piece that a lot of the classics were conceived as matches themselves.

“Match” (when not referring to our little fire sticks) can sometimes feel like a buzz word in pipe tobacco discussions. For some, it lands on the ear like a gnat and provokes the reflex to swat it off. I like “alternative,” but whatever we want to call it, let’s establish our mission here. It is not to find the carbon copy of the bygone or evasive classic. It won’t be found, and such expectations only set us up to evaluate through an impossible rubric and can warp the impression of an otherwise great blend. This is about exploring, guided by the giants of pipe tobacco—touching on their histories, and paying homage while we’re at it.

It’s a great time to be an explorer in this hobby. We owe that to the craftsmen we have today—pipe maker and blender alike—who treat the craft like the art that it is. But we also owe our gratitude to the giants whose shoulders these modern masters stand on. 

Dunhill Blends

In 2018, unfortunate news befell the world of pipe smoking. British American Tobacco (BAT), who owned General Cigar Co. (the makers and distributers of Dunhill blends), decided to leave the pipe tobacco and cigar enterprise. At the time, these blends were being manufactured in Denmark at the Orlik /  Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) factory. Luckily, STG purchased the rights to the blend designs and trademarks. Also acquired by STG: Peterson’s pipe tobacco line. The Peterson pipe company had recently sold to an American company. STG opted to reintroduce some of the popular Dunhill blends as part of the Peterson line. Luckily, since these blends were already being made in the STG factory, the only change in the tobaccos was the Dunhill name on the tins being replaced with Peterson’s logo. However, in the interim, a few fantastic blends sprouted up by other esteemed pipe tobacco manufacturers looking to fill the void, giving us more options to explore.

Now let’s rewind to where Dunhill got started…

In 1907, Alfred Dunhill opened shop in London where he revolutionized pipe tobacco blends. Recognizing how personal of an experience taste is to the pipe smoker, Dunhill instituted a creative way for customers to achieve a fantastic smoke curated to their palate. He would interview shop-goers about their tobacco tastes and mix them a personalized blend then and there. The process could be repeated, the recipe gradually refined, until the right mixture for that patron had been realized. These personally cultivated mixes were the “My Mixture” blends.

Let's continue the history of Dunhill, told through their famous mixtures. Each will precede a few recommendations.

(Note: although the Peterson versions of some of Dunhill’s especially popular blends differ only in name, I’ll include those because they give us an opportunity to explore some of the great blends they influenced)

My Mixture 965

In the long run, Dunhill couldn’t rely solely on the My Mixture method. It doesn’t translate so well to a catalogue format, and of course some folks are more interested in walking into a store, getting what they need, and leaving—not invested enough for the song and dance of an interview. So, while keeping the practice, Dunhill also delegated ten of the My Mixture blends to a line of prepackaged, name mixes which would be featured in the 1910 catalogue. One of these blends was My Mixture 965, apparently mixed for E. A. Baxter, Esq. 965 remained popular throughout the Dunhill years and is still prominent in the Peterson Dunhill line.

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Cornell & Diehl Tuggle Hall

Blend Type: American Tobacco Type: Cavendish, Latakia, Perique Cut: Ribbon Strength: Medium - Full Taste: Full

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Sutliff 965 Match (Match 20)

Blend Type: English Tobacco Type: Black Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental Cut: Ribbon Strength: Medium  Taste: Medium

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McConnell Marylebone

Originally My Mixture 999 Blend Type: English Tobacco Type: Black Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental, Virginia Cut: Ribbon  Strength: Medium Taste: Medium

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Peterson My Mixture 965

Blend Type: English Tobacco Type: Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental Cut: Ribbon  Strength: Medium - Full Taste: Medium

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The Royal Yacht

In 1910, Dunhill sought to offer more name blends which fulfilled what the My Mixture system could not. Blending is a meticulous art beyond the mixing of ingredients. Flavors are dramatically altered by the processes that blends undergo, especially giving time for the component tobaccos to sit together, allowing flavors to marry. This was another drawback to the on-the-spot production of My Mixture blends. Thus, in 1912, a new line was released of pre-packaged blends. Among this line, the still popular Royal Yacht—infamous for its fine, matured Virginias.

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Mac Baren HH Bold Kentucky

Cornell & Diehl Dreams of Kadath

McConnell Paddington

Peterson The Royal Yacht 

Durbar (1066)

Another one of the pre-packaged blends launched in 1912 was the Oriental mixture Durbar.

Despite being a popular blend, Durbar was dropped in the late 60s but was promptly replaced with My Mixture 1066. This replacement was said to be nothing but a name change, but many speculate it was more of a pivot in the wake of complications in keeping the Durbar recipe consistent. 

It seems alterations to the Durbar blend may have been inevitable given the difficulty sourcing specific Oriental sub-varieties. It was necessary for Dunhill to purchase these tobaccos discretely to achieve the nuanced specificity of some of their blends. However, it became more and more common for these sub-varieties to be sold in a bulk mixture. Additionally, the Syrian government’s ban on Latakia production saw blenders switching to Cyprian Latakia. Most Latakia smoked today is Cyprian. These changes may have prompted Dunhill to introduce 1066 to take on the altered recipe without betraying the original profile, while hopefully still satiating the same smokers. Durbar would eventually be reintroduced with its original title, but ultimately would not be included in the Peterson line.

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Cornell & Diehl Rajah’s Court

Rattray's Red Rapparee

McConnell Oriental Square

Ye Olde Signe

During WWI, more name blends hit the market. Among them was Ye Olde Signe, launched in 1915. The straight Virginia favorite saw a similar trajectory as Durbar, moving to Murray’s in 1981, Orlik/STG in 2004, and finally bowing out with the Dunhill brand. Of course, we can assume that it isn’t out of the realm of possibility for these blends that were not picked up by Peterson to eventually be reproduced. But until then, hopefully alternatives will suffice.

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Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake

McConnell Shakespeare

Standard Mixture

In the economic recovery following the war, the price was raised on Dunhill’s existing blends. To sustain accessibility for a broad market, Dunhill released a number of affordable mixes. One of these, released in the early 1920s, was the Dunhill Standard Mixture, which was available in mild, medium, and full Latakia strengths. Although blended as an affordable option, Standard Mixture became a wildly popular blend and has stood the test of time, even being picked up in the transition to Peterson. 

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Sutliff Standard Mixture Match

McConnell Notting Hill

Peterson Standard Mixture

London Mixture

In 1928, Dunhill released the Latakia/Cavendish blend London Mixture. By the time of its later iteration however, London Mixture could accurately be described as an Oriental blend—the variant taking a bit more of a starring role in contrast to the smoky Latakia and grassy Virginias. Unfortunately, London Mixture was not picked up by Peterson.

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G. L. Pease Westminster

McConnell Piccadilly Circus

Nightcap

Though Dunhill had built up a substantial portfolio, by the end of WWII a reworking of the catalogue was underway. A number of blends were dropped. The catalogues of the 50s show Dunhill offering My Mixture blends, Royal Yacht, Durbar, Cuba, and three new blends released in 1951: Nightcap, Early Morning Pipe, and Aperitif. In his article, DUNHILL PIPE TOBACCO: 1907 – 1990, John C. Loring proposes that this change was a strategy to focus on the most successful pre-war blends while introducing new ones meant to find hold in the American Market, which proved to be much more consistent in tobacco pricing in the post-war period compared to the UK. 

Nightcap has long been a quintessential English blend, possibly the most mourned in those gap years between Dunhill and Peterson. 

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Ashton Artisan’s Blend

Sutliff Nightcap Match (Late Evening)

McConnell Covent Garden

Peterson Nightcap

Early Morning Pipe

Fortunately, both Nightcap and Early Morning Pipe were picked up with the Peterson Dunhill line. With Nightcap as the robust, full-bodied, wind-down smoke, Early Morning Pipe is there to get the English lovers' days started with a flavorful, mild to medium pleasure. Such a staple for these English smokers, quite a few blenders were looking to fill the void between the Dunhill and Peterson productions. 

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Cornell & Diehl Good Morning

Presbyterian

Sutliff Early Morning Pipe Match (Sunrise)

McConnell Boutique Blend

Peterson Early Morning Pipe

Aperitif

Unlike Nightcap and Early Morning Pipe, Aperitif was not picked up as part of the Peterson Dunhill line. But we hold onto hope that this Scottish mixture perfect for that pre-dinner smoke might pack our pipes once again. In the meantime, we certainly aren’t starved of options.

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Samuel Gawith: Squadron Leader

Rattray’s Black Mallory

McConnell St. James Park

Flake

In the latter part of the 1950s, a pressed straight Virginia was introduced, Dunhill Flake. This was renamed Light Flake in late 1960s to contrast the name of the newly released Dark Flake; as you could guess, a stronger variety of the former. Light Flake returned to its original name when the FDA banned descriptors of “light” on tobacco products. However, Dark Flake had already been dropped by this time.

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Capstan Navy Cut

Newminster No. 400 Superior Flake

McConnell Flake

Peterson Flake

Elizabethan Mixture

It was in the period that we see Dark Flake appear on the market that another familiar blend arises, the renowned vaper Elizabethan Mixture.

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G. L. Pease Fillmore

Sutliff Elizabethan Match (Victorian)

Based on the Murray’s production 

McConnell Regent Street

Peterson Elizabethan Mixture

De Luxe Navy Rolls

It seems that in the late 1990s, Dunhill tried their hand at a match of their own. In 1994, Gallaher ceased production of the ever-popular Escudo Navy De Luxe. It eventually reemerged in the late 1990s after being acquired by A & C Petersen, but in the interim, Dunhill released De Luxe Navy Rolls.

A & C Petersen would be acquired by  Orlik in 2000 and eventually production of Escudo Navy Deluxe moved to the Orlik/STG factory. There has been some debate about whether the current iterations of these blends  are in fact the same, as Peterson De Luxe Navy Rolls and Escudo Navy De Luxe are both made in the STG Factory and seem to match in each observable way, although different tobacco sources are purported.

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Davidoff Flake Medallions

Escudo Navy De Luxe

McConnell Highgate

Originally Eclipse

Peterson Deluxe Navy Rolls

McClelland Blends

In the early 1970s, Carl Ehwa began working at Fred Diebel’s, a tobacco shop in Kansas City. He eventually started blending for the shop and, soon enough, was running factory operations. In 1974, Ehwa would publish The Book of Pipes— still a mainstay for pipe smokers.

Partnered with wife Mary (later Mary McNiel) and friend Bob Benish, Ehwa set out to start his own operation. It was Ehwa’s grandfather, Dr. McClelland, who provided the namesake and the location for the budding company, as the trio set up shop in his basement and got to blending.

Benish would depart in 1980 to realize his passion for pastry as a baker, prompting the arrival of Mike McNiel to the McClelland team. Unfortunately, some difficult times were ahead.

In 1982, Ehwa suffered a brain aneurysm. His personality changed and with it, the passion for tobacco waned. He would leave McClelland shortly after.

However, Mary and Mike proved to be a formidable partnership, continuing to develop the McClelland brand, and even wedding in 1993.

Every step of the blending process at McClelland was done with the most precise care, from a scrupulous choosing of leaf to the point of sealing, no aspect of production would be executed with anything short of thoughtful care. Mike had a meticulous approach to every facet of blending; checking moisture constantly, making miniscule adjustments so it was just right. Mary had her own acuity in her advanced palate. She had a keen sense for the nuances of the different components and would often crack-the-code on developing blends that were missing that one thing. This asset also made her adept at ensuring a component leaf or batch was up to the company’s high standards. Not to mention, she is the artists behind many of the McClelland labels such as the Frog Morton series and Christmas Cheer.

These high standards are a major part of why, to the chagrin of many, McClelland closed up shop in 2018.

We’ve made our pipe tobaccos–Virginias, Oriental mixtures, Aromatics, etc.–from the highest grades of leaf and stripped tobaccos because of their basic richness and natural sweetness. That has been the beauty of McClelland and that is now the problem. We can no longer access tobacco of the quality we need. The time-honored labor-intensive process at the farms are disappearing. The aging of leaf over several summers to mellow is largely a thing of the past. We need old school methods at every stage before manufacturing to make it possible for McClelland to draw from the leaf the flavors that have been our hallmark.

- Excerpt from announcement of McClelland’s closing

It can be difficult not to pout a bit, wishing maybe a successor could have been trained in the niche and proprietary methods of McClelland’s magic, but when it comes down to it, the ingredients and infrastructure within the industry just aren’t there now—so say the folks with the only authority to really say what McClelland blends need. The McNiels opted to preserve their blends as just what they were meant to be; even if that means they are only preserved in the fond memories of pipe smokers and the cellars of some lucky-so-and-sos. A graceful exit, though not an all too surprising one considering the artistry and passion exhibited in their famous blends.

Far be it from me to suggests “replacements” for the one-of-a-kind tangy, vinegary profile notorious of McClelland blends, but these may get you through the vexing McClelland withdraw without impulsively coughing up hundreds on that cellared tin.

5100 Red Cake

One thing McClelland was especially notorious for was their great Red Virginias. The loss of this one also spelt the beginning of the end for McClelland. In 2017, news of the end of 5100 Red Cake spread as Mike relayed to some in the industry that he and Mary had sampled the Carolina Red Virginias that they had just received from the year’s harvest. Sadly, the inevitable day the McNiels anticipated had arrived; the batch simply wasn't up to their standards. Rather than settle, they decided that was it for the blend. This one was really felt through the community, as 5100 was a favorite component for micro-blenders, and quite simply a delightful smoke. 

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Sutliff Matured Red Virginia 515 RC-1

Frog Morton

Frog Morton had the flavor of rich Latakia, but nonetheless that iconic smoothness for which McClelland is praised. I’ve heard that it was blended with the idea of making a great introduction to English blends. Whether or not that is so, it certainly achieves a rewarding smoke, accessible as a newcomer’s introduction to Latakia forward blends as well as an all-day smoke for the seasoned pipe smoker. In addition to being a fantastic blend in and of itself, Frog Morton was also the springboard for a series of beloved variations on the original. You may hear the original referred to as Frog on a Log—a de facto label that easily distinguishes it within the Frog Morton family. 

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Rattray’s Black Mallory

Cornell & Diehl Mississippi Mud

G. L. Pease Maltese Falcon

Frog Morton on the Bayou

Frog Morton on the Bayou is the Balkan variety which sees the original Virginia and Latakia blend boldened by Oriental/Turkish tobacco and Perique. Bayou is the only of the Frog Morton blends to utilize Perique. 

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Cornell & Diehl Plantation Evening

G. L. Pease Samarra

Frog Morton’s Cellar

Another in the Frog family is Frog Morton Cellar. Here we have the original recipe aged with whiskey barrel staves. This is a popular method for imparting a more natural aromatic taste. The tobacco is slowly imbued with the remnant aroma from the staves, giving an extra flavor that mingles well with the tobaccos. 

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Sutliff Private Stock Eastfarthing

Cornell & Diehl Strathspey

Missouri Meerschaum American Patriot

40^th Anniversary

The celebratory straight Virginia is a favorite from McClelland. The natural sweetness, citrus grassy notes, and iconic McClelland tang makes this mix of Red and Orange Virginias easy to miss. 

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Cornell & Diehl Opening Night

Cornell & Diehl Interlude

G. L. Pease Union Square 

Dark Star

“Occasionally we meet someone whose familiarity with a variety of tobaccos, sensitive palate, and desire for "that special tobacco" provide an inspiration for us. In seeking to satisfy a taste other than our own, we pleasantly surprise ourselves with beautiful results. This is what the Personal Reserve Series is all about. We developed this concept early on as a way to enhance our creative spirit. We are proud to offer these fine pipe tobacco blends and hope you will enjoy them.” - McClelland

Another straight Virginia, but this one takes a dark turn. Aged, pressed, and stoved, Dark Star truly makes the case for the McClelland Virginia expertise and range. I will say, keeping in mind that there really are no perfect matches for any blends, the McClelland straight Virginias are an especially daunting gap to fill. Their unique flavors were their own, but we can still look into some dark, heavily stoved Virginias that may satisfy the palate of the Dark Star appreciator. 

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Rattray’s Black Virginia

Astley’s No. 44 Dark Virginia Flake

Balkan Blue

Balkan Blue, originally called Blue Mountain, is a smooth Balkan with a significant Oriental presence which beautifully accents woody Latakia. This one was actually inspired by a 21-year-old tin of Balkan Sobranie #759 and won the People’s Choice Award at the 2011 Chicago Pipe Show’s Balkan Sobranie Throwdown. 

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Cornell & Diehl Star of the East

G. L. Pease Abingdon

Sobranie House Blends

The Redstone family established Sobranie of London in 1879. They were one of the earliest cigarette brands as the smoking medium began to get more and more popular, especially in Europe. To us in the pipe world, they are the original manufacturers of the legendary Balkan Sobranie Mixture.

You often see Balkan Sobranie’s introduction dated in the 1920s, but it’s difficult to date accurately. Cigarettes of the same name had been around since the late 19 ^th century, which many early mentions refer to. Kevin Godbee wrote in 2012 that he’s found no explicit mention of the pipe tobacco prior to a 1949 issue of The Strand, but it was likely around for some time before this.

Sobranie House ceased their pipe tobacco production in 1982, selling a few of their most popular trademarks to Gallaher Group. Pipe tobacco simply wasn’t important enough to their business to justify the expenses and energy on products that, while beloved, weren’t the cash crop.

Sobranie House also manufactured brands such as Krumble Kake for Smoker’s Haven and other house blends—the productions of which were moved to other factories.

Some of the popular Sobranie blends are still available, of course, as modern interpretations of the originals.

The Balkan Sobranie

One of the most popular tobaccos ever produced, the namesake of the Balkan category of English blends, Balkan Sobranie is about as legendary as you can get in pipe tobacco blends.

Like many of these blends with such long histories, Balkan Sobranie has many iterations through the years, disturbed by the familiar agitators; changing of hands to different manufacturers and disruptions to leaf availability.

The first of such changes was when production was still under Sobranie House; the switch from Syrian to Cyprian Latakia that all blenders in the 60s found themselves contending with. Manufacturers likely warehoused Syrian Latakia and gradually phased in the Cyprian variety as stock dwindled. In light of this, it's difficult to explicitly pin point when the blend's Latakia was totally Cyprian, but it was likely within the decade or two that that followed the Syrian government’s ban on production. Then of course were the changes that came with the changing of hands.

G. L. Pease, a regular smoker of Balkan Sobranie when it was still manufactured by Sobranie House, points to a number of changes in the transition to Gallaher:

• Altered toasting technique.
• Reduction in Latakia from 50% to 35%.
• Yenidje replaced with generic Orientals.
• Additives introduced to the mix.
• Cut changed to accommodate mass-production.

In 1998, Gallaher ceased production of tobacco products, and that was the end of Balkan Sobranie until 2011, when distribution was picked up by Arango Cigar Co., blended by J. F. Germain & Son in the Channel Isle of Jersey factory. 

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J. F. Germain & Son Balkan Sobranie

J. F. Germain is the perfect choice to recreate this time-honored mixture. We became acquainted with them, when we acquired the Butera Tobacco Company’s inventory and distribution rights of Germain. They continue to make several of Butera’s finest mixtures for us, including the well-respected Esoterica. So, we know their reputation for selecting and blending tobaccos of the highest quality and standards. I know smokers will respond positively to the reintroduction of Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture, and that the blend’s iconic white can will again top the list of many pipe smokers’ favorites."

- Michael Gold, President of Arango Cigar Co.

Sutliff Match Balkan Sobranie

Hearth & Home Black House

Russ Ouellette blend which won the 2011 Balkan Sobranie 759 Throwdown at the Chicagoland Pipe and Tobacciana Show.