We have word from the folks at Sutliff Tobacco Company that many exciting developments are on the horizon for 2023. And here to usher in these impending releases and promotions is Henri the Sutliff Sprite. Details are sparse at this time, but we do know that this fella—whose lore is steeped in generations of passion for tobacco—comes bearing gifts.
We all know that Sutliff maintains and continues to develop a large range of popular blends and holds down an admirable distribution operation, but their fealty to the world of pipe tobacco and premium cigars doesn’t end there. They’ve hosted the CORPS pipe show, factory tours, panels of pipe smokers to connect around new blends, and more. With pride in over 160 years of tobacco history, they are always eager to go beyond the business and look at how they can enrich the culture and fraternity of the hobby.
From what little we know, it seems the esteemed blending house set out to embody that Sutliff spirit in one whimsical character—an omen of good pipe and tobacco fortune to come. In what shape will it take? We’ll have to wait and see. It seems he has something in the works for St. Patrick's Day!
Read on for a little background on Henri from the Sutliff Facebook Page:
| Introducing Henri...The Beloved Sprite of Sutliff… Henri, pronounced “on-ri”, is a Sprite, also known as a fairy or elf. One that loves tobacco; he always has and always will. Some even say tobacco courses through his veins. Henri has traveled the world both far and wide establishing himself as a worthy purveyor of the best tobacco any land has to offer and as a blender who compares to no other. His creativity and commitment have been appreciated and adored by smoking enthusiasts from every continent on the globe. You see, Henri has been in the tobacco industry his whole life – born into it if you will! He grew up in a family whose roots go back centuries in the pipe tobacco industry. He practically grew up in a tobacco factory where, as a young child, he watched and learned from his father, who of course learned from his father and he from his father. So, as you can imagine, Henri really knows his stuff and he is passionate beyond measure. But Henri is a bit modest and very humble. Despite all his accomplishments and contributions to the industry, many are unaware of who he is and what he has done because he stays in the background; in fact, very few pictures of him exist. Those fortunate enough to have met Henri stand in awe of him. Henri has never considered himself in any other way than “just Henri,” so he tends to stay out of sight. But, when something very special is about to happen, Henri goes into “Sprite Mode,” and when that happens, hold onto your hat because all bets are off. As you may or may not know, Sprites can be very mischievous, and they love a good time, but they rarely allow glimpses of themselves. Henri is no different of course and when he makes his presence known, he is always up for a good laugh, a joke, or even a trick or two. Although no one ever knows when Henri is going to make an appearance, the Sutliff staff is always so happy to see him because we know that something very special is soon to come. What’s even more exciting is, Henri never looks the same way twice because he “morphs” into a proper representation of the special concoction he is preparing. In fact, we just spotted him this week and apparently, he has been working on a special blend for St. Patrick’s Day – at least that’s what it looked like to us. But with Henri – you never know! We are sure we will be learning more about this blend soon and when we do, we will be sure to let you in on it too! We hope you will join us in all the fun as Henri, the very special and adored Sutliff Sprite, takes us on many adventures and shares with us the mischievous side of his wonderful and everlasting presence and his endless love of pipe tobacco. P.S. – Word has it that Henri likes to put special “gifts” in one very special tin of his creations. Wonder what it will be?? Guess we will just have to wait to see… |