Made at the Plasencia factory in Nicaragaua, the Montecristo Espada Guard is certainly a cigar with style and class. Available in beautiful 10 count boxes, the Montecristo Espada is part of the ever-growing Altadis USA portfolio. From the Altadis USA website:
“Constructed with 100% vintage Nicaraguan tobaccos specially aged by the Plasencia family and expertly blended by the world famous Grupo de Maestros, Espada by Montecristo offers a bold, spicy and deeply satisfying smoke. Espada, which means “sword” in Spanish, is the first Montecristo with all of its tobacco coming from Nicaragua – a country celebrated for its robust and mellow tobaccos. Espada by Montecristo is a cigar of pure taste and true elegance”.
Being named to Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 (number 20) in 2015, I found this cigar catching my eye while at my local Brick & Mortar store this past week. Let’s find out what this sword swinging stick is all about.
Aesthetics [Construction/Shelf-Appeal/Pre-light]: The Montecristo Espada is almost completely covered with bands, three in total. I’m typically leery of bands covering most of a cigar’s body as you never know what is to be found upon removal (like a Christmas present), however, after removal of foot band and middle band, the cigar showed a nice milk chocolate colored wrapper with several veins throughout. The cigar’s cap was perfectly rounded, and no soft spots were found as I rolled the cigar through my fingers. The foot was jam packed and the pre-light smell was of rich tobacco with feeble woody notes. Cold draw was loose and showed very faint tastes of sweet wood.
Performance [Draw/Burn]: The draw of the cigar was perfect and easy throughout the entire smoking experience showing almost no resistance. The smallest of draws produced a lot of creamy white smoke, and I would classify the cigar as medium/full in body. Burn was wavy throughout the entire smoke and required several touch-ups and one re-light. Ash was a flakey mix of light and dark greys. I did use a V-Cut for this cigar due to the perfectly rounded cap. The Montecristo Espada was a medium strength smoke.
Flavor [Tastes/Aroma]: Throughout the smoking experience I mainly encountered heavy black walnut and dry wood characteristics with leather, faith vanilla, a meaty chewiness, and sweet cedar aromas finding their way to my senses. Not overly complex in the flavors and easily detected tastes were evident throughout smoking the cigar.
Overall Impressions [Value/Experience/Pairing]: My final assessment of the cigar is best summarized as solid. The cigar isn’t amazing, but it’s also far from awful. It’s a market solid cigar that will no doubt be consistent for those finding the flavor profile to fit their wants and needs. The biggest hinderance for me is the price tag. At the higher end of the premium level ($16.00) I can easily find other Nicaraguan puros that will give me a more enjoyable smoking experience. Is this cigar bad? No. Would it be better if the price tag was dropped? Absolutely! In fact, if this cigar were a $10.00 to $12.00 cigar, I would probably smoke it on a regular basis.
For reference, I paired the Montecristo Espada with black coffee and water, therefore, no pairing report was noted.
Have you ever felt drawn to one form of tobacco over another? Or, to put the question straight forward, do you ever find yourself having stretches where you gravitate more toward cigars, or more toward pipe smoking, or even periods of dry nasal snuff use? Without a doubt, I do. In fact, 2022, for the most part, has been a cigar smoking year for me. Why? I don’t know, however, as of the writing of this piece, I have smoked over 197 cigars since April 2022. That roughly equates to approximately 5 cigars per week for 37 straight weeks. Is that too many? For some folks that may seem extreme, whereas for others, they may enjoy five cigars per day.
Similar to the subjectivity associated with tasting tobacco, the quantity of tobacco products one enjoys should be their own preference. With that being said, I do support the belief that moderation must be followed, not just with tobacco, but in all aspects of life. Regardless, no matter your thoughts on quantity, the question we are addressing with this list is the quality of cigars. Below, I have presented my Top 5 Cigars for 2022. Although the list could have easily been extended to include 25 cigars, I feel that anything past five just becomes grouped into a larger pool of good quality smokes. The five cigars presented below have consistently battled their way into the top spots, or in some cases, held the lead from the get-go to prove their worth, and I highly recommend readers of The Pipe Professor website make it a point to try each stick.
Before moving on, I will admit that although I have very much enjoyed cigars for the better part of this year, I am now trending back to my pipes and tobaccos. To be completely forthright, I have been enjoying dry nasal snuff more than any other time in my luxury tobacco journey. With that being said, I will present my Top 5 Nasal Snuffs on Friday, December 23rd and Top 5 Pipe Tobaccos of 2022 on Friday, December 30th here at The Pipe Professor website. Stay tuned for the next few Fridays!
Without further ado, here are my Top 5 Cigars for 2022.
Cigar #5: Padilla 88 Anniversario Robusto
Manufacturer: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez (Ernesto Padilla)
LH: 5
RG: 52
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Havana
County of Origin: Nicaragua
Price: $12.35 ea., $117 Box of 10
Notes: The Padilla 88 Anniversario Robusto was #21 on the 2021 Cigar Aficionado Top 25, which is where I learned of its existence. The following is from the Cigar Aficionado website, “this cigar was created to honor the 88th birthday of his father Heberto Padilla, a famed Cuban poet who was imprisoned in 1971 for criticizing the Cuban government, sparking what became known as “The Padilla Affair.” The smoke is gorgeous, made in Nicaragua by A.J. Fernandez, with a beautiful Ecuador Havana wrapper and a touch of Pelo d’Oro filler in the blend, a fickle seed varietal that’s tough to grow.” I found that it was not always easy to locate this cigar and just received a restock earlier in December. Prior to that, I only had the two five packs that I purchased in early 2021 and have had to ration accordingly. However, the Padilla 88 Anniversario Robusto is a wonderful cigar and worth the hunt.
Tasting Notes: Tasting notes include, earth, dark chocolate, honey, damp forest floor, and leather. It is to be noted that this cigar does pack a punch in the nicotine department and is not for the faint of heart. Seasoned cigar smokers should be fine, newbies be warned.
Cigar #4: Aladino Queens Perfecto
Manufacturer: Aladino (JRE Tobacco Company, Julio R. Eiroa)
LH: 5 ¼
RG: 46
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Honduran
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
County of Origin: Honduras
Price: $6.75 ea., $125.00 Box of 20
Notes: From the 2guyscigars website, the “JRE Tobacco is a family centered company, founded by Julio R. Eiroa and his son Justo M. Eiroa, together they manage all aspects of the cigar growing and manufacturing for your enjoyment. This is a crop to shop operation as we like to call it. As the premier Corojo grower in the industry, Julio Eiroa, Master Cigar Blender and Tobacco grower, guarantees that all their brands will provide you the opportunity to enjoy an Authentic Corojo taste, the same as cigars from the 1960’s.”Making a debut in April of 2019, the Aladino Connecticut line includes four sizes, Churchill (7 x 52), Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 50), and the Queens (5 ¼ x 46). To be completely honest, if I had to pick a line of cigars that would qualify as the “line” or “brand” of the year, it would be Aladino. The Aladino Corojo Reserve #4 was a very close candidate to making this list, but the Queens was able to squeeze in the win at the end.
Tasting Notes: The Aladino Queens is a very soft subtle smoke that offers notes of rich buttered toast, vanilla cream, mild earth, fresh dried grasses, and wheated graham cracker.
Cigar #3: Montecristo Edmundo Tubo
Manufacturer: Habanos S.A.
LH: 5 3/8
RG: 52
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
County of Origin: Cuba
Price: $38.00 ea., $540 Box of 15 (5 Cartons of 3)
Notes: According to the Cigar Aficionado website the Montecristo Edmundo, “was introduced in the spring of 2004, but it has only recently begun to come into its own. The cigar measures 5 3/8 inches long by 52 ring gauge and is produced primarily in the H. Upmann factory, which is in the neighborhood of Nuevo Vedado in Havana.” It is true that Cuban cigars carry an inconsistency not typically found in new world sticks, but the Montecristo Edmundo Tubo consistently fired on all cylinders this year and offered its own special smoking experience unlike any other cigars I smoked.
Tasting Notes: The Montecristo Edmundo showed notes of salted cashews, leather, hay, assam tea, cedar, and sweet cocoa powder. Although there were times when the burn would be wavy on one of the sticks, the overall satisfaction I gained from the cigar was not just enjoyable, it was memorable, and I am glad I now have enough put back in my collection to rotate in these memories for the next few years.
Cigar #2: Bandolero Firecracker
Manufacturer: Select Tobaccos (Nelson Alfonso)
LH: 3 ½
RG: 50
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Undisclosed
Wrapper: Ecuador
County of Origin: Costa Rica
Price: $9.00 ea., $180.00 Box of 20
Notes: From The Cigar Authority website, “In 2006, from the creative mind of David Garofalo, the Firecracker line was born. The first cigar on the market with a long piece of tobacco at the head was shaped like a ‘wick’ or ‘fuse’ to capture the name of the line; Firecracker. After a few years on the market, the limited release Firecrackers came to life as United Cigars collaborated with a new manufacturer every year to create a celebration cigar for the nation’s Independence Day. This year in 2022, United Cigars tabbed Nelson Alfonso and Selected Tobacco to produce the limited edition cigar of which only 1,000 boxes of 20 have been made. The regular production Bandolero is available in three different series, but the Firecrackers pulls from two them to create this unique cigar. The blend for the Bandolero Firecracker is derived from the Clandestino line (Series C) that uses filler leaves from Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and undisclosed tobaccos. The filler is held together with an Ecuadorian binder and a dark Ecuadorian wrapper that is typically used on the Aventureros line (Series A).” I will admit that I have purchased more boxes of Bandolero Firecrackers than any other brand or line this year. The cigar is a pure superstar and I wish it would become a regular production stick. Nothing against any of the other cigars in the Bandolero portfolio, however, the Firecracker is a super flavorful, slow smoking stick that is the most consistent cigar I have ever smoked.
Tasting Notes: This little stick yielded big flavors with notes of earth, cedar, mild black pepper, raisins/figs, black coffee, and molasses.
2022 Cigar of the Year: Atabey Delirios
Manufacturer: Select Tobaccos (Nelson Alfonso)
LH: 5 ¾
RG: 55
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Wrapper: Undisclosed
County of Origin: Costa Rica
Price: $32.00 ea., $799.00 Box of 25
Notes: From the 2guyscigars website, “the name Atabey has ties to the Taino Indians and the cigar culture. It all began with Cohiba which referred to the circle the tribe would gather in to pray. They would offer their prayers to the leader known as Behike who in turn would deliver those prayers to the Goddess Atabey. Atabey Cigars comes to us from Nelson Alfonso and is made in Costa Rica where the blend is only known by a select few.” I honestly came across this cigar by accident when I was in Liquor Barn picking up some delicious wines and spirits. Like any good cigar aficionado, I always take a gander at the humidor before heading to the checkout. The Atabey line was on full display that day, and although carrying a hefty price tag, I decided to pick up three different sizes to give the line a try. My palate is surely glad I did, my wallet, not so much. Atabey cigars not only taste incredible, but they also perform/burn phenomenally, and are masterfully crafted with beautiful golden wrappers, offering the seasoned smoker a perfect smoking experience.
Tasting Notes: The Atabey Delirios are buttered cream, sweet molasses, dried grains, bready yeast, and fresh yellow cake. Fantastic smoke that has truly elevated the bar for what a quality cigar should be. Without a doubt, the Atabey Delirios is The Pipe Professor’s 2022 Cigar of the Year.
That will do it for my 2022 Top 5 Cigars. If you would like to watch the video presentation of these Top 5 cigars, please visit The Pipe Professor YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/Ve5XwpQQNv0
Stay tuned for the Top 5 Nasal Snuffs and Pipe Tobaccos in the upcoming weeks. As always, thank you for visiting The Pipe Professor webpage and I hope you find you way back soon.
To be completely honest, Cornell & Diehl has been very hit or miss with me over the past year or more. Some of their blends are very enjoyable, however, the ones that miss, tend to miss big. Specifically, I am referring to most of their Small Batch and special release series. Understanding this to be the case, I opted for a regular production blend that I’ve been wanting to try since the start of the year.
This blend came across my radar after seeing the well-known Mike Murphy from the Pipe and Tamper podcast blast rave reviews about it along with showing off the abundance of Sunset Harbor Flake tins he has cellared away. Of course, anyone who puts away that much of a single blend will raise eyebrows, especially mine. So, I decided to pick a tin up and see what the hype, if any, is about. Afterall, my recent luck with Cornell & Diehl has been dismal at best.
From the Tin: Upon opening, the first thing noticed was the dark color of the tobacco. Tin aroma was a rich, dark leather, musty wood, and slight hint of campfire smoke. The tobacco was on the moist side and needed time to dry out before smoking. Having now smoked 8 bowls, I found 30 minutes to be just about the perfect amount of dry time before packing and lighting. Although marketed as a flake, this tobacco is far from what I designate a “flake” tobacco. In fact, there were not even long pieces of “broken flake” to be found in the tin. I would instead classify this tobacco as crumbled tobacco once being in flake form.
Flavor Notes (Taste + Aroma): C&D Sunset Harbor provides the smoker with a very rich, flavorful smoking experience. Tastes consisted of mossy damp forest, wood, mushrooms, leather, and an initial faint spice. Aroma was an antique mustiness with a very prominent sweet cream noted when smoked in a meerschaum. In fact, I have found I enjoy this blend most in a medium size (group 3 or 4) meerschaum pipe.
Overall Impression: C&D Sunset Harbor Flake burned cool producing a dark gray gritty ash. The smoke was thick and cool presenting no bite with the tobacco strength being medium and body medium/plus. Although very enjoyable, I would not recommend this as an all-day smoke as you run the risk of potential palate fatigue due to the opulence of the blend. Overall, I find Sunset Harbor Flake to be a solid offering from Cornell & Diehl and will certainly be purchasing more to smoke over the next decade or more (I do think short term aging will show rewards for this blend). This tobacco is very much recommended and if you’re a Balkan fan you should certainly give it a try.
Created to celebrate Rocky Patel’s 60th birthday in 2021, the Rocky Patel Sixty pulls out all the stops to honor the man, myth, and legend in the cigar industry, Rocky Patel. Aged a minimum of 2 years in the Rocky Patel headquarters after being rolled, these cigars are said to have some of the oldest tobaccos in the Rocky Patel warehouse portfolio. For detailed information and videos of Rocky and his team creating the Sixty line of cigars, visit the Rocky Patel website at: https://www.rockypatel.com/cigar-campaigns/sixty-by-rocky-patel/
On to the review….
Video Review: If you would like to watch the video review of the Rocky Patel Sixty, please visit the following link. While there, don’t forget to like and subscribe!
Aesthetics (Construction/Shelf-Appeal): Three beautifully detailed bands almost completely cover the cigar. Very eye appealing from the consumer’s point-of-view with gold embossing and excellent color scheme. Very dark, smooth, maduro wrapper, however, the cigar felt light or under filled in my hand. Fantastic square box press with nice tight visible seams. Cap was a triple seam and overall cigar was beautifully made.
Performance (Draw/Burn): Very, very loose draw, to the point that it was a wind tunnel requiring no effort to smoke. Burn was extremely wavy throughout the smoking experience needing to be touched up several times. Ash was a wonderful white with mixed of gray sprinkled throughout. Smoke was a thick, soft, creamy white.
Flavor (Tastes/Aroma/Body/Strength): Cold draw was a dark fruit raisin taste accompanied by a small hint of earth and spice. Smoking taste profile noted cereal, buttermilk biscuits, earth, wood, and leather. Aroma was woody and savory with a creamy, soft texture. Body was full throughout the smoking experience and the strength I would classify as medium.
Overall Impressions (Value/Experience/Pairing): The Rocky Patel Sixty is a very good cigar, however, the size, looseness of the draw, price, and burn issues do not justify a second purchase for me, at least at the Gordo size. These characteristics make it seem that the cigar was under-filled and a bit expensive in the pricing category. The tastes were nicely refined, and I did enjoy the body to strength smoking ratio. I do plan to try this cigar in the robusto format and hope some of the performance issues are resolved with the smaller size.
I paired my Rocky Patel Sixty with a Versailles Brewing Company (VBC) Legit Kentucky Cream Ale. The beer and cigar paired well together with the beer offering an opposing balance to the heavy flavors and body the cigar presented on its close. The VBC Legit was crisp and refreshing, with nice light malty flavors and plenty or carbonation. It reminded me of a nice refreshing champagne.
I’m glad I was able to try the Rocky Patel Sixty and was able to confirm that the larger ring gauge cigars are not for me. I do look forward to trying the Sixty in other vitolas but will not be picking up any more of the 60 ring gauge samples.
Another year has come and gone. It seems as though the older I get, the faster time passes. Of course, when reflecting on the past 365 days, I am not shocked by the reality of accomplishing less than I set out to accomplish at the start of the year. Without making excuses, the continued threat of COVID does not always make endeavors easy, however, it appears this virus is here to stay. Thus, we must now work to live with it, not just around it.
With all of this being said, I was able to enjoy several pipe tobacco blends this past year and most were excellent in nature. Below, I have presented my Top 5 favorite Pipe Tobaccos for 2021 along with my top two biggest disappointment blends. The five tobaccos I selected as my favorites are blends that I not only smoked the most, but tobaccos I worked to cellar more than any other blends during the year. Each presents a unique and enjoyable experience and if you haven’t had the opportunity to try them, I suggest you do. As always, thank you for taking the time to read and follow The Pipe Professor website. I can’t guarantee posts will be regular but be assured they content on this page will be of utmost quality now and in the future. Here’s to a blessed and joyful 2022!
Tobacco #5 for 2021
Drucquer & Sons First Amendment
Info & Overview
Brand: G.L. Pease
Category: English
Blend Components: Burley; Latakia; Perique; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Flake
Available Packaging: 100g tin
Price: $21.25 USD
Tobacco Notes: Admittingly, I very much enjoy G.L. Pease tobaccos and am an even bigger Drucquer & Sons fan. When I saw the release of a new tobacco to the D&S line this past summer, I did not hesitate and jumped in immediately purchasing three tins blind. I did do an initial review of First Amendment on the Pipe Professor YouTube channel, but since the filming of that video, I have continued to smoke and enjoy First Amendment more and more. This tobacco offers a rich flavorful nutty smoke that is savory and hints at rustic, rich tea notes all followed by a natural tobacco sweetness. The blend is very complex and extremely enjoyable. So much so, that I went back and have now stocked my cellar with this blend for many years to come. To say I am eager to see if it continues to expand in enjoyment from time-set-aside is a complete understatement. Drucquer & Sons First Amendment, if you haven’t tried it, I don’t know why you are waiting. It’s fantastic and available.
Tobacco #4 for 2021
Boswell’s Honey Roast Pipe Tobacco
Info & Overview
Brand: J.M. Boswell’s
Category: Aromatic
Blend Components: Golden Cavendish; Black and Fire-cured Cavendish; Black Honey Cavendish
Flavorings: Honey
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: per oz
Price: $3.75 USD per oz
Tobacco Notes: For several years now, I have put aside smoking aromatic pipe tobaccos. Why? I have no idea. However, during 2021, I found myself craving the sweet aromatic offerings that first spurred me into the hobby. Anyone who is a seasoned pipe smoker knows that if you are looking for the best aromatic pipe tobaccos, your guaranteed option is Boswell’s. I put in an order on the Boswell’s website earlier this year with several 2oz samples. Of all the aromatics I tried this year, not just Boswell’s, the Honey Roast found its way into my pipes more than any other. This tobacco offers an outstanding room note of sweet, dark baked bread, the tastes also come forward offering honey, browned buttered toast, and candied sweetness. The tobacco has its own unique complexity in that your palate will be satisfied but always wanting more. Boswell’s Honey Roast is a lasting aromatic pipe tobacco that should be sampled by pipe smokers who enjoy a little honey sweetness in their smoking diet.
A short video review of me sampling Boswell’s Honey Roast can be found here.
Tobacco #3 for 2021
Orlik Golden Sliced
Info & Overview
Brand: Orlik Tobacco Company
Category: VaPer
Blend Components: Virginia; Perique
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Flake
Available Packaging: 1.75 oz tin or 3.5 oz tin
Price: $9.58 USD for 1.75 oz; $16.99 USD for 3.5 oz
Tobacco Notes: The king of Virginia Perique (VaPer) blends, at least that’s my opinion. There has indeed been some argument in the Pipe Community that Orlik Golden Sliced actually contains no perique and is just a straight Virginia blend, but I do not fall in that camp. Being the tobacco I have purchased the most of in 2021, Orlik Golden Sliced is a perfect example of not only a Virginia Perique tobacco, but a blend that ages wonderfully. This past year I finished a tin of OGS from 2015 (it was spectacular and smoked like a dream) and worked my way through two fresh tins. The aged sample had its own fantastic qualities; however, this tobacco is still amazing when enjoyed fresh. The best part of it all? OGS is a very affordable tobacco that is frequently on sale at your local online tobacconists. Fresh hay, spiced sweetness, and brown sugar, this tobacco, in my opinion, is the best bang for your buck currently available on the market. And to think, early in my pipe smoking career, I very much disliked this blend. I’m glad I finally came to my senses!
Tobacco #2 for 2021
Mac Baren Modern Virginia Flake
Info & Overview
Brand: Mac Baren
Category: VaBur
Blend Components: Virginia; Burley; Cavendish
Flavorings: Apricot; Pineapple
Cut Type: Flake
Available Packaging: 1.75 oz tin
Price: No longer in production
Tobacco Notes: It seems like I always find a tobacco I really love and shortly afterwards, it’s pulled from production. Mac Baren’s Modern Virginia Flake Cut is one of those tobaccos and unfortunately, I didn’t have the foresight to stock up as I did with other blends that are now forever removed from our pipe tobacco portfolios. This tobacco has aged into a wonderfully dark, crystalized flake. The fruit toping has settled just enough to present an exceptionally pleasant room note while not taking away from the fruit sweetness, rich natural honey, and mild nutty flavors presented in the tastes. This tobacco burns cool and smokes under the medium body, mild strength profile. Completely perfect when I’m looking to interrupt my regularly scheduled smoking rotation. If you have been able to cellar or find Mac Baren’s Modern Virginia Flake, good for you. I suggest going ahead and opening those tins to enjoy. You will be glad you did and experience something that should have never left the market.
Tobacco #1 for 2021
McClelland Frog Morton on the Town
Info & Overview
Brand: McClelland Tobacco Company
Category: English
Blend Components: Latakia; Oriental/Turkish; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 50g tin or 100g tin
Price: No longer in production
Tobacco Notes: I’ve smoked my share of regular Frog Morton (Frog-on-a-log) and Frog Morton Cellar. Both are highly enjoyable tobaccos but neither have come close to uprooting my favorite McClelland tobacco, 40thAnniversary. It wasn’t until late summer/early fall this year that I decided to pop open a tin of Frog Morton on the Town to see where it stood in comparison to its Frog friends. Wow! I was, and continue to be, blow away by how much I enjoy this tobacco. I never smoked this blend when still available on the market, therefore, I don’t know if it’s the age or if the blend has always been spectacular, but I do know it’s worth every penny I have paid and will continue to pay for it. The smoking experience offers a damp, earthy room note and tastes that is offset by floral/herbal notes, forest pines, and black tea creaminess. The smoke is rich and smooth with the tobacco burning slowly down to a white ash of wonder in each bowl. My palate could, and would, enjoy this tobacco all day every day is possible. If you haven’t been able to sample McClelland’s Frog Morton on the Town, it would be worth your hard-earned coin to find some and splurge. Every pipe smoker should have the opportunity to enjoy this heavenly bliss at least once.
Top Two Tobacco Disappointments of 2021
Disappointment #1 for 2021
Former’s Bird’s Eye Flake
Info & Overview
Brand: Former
Category: VaPer
Blend Components: Perique; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Flake
Available Packaging: 2oz tin
Price: $10.63 USD
Tasting Notes: This was the first Former’s blend I have ever smoked and without standing, very well could be my last. I did a first impressions video of this tobacco here, but as I sampled it a few times after this initial impressions video, I found the tobacco did not improve. Dry, simplistic, and bland with an overall ‘dusty’ quality, this tobacco did not find enjoyment with my smoking palate. It’s possible that this blend will age wonderfully but I’m not willing to dedicate my time, money, or cellar space to find out. With so many fantastic Virginia tobaccos on the market, Former’s Bird’s Eye Flake is an easy pass for me.
Disappointment #2 for 2021
Sir Walter Raleigh Original (Pouch)
Info & Overview
Brand: Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG)
Category: Burley
Blend Components: Burley
Flavorings: Anisette; Sweet/Sugar
Cut Type: Corse Cut
Available Packaging: 1.5oz pouch (or) 14oz can
Price: $4.13 USD per pouch (or) $38.18 per can
Tasting Notes: I started a segment on my YouTube channel (which I do intend to continue forward with in 2022) called A Study in OTC Pipe Tobacco Pouches. In this study, I am sampling several of the most common and available ‘codger’ drug store pouch tobaccos in search of any real gems. Sir Walter Raleigh original was the first pouch I sampled in the series (video here) and going into the review, I had very high hopes. I mean, let’s be real. This blend has supposedly stood the test of time being around more than a century. Surely, there is something amazing that folks have flocked to generation after generation. Without going into the details (those can be found at my original post here) this blend has absolutely nothing to offer. Completely flavorless and bland. It baffles me to think that folks have continued to smoke this blend entire lifetimes. I just don’t understand why. No flavor, no real room note, just bland nothingness. My current plan is to give the remainder of this pouch to anyone who wants it and never purchase another Sir Walter Raleigh pouch again. To be very bold, if this were the only pipe tobacco available on the market, I wouldn’t smoke a pipe.
Again, thank you for visiting The Pipe Professor website. I hope you have enjoyed my Top 5 Pipe Tobaccos of 2021 and please stay tuned for more reviews and exciting content including My Favorite Things of 2021. As always, I hope each of you have a blessed new year and until next time, cheers!
* All tobacco/tin pictures and blend information (excluding tobacco notes) were taken from tobaccoreviews.com, boswellpipes.com, pipesandcigars.com, and smokingpipes.com. The writer of this post is not the owner of the above photos/blend information related to each tobacco and does not take credit for their creation.
Let’s address the elephant in the room, 2020 was more than complicated due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us have had to change our day-to-day habits, several individuals have lost their jobs, and even more have suffered from the loss of family and friends due to the virus. Nobody, at the start of the year, would have ever guessed our current situation would look as drab as it does. On top of all the pandemic chaos, Americans have persistent through a tough and interesting election year. And although the election itself has been decided, we continue to be overrun with crappy political battles that do the exact opposite of putting people in the country at the forefront of decision making. Alas, we do see hope on the horizon with vaccines beginning to be distributed and business/restaurants beginning to re-open.
For us pipe smokers, the social aspect of the hobby was put on complete hold as many pipe shows and tobacco shops were forced to close their doors or cancel for the year. Although many organizations attempted to push dates back, the ongoing shutdowns, due to the pandemic, proved too much for pipe smokers to gather in organized fashions. If we are able to learn anything from this entire situation, I hope that it’s to not take things for granted. Our time with others, and simple gestures such as hugs and handshakes, should, and will, never be viewed the same. If nothing else is produced from all the craziness, I hope each of you will, when safely permissible, take the time to visit with family and friends (and not just go through the motions). We have quickly come to realize, we are not invincible, and life is not a haphazard dream.
Similar to year’s post, my favorite tobacco list includes my top five tobaccos of the year and my two biggest disappointments. As with any handmade product that requires personal inference, my thoughts and opinions are subjective and reflect what I enjoy or dislike as a pipe smoker. You may or may not agree with the tobaccos on either list, and that’s ok. You too are entitled to an opinion; however, you’re visiting this site to share in my own tobacco enjoyments and disappointments. So, without further ado, I present my top five tobaccos of 2020 and my two biggest letdowns. Keen observers of The Pipe Professor webpage will note some old comrades who continue to make the list, while eyeing a few newbies that have appeared. Enjoy!
Tobacco #5 for 2020
Seattle Pipe Club Plum Pudding
Info & Overview
Brand: Seattle Pipe Club
Category: Balkan
Blend Components: Black Cavendish; Latakia; Oriental/Turkish; Perique; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Krumble Kake
Available Packaging: 2oz or 8oz tin
Price: $15.99 USD (2oz); $39.99 (8oz)
Tobacco Notes: Although being listed as a Krumble Kake, this tobacco is presented in large, thickly sliced flakes that easily fall apart in your hands if not handled with care. On top of being very tasty, Seattle Pipe Club’s Plum Pudding provides the smoker with a creamy, spicy, fruity sweetness while offering a wonderful room note to be enjoyed by smokers and non-smoker alike. The pleasant smoky characteristic partners well with the Virginia tobaccos to showcase a fresh grassy, molasses sweetness. Similar to other blends on this list, Plum Pudding continues to be a go-to tobacco for me, as it never fails to deliver an enjoyable smoking experience. My only fear is that it will soon outprice itself. I’ve noticed a steady price hike over the last few years (as with many other blends) and wonder when/if it will lose its “bang for the buck” promise. Fingers crossed the price will level itself out and the enjoyment it provides will continue.
Tobacco #4 for 2020
Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader Special Edition with Perique
Info & Overview
Brand: Samuel Gawith
Category: English
Blend Components: Oriental/Turkish; Latakia; Perique; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 50g tin
Price: $13.75 (not currently in production)
Tobacco Notes: Samuel Gawith produces a staple English tobacco blend. If fact, Squadron Leader is a quintessential example of a classic English blend. Add some perique, as in the Special Edition listed here, and you have pipe smoking bliss! This tobacco shows tasting notes of fresh cut cedar wood chips, sun dried grasses, and a comforting burnt campfire essence. The tobacco’s moisture content is spot on and delivers a wonderfully cool smoking experience. The only downfall this tobacco has is its availability. Being a resurrection, spearheaded by smokingpipes.com, the tobacco is typically offered once per year in limited quantities. Unfortunately, this year, SPC did not offer the blend as in years past (probably just another thing this stupid virus caused us to lose). Hopefully, 2021 will see another production run of this blend and if it does, I highly suggest you pick a tin or two up to try.
Video review of Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader Special Edition with Perique can be found here. Full written review can be found here.
Tobacco #3 for 2020
McClelland 221B Series Arcadia
Info & Overview
Brand: McClelland Tobacco Company
Category: Oriental
Blend Components: Oriental/Turkish; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 50g tin
Price: N/A (no longer in production)
Tobacco Notes: Several years later, and we all continue to feel the loss of the famous McClelland Tobacco Company. Anyone who knows me, knows I was very fond of McClelland tobaccos (before they announced their plans to close). I had steadily built my cellar stock of their tobaccos prior to the insane online crisis that occurred in 2018-2019. One of the tobaccos I had stored away pre-closure was the McClelland 221B Series Arcadia. In fact, I managed to purchase several of these tins with, at the time, 8-10 years of age on them. Now, those tins are 15-20 years old and showing the value of their contents. McClelland Arcadia is an easy burning sweet and sour Oriental blend that shows notes of dark fruits, earthy woods, black coffee, and herbal spice. Each bowl of this fantastic tobacco only reminds me that all good things eventually come to an end. If you are holding back collectable tins, such as McClelland Arcadia, for that special occasion, go ahead and pop them now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, as this pandemic has shown, therefore, every day is a special day to smoke a special tobacco.
Tobacco #2 for 2020
Boswell’s Northwoods
Info & Overview
Brand: Boswell’s Pipes & Tobaccos
Category: English
Blend Components: Black Cavendish; Latakia; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 2oz tin or bulk per oz
Price: $13.95 USD (2oz tin); $5.35 (per oz bulk)
Tobacco Notes: I must admit, although not holding the #1 spot on this year’s list, I purchased more Northwoods pipe tobacco than any other blend (per pound that is) during 2020. There are some folks who find aging latakia pointless, however, I beg to differ. Beyond delivering a balanced, silky, flavorful smoke when young/fresh, I find Northwoods to be even better with 3-5 years of age on it. The enjoyment of the blend, when aged, creates an unapparelled smoothness that only enhances the creaminess from the latakia tobaccos. In fact, the blend is so creamy and smooth, I would argue some type of vanilla topping has been added (it hasn’t according to the Boswell website). If you have never tried this iconic pipe tobacco do yourself a favor and pick some up. Never a disappointment!
My video review of Boswell Northwoods can be found here.
Tobacco #1 for 2020
Cornell & Diehl Professor
Info & Overview
Brand: Cornell & Diehl
Category: English
Blend Components: Latakia; Perique; Black Cavendish; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 2 oz tin
Price: $10.75 USD
Tobacco Notes: Those of you who follow my YouTube channel, or know me in any capacity, will not be surprised by this pick as my #1 tobacco of 2020. As I have stated in the past, this selection has nothing to do with the fact that my website is known as The Pipe Professor. I give a full and detailed overview of how I came across this blend in my 2018 Top 5 Pipe Tobaccos for those who want to reminisce on the story. This tobacco provides the smoker sweet and sour notes, woody earth, dried grass, spicy fruits, and a lingering musty room note that is suggestive of an old library or bookstore full of dusty tomes. Maybe it’s my infinite love for books and libraries that make this tobacco’s smoking profile so enjoyable for me, or maybe it’s just complex enough to remain interesting? Either way, Cornell & Diehl’s Professor has earned my #1 spot since 2018 and continues to be a superstar tobacco for me. Similar to other tobaccos on this list, I encourage you to pick a tin up in your next order and give it a try. Personal preference, smaller pipe bowls, sipped slowly, provide the most payoff when it comes to Cornell & Diehl’s Professor.
Top Two Tobacco Disappointments of 2020
Cornell & Diehl Good Morning
Info & Overview
Brand: Cornell & Diehl
Category: English
Blend Components: Latakia; Oriental/Turkish; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 2oz tin
Price: $10.75 USD
Tasting Notes: Being a major fanboy of Dunhill’s Early Morning Pipe (I have yet to try the blend since Peterson took over product as I have a fully stocked cellar of the Dunhill run), I was interested to learn that Cornell & Diehl had what they defined as an EMP match in their line-up (Good Morning). From the start let me be point blank in saying, this is not an EMP match blend. I did a full review of the blend on both my YouTube channel and The Pipe Professor webpage, but to sum it all up, this blend is about the most uninteresting bland tobacco I have ever smoked. The beauty of EMP is the balance between the Virginia tobaccos and the English/Orientals. This balance is non-existent in C&D Good Morning. I found the blend to be very Virginia forward with the Latakia and Oriental tobaccos having minimal if any presence. On top of this, the Virginias were very dry tasting, reminding me of burning dead leaves and cigarette smoke (which I am NOT a fan of). The pipe had to be sipped slowly to avoid tongue bite and the tobacco burned very quickly. In my opinion, this blend is nothing short of a hoax. I will not be purchasing it in the future and would not recommend it to any pipe smoker I call a friend.
Ken Byron Ventures (KBV) Sakura
Info & Overview
Brand: Ken Byron Ventures (KBV)
Category: Aromatic
Blend Components: Black Cavendish; Oriental; Virginia
Flavorings: Cherry
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 2oz pouch
Price: $15.00 USD
Tasting Notes: I was introduced to Ken Byron Ventures (KBV) tobaccos this year and must admit I’m on the fence about their blends. There are several I have enjoyed such as Goblin Mixture and King’s Ransom, however, at $15.00 USD per 2oz, my expectation for quality is of the utmost level, as yours should be. I have yet to have a KBV blend that met its $15 worth/value. Yes, Goblin Mixture and King’s Ransom are good, but not $15 good. Therefore, you can image when I smoked the Sakura aromatic blend, and it tasted like a mix between wet dog and cherry cough drops, I about lost it. To be fair, I don’t smoke aromatics as much as I used to, but I still make time and space in my rotation to appease my aromatic desires. With that being said, there is an art to creating a quality, enjoyable aromatic tobacco; Sakura does not adhere to those guidelines. The tobacco not only tasted bad, the burn was hot and harsh with the topping leaving a lingering essence in the pipe after being smoked (my second bowl I tried in a cob and still disliked the tobacco). On top of all this, I paid $15 just to have this monstrous disaster fill a good mason jar and ghost one of my briars. Now, on the upper hand, KBV does have a lot of positives going for them such as their packaging, quickness of shipping, and shipping cost (free). So, that does make up for a little of the $15 price tag, but I’d rather have a quality tobacco that gave me a good memorable smoking experience than unique packaging. If you’ve ever considered purchasing from KBV I encourage you to support their small business (it’s the right thing to do during these difficult times); however, stay away from Sakura. You can thank me later for the heads up.
Again, thank you for visiting The Pipe Professor website. I hope you have enjoyed my Top 5 Pipe Tobaccos of 2020 and please stay tuned for more reviews and exciting content in the upcoming year. As always, I hope each of you have a blessed new year and until next time, cheers!
* All tobacco/tin pictures and blend information (excluding tobacco notes) were taken from tobaccoreviews.com, boswellpipes.com, and smokingpipes.com. The writer of this post is not the owner of the above photos/blend information related to each tobacco and does not take credit for their creation.
In response to the famous Dunhill (now Peterson) Early Morning Pipe, Cornell & Diehl released their own version of EMP at the Chicagoland Pipe Show “several years back” (Tobacco Reviews, 2020). Blended by Craig Tarler and Bill Runowski, the Good Morning blend is said to be a spot-on match to EMP. Some of you may have seen my ‘Pop-the-Top’ review of this blend on The Pipe Professor YouTube Channel a few weeks back. If not, feel free to watch the first impressions review of C&D Good Morning here. After smoking through ¾ of the tin, I feel I now have enough experience with the blend to give it a fair and just assessment. So, let’s go ahead and jump right in.
Info & Overview
Brand: Cornell & Diehl
Category: English
Blend Components: Virginia, Latakia, Orientals
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 50g tin
Price: $10.41 USD
Tin Date: 05/2020
On to the review…
From the Tin: Keen observers will note from my original impressions video review, that I had difficulty pinpointing specific descriptive attributes from the tobacco straight out of the tin. My hope was that as the tobacco had time to air out in the tin, something more would develop; and to my surprise, it did. After revisiting the blend over the course of a week, the tin note showed characteristics of heavy oak, burnt/charred wood, walnut, and dry hay. The tobacco is said to be ribbon cut; however, I was able to find chucks of flake tobacco throughout the ribbons. From the visual perspective, I would argue the blend is heavy on the Virginias when compared to its Latakia and Oriental counterparts.
Tasting Notes: Being hopeful that the tasting department for the tobacco would experience a similar positive uptick that the tin note did, I smoked C&D Good Morning in four different briar pipes and one cob. Unfortunately, the taste of the tobacco was overall dry and flat. As I stated in my YouTube review, the blend is nothing like Dunhill’s EMP. C&D Good Morning is very much a Virginia forward blend. In fact, there were several times I questioned if Latakia or Orientals were even present in the blend at all. The tobacco did show tasting notes of dry grasses, herbs, and smokey/burnt leaves with the overall strength of the blend being mild to medium. The room note was just “so so” and similar to the taste, reminded me of cigarette smoke, which I’m not a huge fan of. The tobacco did perform well, burning down to a nice grey/white ash. Overall, I enjoyed the blend the most in my Missouri Meerschaum Mark Twain as the corncob pipe added a nice supporting sweetness to the tobacco’s tasting profile.
Overall Impression: You may have guessed it, but this blend is not for me. When honestly reflecting on everything, I did have preconceived high hopes for the blend as it was supposed to be a Dunhill EMP match. Seeing as EMP is one of my all-time favorite tobacco blends (and I have smoked a lot of it), I can confidently say the current run/production of C&D’s Good Morning, is not even close to an EMP match. I’m not sure if something has changed with the blend over the years, but I will for sure not be purchasing any more in the future.
The ultimate question. What do we do with the time we are given? First and foremost, please excuse my absence. Those of you who have followed my YouTube Channel and this blog know that it has been almost a full year since I have created any content. I openly admit, that has been on purpose. Believe me, the itch to write and/or create a video about the hobby I love, and support, has been nothing short of difficult, however, I felt I truly needed to step away for a stint. Why you may ask? This time a year ago, I was becoming ever increasingly upset with the self-loathing and disheartening greed I was witnessing in the online pipe community, specifically the YTPC (monetization whining). Please don’t misunderstand, some of the greatest pipe smokers I’ve now come to call close friends started from the YouTube brother/sisterhood. The stories, advice, and interaction with others who enjoy pipe smoking, via social media, is an exceptional experience as local options are not always easily available. My time away from it all (minus Instagram where I remained active) allowed me to reflect on those experiences and thus help me come to an inner peace with such circumstances. If a pipe smoker/presenter choses to use their channel or media outlet to complain about monetization and such, so be it. It’s their channel. If individuals enjoy watching and supporting such nonsense. So be it. It’s their time. But the breaking point for me was the tragedy and unexpected passing of John Harden (Matches860).
One year ago, my original analysis and presumptions of the pipe community (as detailed above) were the driving factor for my taking a sabbatical from it all. Being able to stand back and observe everything and everyone with the passing of Matches860 has redirected my thinking. The amount of love and passion for an individual, that 90% of the web-based community had never actually met in person, was and is extraordinary. You may think your 100 subscribers isn’t a big deal, but it is. You may think the 5-10 minute video of you talking about and smoking your pipes doesn’t matter. It does. Those pictures you post on Instagram of the snow, ice, and Captain Black you are smoking, they’re appreciated. The pipe community isn’t about making money from viewers. It’s not about showcasing how big our tobacco cellars or pipe collections are. It’s about stories. The stories of great people such as Matches860. The stories of a time long forgotten. The stories that make each of us different yet unite us under one common hobby…the hobby of pipe smoking. For years, Matches860 was the lynchpin for the hobby. He chose to use the time he had been given to share his love and passion for pipe smoking with each of us on a regular basis. His ability to tell a captivating story and share his experiences was nothing short of inspiring. John will certainly be missed, however, his impact and influence on each of us, that followed him via online community media, will never be forgotten. Thank you, John, for helping open my eyes to the bigger picture of the online pipe community. For giving me my first shout out within the YTPC, and for always being true to yourself and the hobby. Rest well my friend.
My time away from the online pipe community has also allowed for reflection of my own presentation. Although I have enjoyed making YouTube videos, I have always dabbled with others means to expand our hobby to the world. It seems of late that the overreaching body we call government continues to burn down bridges for us lovers of fine tobaccos making it harder and harder to enjoy a simple pleasure such as, smoking a pipe. My first consideration was some type of newsletter or quarterly written journal that would be published for those interested. I even discussed this option in some of my YouTube videos and Pipe Professor blog posts. In the end, this option proved to be both costly and content time laden. I enjoy writing and will continue to post unique articles and stories here on The Pipe Professor webpage but not everyone enjoys and/or has the time to read on a regular basis. Therefore, my I went back to a medium I had tried in the past but hadn’t planned well for or know much about…podcasting.
Previously, I had recorded and published a few podcast episodes under The Pipe Professor Podcast show name. Although those episodes had quite a few downloads and a good response, my lack of planning and preparation hindered the show’s success. Further, I didn’t like the idea of the podcast being named after my handle and the heading of this webpage (remember, I was fighting with the self-loathing issue around this period – see above). Well, let this post be the announcement that I will be attempting to make another run in the podcast pipe community paradigm. As the time we are given is precious, I want to use my time to support the pipe community and others within the pipe community. Matches860 gave us a perfect example of the wonderful stories each person has to share, and I want the podcast to be that avenue for sharing. And, since the time we are given is limited, what better way to support the hobby while maximizing your time than with a podcast? Cutting the grass and want to hear some pipe related conversation, tune in to the podcast. Driving to work and tired of listening to bad music and political news reports? Tune in to the podcast. At work and looking for a way to pass the time while still appearing busy? Tune in to the podcast. My goal is for the podcast to focus on interviewing not only the high-profile people in the pipe community, but any and all pipe smokers. That’s right, no matter who you are or what you do, I think you’re worth talking to. Why? Because you’re a pipe smoker. Hipster? Codger? Academic? Blue collar? It doesn’t matter, in my eyes anyone who smokes a pipe has an interesting story worth hearing. So, be on the lookout for Pipefuls – A podcast for pipe and tobacco enthusiasts (launching in March 2020).
Thanks again for your patience and continued support while I have been away. I am both eager and hopeful in this upcoming journey and will need everyone’s support to help get things off the ground. Because the best thing we can do with the time we are given, is give back to others. Until next time, cheers!
I must admit that 2017 was full of many great bowls of pipe tobacco and for the first time in my life, I smoked my pipe more than cigars. In previous years, I have wholeheartedly been a cigar smoker who also smoked a pipe. Well it is now official, I am a pipe smoker who still dabbles in cigars. But let’s not be too quick to celebrate. During 2017 we also experienced several major political shifts and finally received more insight into the deeming FDA regulations. With this being said, I feel the tobacco industry has a strong foothold regarding deeming legislation, but there is still much more to come in 2018. Fingers crossed for hopeful outcomes in the new year.
In this post, you will find my top 5 pipe tobaccos along with my top 2 disappointments for 2017. Similar to years past, if you follow my YouTube channel, these two blends either didn’t hold up to the quality level I find appropriate or just didn’t mend well with my own palate. I do however understand, that with any natural product, the future may hold different outcomes as my own taste desires shift and tobacco changes over time. In all, I am excited to share with you the full scope of my enjoyments and disappointments for 2017. I hope you enjoy the following list and stay tuned for my Top 5 Cigars of 2017.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Tobacco #5 for 2017
4 Noggins Bald Headed Teacher
Info & Overview
Brand: 4 Noggins
Category: Burley
Blend Components: Burley; Latakia; Virginia
Flavorings: Unknown
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: Bulk
Price: $4.10 USD per ounce
Tasting Notes: Although I have smoked this blend consistently over the past 3 years, it has never made an appearance on any of my Top 5 lists. Today, that all changes. Bald Headed Teacher by 4 Noggins is what I classify as a Burley based crossover blend. Nutty and sweet with tasting notes of vanilla, wood, cinnamon, and earthy richness, this is an excellent blend for someone looking to make the switch from Aromatics to English or vice versa.
Tobacco #4 for 2017
W.O. Larsen 2017 Craftsman Edition
Info & Overview
Brand: W.O. Larsen
Category: Aromatic
Blend Components: Black Cavendish; Burley; Virginia
Flavorings: Almond
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 100g tin
Price: $16.85 USD
Tasting Notes: There are times when you can just taste the quality in the base tobaccos used within a blend. W.O. Larsen 2017 Craftsman Edition is certainly one of those examples. This blend has a soft, mild characteristic to its smoke and yields a very pleasant room note. Tasting notes of graham cracker, nuts, and creamy milk are part of this tobacco’s profile. I would certainly advise you to pick a tin up, if you can still find it.
Tobacco #3 for 2017
John Aylesbury Dragon Flake
Info & Overview
Brand: John Aylesbury
Category: Aromatic
Blend Components: Black Cavendish; Burley; Virginia
Flavorings: Caramel; Maple; Vanilla
Cut Type: Flake
Available Packaging: 50g tin
Price: $13.50 USD
Tasting Notes: Sometimes you encounter a tobacco that has a perfect presentation in the tin. John Ayelsbury’s Dragon Flake is without a doubt one of those tobaccos (to see pictures of the tobacco fresh out of the tin visit my review of Dragon Flake from earlier this year). This tobacco showed tastes of sweet fruits, vanilla, chocolate, and wood. The room note is absolutely wonderful and the tobacco performed well after having a little dry time. I highly recommend John Aylesbury Dragon Flake to those seeking a quality, satisfying, sweet smoke.
Tobacco #2 for 2017
Seattle Pipe Club Plum Pudding
Info & Overview
Brand: Seattle Pipe Club
Category: Balkan
Blend Components: Black Cavendish; Cavendish; Latakia; Oriental/Turkish; Perique; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Krumble Kake
Available Packaging: 2oz or 8oz tin
Price: $13.00 USD (2oz); $37.50 (8oz)
Tasting Notes: Being a running contender for the #1 spot this year, Seattle Pipe Club’s Plum Pudding is a Balkan blend you don’t want to pass up. Presented in large, thickly sliced flakes, this krumble kake is easily rubbed out and packaged at a ready to smoke moisture level. The Latakia gives this blend a nice smoky characteristic while the Virginia and Black Cavendish tobaccos partner to provide a grassy, molasses sweetness. Pipe smokers will note the creamy, spicy, fruity sweetness this blend offers while providing a wonderful room note that can be enjoyed by smoker and non-smoker alike. Although, on the pricier side, this tobacco is well worth the extra coin. Pick a tin up and enjoy everything this blend has to offer.
Tobacco #1 for 2017
John Cotton’s Number 1
Info & Overview
Brand: Standard Tobacco Company (Lane, Ltd.)
Category: English
Blend Components: Latakia; Oriental/Turkish; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Ribbon
Available Packaging: 1.75oz tin
Price: $12.00 USD
Tasting Notes: I must thank the Pipes and Tobaccos magazine’s Trial by Fire column for peaking my interest in this blend. Similar to Dunhill’s Early Morning Pipe (in my own opinion), John Cotton’s Number 1 produces a thick, creamy smoke that gives way to a well-balanced tasting profile of cedar, grassy sweetness, vanilla, and a mild spice wrapped around a campfire smokiness. This blend is ready to smoke out of the tin and will certainly provide a consistent smoke to be enjoyed year-round.
Top Two Tobacco Disappointments of 2017
Cornell & Diehl Father the Flame
Info & Overview
Brand: Cornell & Diehl
Category: English
Blend Components: Burley; Latakia; Virginia
Flavorings: None
Cut Type: Mixture
Available Packaging: 2oz tin
Price: $10.63 USD
Tasting Notes: This very well could be an example of what happens when someone (me) sets their expectations too high. The producers of this blend, Cornell & Diehl (C&D), describe it as a “Straight Up English”, which sounded like something I may enjoy. To this point I have purchased, cellared, and enjoyed several of C&D’s Small Batch series tobaccos. Father the Flame is the change in this trend. Let me be fair by saying there is nothing ‘wrong’ with this blend. In fact, the presentation, moisture level, and performance of the tobacco were all good. However, my overall experience with the tobacco was just, meh…. I smoked through ½ a tin and have no desire to finish the remaining half or purchase more. At best, I can summarize my enjoyment with this tobacco as just mediocre. I am certain there will be several of you who will enjoy this tobacco, and rightly so, but it’s just not for me.
W.O. Larsen 1864 Perfect Mixture
Info & Overview
Brand: W. O. Larsen
Category: Aromatic
Blend Components: Black Cavendish; Burley; Virginia
Tasting Notes: As I purchased several W. O. Larsen blends this year, some of them I enjoyed, others I did not. The W. O. Larsen 1864 Perfect Mixture is one of the blends that earned its way to my short list. Maybe due to the extreme number of flavorings added to the tobacco, yes, it’s a lengthy list – see above, or maybe the tobacco quality was poor? Either way, this blend was a soggy, wet mess out of the tin. When smoked, the tastes reminded me of a damp moss/floral flavor. I attempted to smoke this blend in several different pipes, and no matter the size or material of the tool, the outcome remained the same. For me, this tobacco is just plain gross and I will not be purchasing more in the future. Not recommended to those seeking enjoyment in their pipe.
Again, thank you for visiting The Pipe Professor website. I hope you have enjoyed my Top 5 Pipe Tobaccos of 2017 and please stay tuned for more reviews and exciting content in the upcoming year. As always, I hope each of you have a blessed 2018 and until next time, cheers!
* All tobacco/tin pictures and blend information (excluding tasting notes) were taken from tobaccoreviews.com and smokingpipes.com. The writer of this post is not the owner of the above photos/blend information related to each tobacco and does not take credit for their creation.
Greetings and thank you for taking the time to stop by my website. As we get things started up here at The Pipe Professor I want to first make you aware of the different segments you may encounter on this site. First, The Pipe Professor webpage content will not be limited to only pipe tobacco reviews. Although this will be a large part of what is posted, it will not be the only thing you can expect as the reader. Other topics include cigar reviews, short stories, literature analyses, libation reviews, and general discussion. The intent of this blog is to expose and interact with others who may share some of the same interests as myself. I cannot promise that everything posted will be of significance to all readers, however, I will do my best to always provide my audience with entertaining and informative material so that together we can reflect on the small, but subtle, beauties life has to offer.
A Pipe Smoker’s Inquiry
The first type of content readers of this website will encounter are entitled A Pipe Smoker’s Inquiry. These segments will be composed of information, thoughts, rants, and reflections related to subjects that are currently on my mind. You can probably bet that 99% of the topics discussed under A Pipe Smoker’s Inquiry segment will be pipe or tobacco related, but no guarantees that I won’t sneak a curve ball in from time to time.
Pipe Tobacco & Cigar Reviews
Pipe tobacco reviews, along with cigar reviews, are self-explanatory. I want to be upfront that reviews of any type are always subjective. Even in your favorite YouTube presenters’ videos, magazines, and other media. They are all just someone’s opinion (and sometimes those opinions are purchased for a ‘good review’ to be posted…you won’t find that here). Therefore, if I like a tobacco you don’t or hate a product you fancy, that’s ok. There will always be differences in opinion and philosophy. How we (you the reader and me the writer) interact on those differences will be the way we learn from one another on this journey. Below you will find a breakdown of the scoring for pipe tobacco and cigar reviews.
Mystery Tobacco Reviews
Along with regular un-blind cigar and pipe tobacco reviews you will also find a segment called Mystery Tobacco Reviews. These postings will be blind reviews of pipe tobaccos from different individuals including myself. I will be sending out unmarked pipe tobacco samples, that will be selected by my wife, to other pipe smokers so we can do an objective and unbiased review of the tobacco for the readers of this website. Each reviewer will smoke the same blend and give their thoughts and rating of the tobacco. I will compile each of the reviewers’ comments and post them for all to see with an overall culminating score for the tobacco. After this is complete, together, we will find out what the mystery tobacco was on the day of the posting. Should be interesting!
Short Stories
I must admit that sometimes I imagine what it would be like to have the occupation of fictional author. The thought of writing down the fantasy world in my head for others to live and enjoy has an odd but appealing intrigue to it. Not that anyone cares about the make-believe stories I have to tell, but I feel it will be something offbeat and interesting to share with all of you. Let this be my disclaimer. In no shape or form am I promising this material to be good, so if you are expecting the next Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, think again.
Literature Analysis
Unlike reviews, these Literature Analyses will provide you with a breakdown of books, movies, media, games, etc. that I am currently consuming. You will find that I may give my opinion regarding specific characteristics and details, or tell you if I enjoyed the product, but do not plan to do full-scale reviews. Thus, presented for your pleasure, the analysis.
Libation Reviews
Who doesn’t like a good drink now and again? I know I sure do, and since I reside in a region of the country where bourbon flows like water, why not share some of these rare gems with the lot of ya?! When appropriate, readers of this blog may find themselves exposed to some of the greater adult beverages on the market. From wine, beer, and whiskey, to bourbon, rum, and gin, keep your eyes peeled for a those off-hand Libation Reviews to come.
So, without further rambling, I hope you enjoy the content here at The Pipe Professor, and I look forward to exploring interesting subjects with you throughout this journey. If you have questions or comments feel free to contact me through the contact tab or at: thepipeprofessor@gmail.com.
The Pipe Professor 