The great rivalries: Packers vs. Bears, Montagues vs. Capulets, Churchill vs. Chamberlain, blonde vs. brunette. And to this storied list of squabbles, we can tack on Aromatic vs. Non-Aromatic. While it’s true that many pipe smokers straddle the divide, some find themselves drawn to one side or the other along the lines of big-ticket items like aroma, tobacco burn temperature, and the nuances of natural tobacco flavors. While we support brothers and sisters of the leaf of all stripes and preferences, indulge us for a moment on 9 of the best Aromatic pipe tobacco blends to broaden your tobacco roster; you may even find yourself an unwitting convert.
Before we begin, a quick primer on what qualifies an Aromatic tobacco. At the bird’s eye view, tobacco blends are divided into three principal categories: Non-Aromatic, Aromatic, and English. While the difference between English and Non-Aromatic is a lengthier topic for another day, Aromatic pipe tobacco is distinguished from these other two by the marked aromas—the sharply identifiable room notes—the tobacco carries. These are the crowd pleasers that your layman associates with pipes: cherry, vanilla, honey, maple, chocolate, rum; the sweet wafting smoke that’s less a cause for offense than a nostalgic return to fishing with a grandfather or a department chair strolling across the quad (at least back in the days when you could smoke on campus).
What truly makes Aromatic pipe tobacco is the top flavoring. All manufactured pipe tobacco goes through what’s called “casing,” which refers to the adding of flavoring that is usually more neutral like conventional sweetening agents, licorice, honey, etc. Casing isn’t meant to be forward in the profile, but to balance the mixture. It’s the top flavoring that brings us into the realm of Aromatics tobaccos.
Top flavors might be those casing flavors applied more generously, or might be something more specific: fruit, chocolate, liquors, and so many more. The result is a scent-arresting fragrance—the primary, emergent aromas of the tobacco that light up the room.
As mentioned, tobacco pipe smokers are often split on their enjoyment of Aromatics vs. Non-Aromatics. Aromatics are, perhaps too pejoratively, considered a newbie’s tobacco because they are often recommended to new pipers; however, many seasoned pipers find occasion to appreciate the craftsmanship of intentional casing and top notes, and some incorporate Aromatics with comparable gravitas to their Non-Aromatic and English blends. When you’re bringing in reputable blending titans like Peterson, Lane, and Captain Black into the Aromatic conversation, you can be certain the offerings are worthy at a minimum and interesting to say the least. Without further delay, here are 9 of the best Aromatic pipe tobaccos.
Cult Blood Red Moon
First, we have a favorite of many of the P&C Faithful, Cult Blood Red Moon! With its pronounced yet balanced cherry note that perfectly mixes between aroma and flavor, you’ll quickly realize why so many love this 1.75-ounce tin. The gentle mixture of Burley and Cavendish provides an easy-smoking blend that gives tasty notes of cherry, as well as dark chocolate and a hint of vanilla. With its loose cut, it’s ready to be added to your bowl when you’re feeling the urge for some sweetness.
Captain Black Royal
Second up is a mainstay in the Aromatic smoker’s arsenal. Captain Black Royal is a straightforward and smooth mixture of golden and Black Cavendish. A perfect candidate for an all-day smoke anytime you need that sweet relief, it’s easy to envision a sailor with a permanent poker stuck between his teeth puffing on bowls from port to starboard. Indulge this mild Aromatic pipe tobacco with an added touch of vanilla and its gorgeous thick white smoke in a 1.5-ounce pouch or 7-ounce can.
Peterson The Royal Yacht
This might not have been the yacht experience you were thinking about, but it’s certainly one that you won’t forget anytime soon. Peterson Royal Yacht is a blend of bright Virginias for sweetness and darker Virginias for more body and richness. After maturation they’re combined and finished with a unique mixture of flavors. This is the perfect blend for the enjoyer of a delightful Aromatic tobacco that is mild on the top flavoring and that still delivers some oomph. It can be enjoyed any time of day and all day as well, so just be sure to purchase enough of these 1.75-ounce tins to last you!
Lane Limited 1-Q
What list of the best Aromatic pipe tobaccos would be complete without the famed Lane Limited 1-Q? A colossus of pipe tobacco, 1-Q is the number one selling blend in the world. A mellow mixture of golden Cavendish and sweet Virginia with an exceedingly pleasurable room note, 1-Q is imbued with a cool and flavorful vanilla that has helped to make it one of the all-time classics. 1-Q is great on its own and also makes a nice mixing element for the home-blender who wants to conjure their own creations. Given its popularity, and the fact that once you’ve smoked 1-Q you’ll likely stick around for many bowls to come, you can sample with a 2-ounce bag or go all the way up to a 5 lb. bag.
Paladin Black Cherry
Paladin Black Cherry pipe tobacco is a blend of Burleys and Virginias, finished together with a black cherry topping to create both a satisfying and delightfully flavorful smoking experience. It’s crowd-pleaser for its inviting aroma and it’s sure to satisfy the pipe smoker with its taste. Paladin Black Cherry is here to satisfy your sweet tooth and will become one of your favorites in your tobacco collection. This classic American aromatic has been a staple among the P&C Faithful since day one, and it's a consistent best-seller for us today. Pick it up in a 1.5-ounce pouch, 7-ounce can, or both!
Sutliff Creme Brulee
When master blender, Carl McCallister, turns his trusty hand to any blend, we’re here for the result. Sutliff Creme Brulee is a creamy Black Cavendish, Burley, and Virginia ribbon cut masterpiece that’s flavored with vanilla, honey, and caramel, making it an ideal after-dinner dessert choice. For lovers of Sutliff Private Stock Molto Dolce, this blend is its bulk version, so you’re sure to love this one as well! As with many Aromatics, Creme Brulee is well-served with a bit of drying time before firing up a bowl. And when you do, the fabulous, creamy room notes and smooth, gentle smoke will keep you returning for more.
Erinmore Mixture
Next is a time tested classic that stands out among any classification. With decades of history behind this blend of bright, sweet Virginia and a very special Black Cavendish with a one-of-a-kind fruit top-note, Erinmore Mixture is one you don’t want to say you never tried. With a distinct aroma, unique yet mellow flavor, and slow burn, you might want to reserve some time to truly enjoy this. It comes in a 3.5-ounce tin, despite its appearance on the tin, the top-dressing contains no pineapple flavor. This special fruit top note will just have to remain a mystery till you try it for yourself!
Lane Limited BCA Pipe Tobacco
Lane Limited carries high esteem in the world of Aromatic pipe tobaccos, and not just for the famed 1-Q. Not to be missed is Lane Limited BCA. Perfect for a breezy morning smoke or an evening send-down, this loose-cut fire-cured and steamed Cavendish tobacco is flavored with vanilla and excellent to blend if you want to try out a pinch with your other favorites. Reviewers note hints of chocolate alongside the vanilla, and if you’re a fan of Cavendish, you’re in for the real deal from a 2-ounce bag all the way up to a 5 lb. bag. Take the plunge for this tried-and-true Aromatic.
Cornell & Diehl Autumn Evening Pipe Tobacco
Cornell & Diehl has crafted some of the finest tobacco blends around since 1992 and Autumn Evening is their best-selling Aromatic. This medium flavored tobacco carries tin notes of citrus, liquor, maple, rum, and vanilla, making it particularly intricate on the nose for an Aromatic tobacco. Ideal for the veteran piper and the newbie alike, the room note on Autumn Evening brings to mind those balmy evenings with golden sunsets and beaming tumblers of bourbon. Take a tin for a spin and we’re certain even your spouse will agree.
Summary
Aromatics remain a staple of the tobacco world for the wide web of flavorings and top notes they employ. Spending time with one of our strongest senses, aroma, offers an intentional depth of dimension that’s a joy for even seasoned pipers and pleasing to those sharing their air as well. There is a vast array of Aromatic pipe tobacco on the market to choose from but take it from those who have gone before you and dip your toe into this fine-smelling sea with one of our nine heavy hitters. Incorporating Aromatics doesn’t mean you’re departing from the English and Non-Aromatic blends you love, but simply offering a counterpoint that treats and broadens your palate. And that’s something every piper can find value in. So, grab your favorite Stanwell, Baraccini, or Viking pipe and try some of these aromatics today!
