Virginia Pipe Tobacco

**TwelveBravo** · 09-07-2008, 07:52 AM

Gentlemen,
I am looking for some suggestions as I begin my foray into Virginia Pipe Tobaccos. I enjoy most English Blends as well as some Aromatics, the more natural not so heavily cased varieties. Thus far, I have sampled Mac Baren HH Mature Virginia and enjoyed it quite a bit. I have read several reviews at tobaccoreviews.com, and while helpful, they are quite overwhelming. So any and all advice and information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Rick

**Bluestaco** · 09-07-2008, 08:13 AM

Wow! This will be fun for you. I'm looking forward to seeing what other suggestions you get, but for starters I'll send you toward ANY of the McClelland tins. The 2015 bulk McClelland is nice, and the 5100 was always a favorite of mine. I've got some I've had in a jar since 1999, and it's FABULOUS now.

**galopede** · 09-07-2008, 08:42 AM

The list could be almost endless! Amongst my favourites, in no particular order are:
Rattray's Marlin Flake, Old Gowrie and Hal o'the Wind
Samuel Gawith's Full Virginia Flake, Medium Flake, Best Brown Flake
Sam Gawith's Ropes and Twists (not for the feint hearted!)
McClelland's bulk 2010, 2015 (not strictly a straight VA as it also has Perique), 2035, 5100, Blackwoods Flake.
Orlik Golden Sliced
The list goes on...

Gareth

**Grizzled Veteran** · 09-07-2008, 09:07 AM

Check out Pipeworks & Wilke in Vermont. Carol Burns, the proprietor, mixes up some primo blends. You should direct your questions to her.

http://vtpipes.com/

**JDE** · 09-07-2008, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by galopede

Hal o'the Wind

Gareth

Probably my favourite smoke.

Big fat thumbs up to Erinmore Flake too, especially if you like the more "natural" flavours.

**ouch** · 09-07-2008, 09:32 AM

McClelland's is a fine company, but their VA's have a telltale "ketchupy" aroma that some find offensive. They tend to burn hot, too, making them less than ideal for the VA novice. Blackwoods is probably the best of the lot. Dark Star is a kick, resembling small black pencil erasers, but you can find better stoved offerings.

A short list to look for would include VA's from Rattray, Astleys, Esoterica (Peacehaven and Stonehaven are marvelous, even if the former burns a bit hot), Reiner, Fribourg & Treyer, and the Gawith brands.

Astley's No. 109 and Rattray's Marlin Flake are two can't miss options.

**cl00bie** · 09-07-2008, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by ouch

Dark Star is a kick, resembling small black pencil erasers, but you can find better stoved offerings.

Dark Star is great if you don't mind taking the time rubbing it out and packing it properly. I think I still have a sealed tin of it from a few years ago. Should almost be ready.