První "studentskou" dýmku jsem koupil v roce 1970. Ve snaze ušetřit jsem si vybral malý exemplář. bez označení výrobce. Přestože má briárovou hlavičku, stála tehdy jen 10 korun československých (Kčs). Na prasklý krček jsem dodatečně nasadil kovový prstenec a mírně si ohnul náustek. Pokuřoval jsem z ní holandský tabák DOUWE EGBERTS 44. Byl označen jako dýmkový, přestože má velmi jemný řez blízký cigaretovému „shagu“ a do malé dýmky se skvěle hodil. Nebyl příliš silný ani aromatizovaný a dal se koupit v "Tuzexu" za 2 bony. Tuzex byly prodejny, kde se v ČSSR do roku 1989 prodávalo běžně nedostupné zboží. Platilo se tuzexovými poukázkami (bony), které šlo získat na černém trhu za cca 5 Kčs/bon.
V květnu 2026 jsem si po 56 letech nacpal stejný tabák Egberts 44 do stejné dýmky. Jsem pamětník - nikoli znalec, takže jen konstatuji, že to byla příjemná nostalgická kuřba. Náhrada za tento dýmkový tabák s "cigaretovým" řezem se hledá obtížně. Kdo chce zkusit, jaké pokouření představoval tabák Egbetrs 44 ze 70. let min století, může si nacpat do malé dýmky běžně dostupný cigaretový tabák Mac Baren Amsterdame Original.
All Inspirations
Gawith Hoggarth R&M (Rum and Maple) Flake - irresistible aromatic from Kendal
Gawith Hoggarth R&M (formerly Rum and Maple), now sold in some markets for regulatory reasons as Jamaican Flake, is among the classic flake tobaccos from English Kendal. It is based on a blend of Virginias and Burley. The flavoring mainly relies on the combination of rum and maple syrup, which is meant to enhance the natural sweetness of the tobacco, not completely cover it.
This is not some "sticky" modern aromatic. Rum and maple are noticeable, but underneath remains a distinct tobacco base: sweeter Virginia, earthier and nuttier Burley, darker fermented tones, and a slightly dessert-like character. Some smokers report hints of licorice or vanilla in this blend, but the main flavor profile remains rum and maple.
🍃 Smoking and preparation of Gawith Hoggarth R&M (Rum and Maple)
Rum Flake / Jamaican Flake is sold in flake or broken flake form. Since it tends to be a moister tobacco, it benefits from a light rubbing and a short drying time before smoking, about 15–30 minutes depending on moisture content. After proper preparation, it burns slowly and coolly.
The strength of Rum Flake is medium; it is not a strong tobacco, but compared to regular sweet aromatics, it has a more pronounced tobacco body and nicotine. Therefore, it is better suited for slower smoking, for example, after a meal, rather than as a light tobacco for all-day puffing.
⚙️ Production of Gawith Hoggarth R&M (Rum and Maple)
The interest in R&M Flake lies not only in its flavor and quality but also in the production method. Gawith Hoggarth is one of the last traditional manufacturers in Kendal and for flake tobaccos, the production process is still based on long pressing, old manufacturing techniques, and a dense structure of the tobacco cake. This method of pressing results in slow burning, a more integrated flavor, and a denser, "old-world" character.
R&M (Rum and Maple) should therefore be perceived as a genuine Va/Bur flake with a rum and maple accent, not as a sweet aromatic bomb. It will most please a smoker who wants tobacco with a traditional body, slow burning, and a subtle sweet layer on top.
🍁 Cornell & Diehl Autumn Evening: javorový aromatik s virginským základem
Cornell & Diehl Autumn Evening patří k nejznámějším aromatickým směsím této americké značky. Výrobce ji staví na vlastním Red Virginia Cavendish — tedy červené Virginii zpracované cavendish metodou — a dochucuje ji jemným javorovým casingem. Nejde tedy o typický aromatik založený na těžkém černém Cavendishi, ale spíše o sladší virginský tabák s výraznou javorovou příchutí.
Řez je oficiálně uváděn jako ribbon. Vzhledově jde o hnědočervený, jemně až středně řezaný tabák, který se dobře plní a poměrně snadno zapaluje. Díky virginskému základu se v chuti kromě javoru objevují i tóny karamelu, lehké ovocnosti a místy jemné nakyslosti typické pro červené Virginie.
👃 Chuť a aroma
Dominantní je jednoznačně javorový profil. Ve vůni z plechovky i po zapálení (room note) připomíná javorový sirup, sladké pečivo nebo lívance. Při kouření ale nejde jen o samotnou sladkost, stále je patrná typická tabáková chuť Virginie.
Autumn Evening je spíše mírně až střední silný tabák. Nikotinově není silný, takže dobře funguje jako odpočinkový aromatik, případně jako volba pro kuřáky, kteří chtějí výraznou vůni, ale ne těžký nebo hutný kouř.
🛠️ Praktické poznámky
Cornell & Diehl Autumn Evening obvykle hoří velmi dobře, i když po otevření může být trochu vlhčí. Krátké proschnutí před nacpáním dýmky tabáku většinou pomůže, chuť je vyváženější a zapalování jednodušší.
Jelikož Cornell & Diehl Autumn Evening snadno "zanese" dýmku svoji chutí i pro další kouření, je ideální jej kouřit v kukuřičné dýmce. U briarové dýmky je dobré počítat s tím, že javorové aroma může v dýmce opravdu zanechat stopu, takže pro časté kouření Autumn Evening se vyplatí mít samostatnou dýmku na aromatiky.
Autumn Evening je zajímavý hlavně tím, že spojuje výrazné, líbivé aroma s kvalitnějším tabákovým základem, než bývá u běžných sladkých aromatiků zvykem. Je to tabák pro chvíle pohody, kdy chcete aby dýmka voněla po podzimu, javorovém sirupu a sladkém pečivu.
What else but silver spigots for the Kutná Hora Pipe Club Stříbrný Groš. The pipes are designed for long and short 6mm filters. They are made from Italian briar. They are beautiful 👏.
If you are interested and would like a new pipe, contact the pipe maker Petr Novák directly - Petr Novak Pipes (info@petrnovakpipes.cz).
Moreover, by purchasing a pipe from Petr Novák, you will be doing a good deed, as Petr Novák donates 200 CZK from the price of each pipe to charity - Dům sv. Anežky 🧡.
In the world of pipe tobaccos, there are blends that one smokes purely for pleasure, and then there are blends that also serve as reference points for the entire category. Curly rolls (coin cut) VA/Per (Virginia/Perique) blends belong to the latter group. Among them, Charatan Rolls strives to establish itself as a modern reinterpretation of the classic British style.
The first puff immediately reveals that Charatan Rolls does not aim to be aggressive or dominant. While Peterson (formerly Dunhill) De Luxe Navy Rolls relies on deeper fermentation, a darker character, and a more pronounced flavor contribution from Perique, Charatan Rolls feels significantly smoother. It is lighter in body, nicotine, and overall intensity. Perique does not play a leading role here. This is not a blend built on a peppery explosion or dark fruitiness. Instead, Perique acts more like a subtle spice in the background—adding depth without overpowering the Virginia. Therefore, Charatan Rolls may appeal to smokers who find classic Peterson Navy Rolls too "dense and strong" for everyday smoking.
Every coin-cut VAPer is sooner or later compared to the legendary Escudo. Escudo provides deep flavor sensations while smoking, including dark fruit, bready notes, more pronounced fermentation, and Perique that can be beautifully spicy and slightly rough. Compared to Escudo, Charatan feels more civilized and modern, making it easier to smoke.
The tobacco blend that is closest to Charatan in terms of composition and form is probably Peter Stokkebye Luxury Bullseye Flake. Both blends have a coin-cut form, based on a VA/Per foundation with a darker central core. However, Bullseye Flake feels more rustic, while Charatan Rolls is much smoother. Bullseye tends to be sharper, rawer, more wildly fermented, and sometimes less consistent between batches.
A different approach is represented by Davidoff Flake Medallions. Where Charatan maintains the classic VA/Per character, Davidoff leans towards elegance and comfort—offering a gentler smoke, higher creaminess, and sweetness, with minimal aggression. Davidoff Flake Medallions is almost silky in flavor. In contrast, Charatan Rolls has a more pronounced natural flavor of Virginia.
Compared to the production of Samuel Gawith or Gawith Hoggarth, Charatan feels lighter and more accessible. Gawith blends tend to be darker, heavier, wetter, earthier, and sometimes overall rawer.
Charatan Rolls is a medium-strength natural tobacco for smokers who do not seek extremes but appreciate the balance and accessibility of a tobacco that can be smoked all day while still offering quality enjoyment. The tobacco is typically sold in 50g tins or 10g "samples."
During my visit to Decathlon, I came across a nice case for pipes, of course sold under a "camouflage" description, claiming it's a case for hunting or for fishermen, but a pipe smoker will get it 😎
Peterson of Dublin Connoisseur’s Choice is among the traditional aromatic blends of British or European style, offering a balance between aromatic topping and tobacco base. It is not a typical "heavy aromatic" of American style, but a more moderate aromatic tobacco where the flavoring complements rather than overwhelms the tobacco experience. It is sometimes referred to as "Caribbean tobacco." Peterson Connoisseur’s Choice is less sweet and "syrupy" than, for example, Mac Baren Vanilla Cream.
The tobacco base of Peterson Connoisseur’s Choice consists of: light and red Virginias (flue-cured), Black Cavendish, and a smaller proportion of coarser cut (broken flake / coarse cut). The aromatic profile is built on a rum topping accompanied by notes of dried fruit (apricot, peach) and a gentle vanilla sweetness. The "tropical" character is more of an interpretation than a literal description – coconut or distinctly exotic components are neither dominant nor typical. The result is a sweeter but not sticky profile, a creamy line of Cavendish, and a light rum accent at the beginning.
Cut, moisture, and handling of the tobacco
The blend combines ribbon cut with coarser fragments (broken flake), which means that burning is not as even as with pure ribbon, larger pieces slow down combustion, while finer ones tend to burn faster. Upon opening, we may be surprised by the higher moisture of the tobacco, so it is recommended to let it dry for about 10–20 minutes before packing the pipe; larger pieces should be gently rubbed, but not crushed. With too strong a draw and fast smoking, the tobacco can bite and gurgle (produce excess moisture in the pipe). The nicotine strength of the tobacco is rather low to medium, making it an overall lighter tobacco.
Smoking experience of Peterson Connoisseur’s Choice
One of the most interesting features of Peterson Connoisseur’s Choice is the development of flavor during smoking, which distinguishes this tobacco blend from cheaper tobaccos that remain flavor-flat throughout the smoking experience. In the flavor of Connoisseur’s Choice, the taste of the aromatics (rum, sweet fruit) initially prevails, offering a soft, creamy onset and a very pleasant room note for those nearby. As smoking progresses, Cavendish adds body, the aromatics stabilize, and Virginia flavors (slightly grassy/malty notes) begin to emerge. In the end, the aromatic flavor recedes, and the profile becomes drier and less sweet.
Summary
Connoisseur’s Choice is not a blend that will impress with intensity or complex flavor in the sense of natural tobaccos. However, it brings balance and refinement, overall being an aromatic tobacco that will not bore even experienced pipe smokers.
🛡️ Scottish heritage and contemporary German blending mastery
Rattray's Stirling Flake is a renowned non-aromatic blend produced under the banner of the traditional Scottish tobacco manufacturer founded in Perth by Charles Rattray in 1903. Although the Rattray's brand has a rich history, the production of this tobacco is currently handled by Kohlhase, Kopp und Co. KG in Germany. For pipe enthusiasts, Stirling Flake has its charm, as it is widely regarded as a continuation of the recipe previously used for the legendary Peterson's Irish Flake, preserving the original blending line under the new name Rattray's.
Composition and preparation of Stirling Flake
It is a robust blend of Virginia and Burley, utilizing equal amounts of air-cured, hot air-cured (Virginia), and strong dark-fired Kentucky tobacco leaves. This combination delivers a full flavor and high nicotine content. Stirling Flake is pressed into a thick flake, offering various packing options – the tobacco can be completely crumbled for easier burning or used with the "fold and stuff" method, which typically ensures a cooler and slower smoke.
Flavor profile of Rattray's Stirling Flake
Stirling Flake is intended for experienced smokers, offering a flavor ranging from medium to full and strength often described as robust or "heavyweight." The flavor profile is complex, characterized by a blend of nutty, earthy, and leather tones, primarily delivered by the Burley and Kentucky components, complemented by a mild sweetness and bitterness of dark fruit from Virginia. Although it is non-aromatic, the blend may contain a very mild natural topping, sometimes described as a hint of anise, which softens the strong tobacco flavors without masking them. When packed correctly, it provides a satisfyingly slow and cool smoke throughout the burning process.
Směs The Mallard Flake Plus Perique je nearomatizovaný tabák vytvořený společností Dan Tobacco (DTM), vyráběný v německém Lauenburgu. Jedná se o variantu původní čisté směsi Virginia, postavenou na stařených Virginiích pocházejících ze Zambie. Specifikum této verze spočívá v přidání přesného množství tabáku Perique. Tato silná tabáková přísada je smíchána s Virginiemi předtím, než je směs slisována a nařezána flaky.
Tabák Mallard Flake Plus Perique se prodává ve formě žlutohnědých flaků, které jsou obvykle mírně navlhlé. Prodává se typicky v 50g plechovkách s nepřehlédnutelným obrázkem kachničky. Listy Virginie jsou primární složkou, která tabáku dodává základní tóny pikantního citrusu, trávy, sena, chleba, cukru a medu. Naproti tomu Perique přispívá mírnou kořenitostí a chutí připomínající pepř, švestky a fíky.
Směs Mallard Flake má mírnou až střední sílu a chuť a obvykle dobře a pomalu hoří, The Mallard je příjemný tabák, který můžete v klidu pokuřovat celý den.
Esoterica Penzance pipe tobacco is considered one of the best traditional English flakes on the market. It is an exclusive and hard-to-find tobacco blend of a secret recipe that contains the finest Virginia tobaccos along with selected Turkish and Oriental leaves, including Cypriot Latakia. Penzance is produced by J.F. Germain & Son, which is based in the United Kingdom.
🔪 Cut and Preparation
A key feature of Penzance is its specific cut known as "Krumble Kake" (note: the name derives from crumble cake, which is a crumbly pie); the manufacturer also refers to it as Mottled Flake. The tobacco leaves are hand-blended and tightly pressed, then cut broadly into flakes. These flakes then age for a long time, and their structure allows for easy crumbling, which facilitates packing the pipe. Smokers typically crumble the flakes completely or partially, depending on their preferred method of packing the pipe and the desired burning rate of the tobacco.
🕰️ Aging Potential and Profile
Penzance is an English-style blend suitable for long-term storage. Aging is beneficial for the tobacco as it allows the flavors and aromas of the individual components to meld. Time softens the strong, sometimes harsh character of Latakia and potentially enhances its natural sweetness. Given that the blend contains Virginia, which continuously improves over the years, and Orientals that evolve from spicy to fruity notes, Penzance tobacco typically harmonizes significantly during the first five years of aging.
Photo source: SmojingPipes.com
Peterson Old Dublin is a traditional English blend designed to provide a classic flavor profile. The blend consists of four distinct types of tobacco: Cypriot Latakia, golden Virginia, and sweet Greek Orientals, complemented by a pinch of Black Cavendish. The inclusion of specific Oriental varieties known as Basma contributes to the exotic character of the tobacco. Peterson Old Dublin adheres to the principles of classic pipe tobacco production by the Peterson brand, which has deep roots in Dublin dating back to 1865.
The cut of Old Dublin tobacco is Ribbon or Loose Cut, allowing for easy packing into pipes of various shapes and ensuring an even burn. The characteristic flavor of the tobacco is attributed to Cypriot Latakia, which provides a smoky aroma. The smokiness of Latakia is beautifully balanced by the natural sweetness of Virginia tobaccos and the subtle, earthy tones of the Orientals. A pinch of sweetened Black Cavendish adds body to the blend and ensures a deliciously smooth and balanced smoke.
Peterson Old Dublin is generally regarded as a balanced blend with medium strength, making it suitable for both experienced smokers of English blends and those who are just discovering Latakia tobaccos.
In 1969, 50 grams of Taras Bulba tobacco cost 1.50 Czechoslovak korunas (Kčs). 1 kg of bread at that time was bought for 2.60 Kčs, and the average wage was around 1950 Kčs. Taras Bulba was considered low quality, but because it was cheap even for that time, we smoked it from the pipe of my great-grandfather. The problem was that the odor of this tobacco repelled not only insects but also girls, which forced us to switch to better (and more expensive) smoking material.
After 57 years, I lit up Taras Bulba again, and although it was decades old, it didn't seem that terrible to me. I wondered why and found out that the tobacco for 1.50 Kčs that we smoked as students met standard 569540 valid until 1969 and contained a lot of stems. The Taras Bulba I stuffed in 2026 comes from the 70s, was produced according to industry standard 569544, cost 2.20 Kčs, and had almost no stems in it. Under the name Taras Bulba, two qualitatively different tobaccos were apparently sold over time. 😉
Star of the East Flake is a full-bodied tobacco blend produced by Cornell & Diehl (C&D), which belongs to the family of English pipe tobaccos. It is a renowned pipe tobacco that C&D transitioned from its popular loose ribbon version to a pressed form (flake). Cornell & Diehl Star of the East Flake is generally considered a medium to strong tobacco.
🌿 Key Ingredients and Form
The Star of the East Flake tobacco is characterized by a high content of Latakia, which makes up approximately 50% of the blend. The remaining components include Turkish Izmir (Oriental) and Red Virginia leaves. The Red Virginia tobacco leaves are typically subjected to a stoving process (steaming with heat), which helps deepen the flavor profile and add a balanced sweetness. The tobacco is delivered in flake form, allowing pipe enthusiasts to prepare the tobacco to their liking – for example, completely crumbling it, folding and packing it, or partially rubbing it out, which can influence the burn rate and flavor.
🔥 Flavor Profile
Star of the East Flake offers a rich, smoky experience dominated by Cypriot Latakia. The blend is non-aromatic, relying solely on the interplay between natural tobacco components. The inclusion of Oriental tobaccos brings flavors often associated with subtle floral, spicy, or balsamic notes. Star of the East Flake is sometimes compared to other well-known tobaccos with high Latakia content, such as the prized and hard-to-find Esoterica Penzance, due to its balanced combination of robust Latakia and the natural sweetness of Virginia without aromatic additives.
Tabáková směs, dnes prodávaná jako Peterson My Mixture 965, sahá svými kořeny do původního obchodu Alfreda Dunhilla na Duke Street v Londýně. Nebyl to zpočátku katalogový produkt, ale na zakázku vytvořená směs pro zákazníka, E. A. Baxtera, Esq., a byla uvedena mezi záznamy v historické "My Mixture Book" (Kniha mých směsí). Relativně nízké číslo „965“ naznačuje její rané přijetí jako oblíbené receptury. Ačkoli byla po desetiletí vyráběna společností Dunhill a poté Murrays, původní receptura je v současnosti vyráběna společností Scandinavian Tobacco Group a prodávána pod značkou Peterson.
Tabák My mixture 965 je označován jako směs skotského typu nebo tradiční anglická směs. My mixture 965 obsahuje Latakii, která přináší charakteristický kouřový, bohatý a chladivý chuťový profil, světlé makedonské Orientály se přidávají pro dosažení sladkosti a jemně kořeněné chuti, což tabák vyvažuje. Významnou vlastností, která My mixture 965 odlišuje od jiných podobně založených tabáků, je přidání hnědého Cavendishe, který prohlubuje celkový chuťový zážitek a dodává jemnou sladkost, čímž doplňuje celkovou plnost.
Peterson My Mixture 965 je prodávána v řezu ribbon cut a nabízí střední sílu.. Kuřáci uvádějí chuťové tóny oříšků, kůže a kouře ze dřeva, často popisované jako připomínající vůni krbu v podzimním večeru. Jednotlivé prvky tabákové směsi jsou dobře vyvážené, což oceňují i zkušení nadšenci do anglických tabáků. Díky své kvalitě a historickému významu byla My Mixture 965 celosvětově oceněna a uvedena do Síně slávy dýmkových tabáků.
Peterson's Early Morning Pipe (EMP) is considered one of the definitive classic English blends, first introduced around 1912 under the Dunhill brand. After the production of Dunhill tobaccos ceased, the blend was reintroduced under the Peterson name by the Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG), maintaining the original recipe and can graphics. The blend is designed to provide a pleasant start to the day and ensure that the taste buds are prepared for later, potentially stronger, smoking.
Early Morning Pipe is a balanced tobacco blend with a ribbon cut (the most common type of pipe tobacco cut, where the leaves are sliced into long, thin strips), which includes Bright and Red Virginia tobaccos, Oriental/Turkish leaves, and a small amount of Latakia. Air-cured Virginia varieties are pressed and lightly fermented, a process that enhances their natural sweetness and delicate flavor. The Oriental tobaccos contribute a dry, slightly spicy, and aromatic quality that competes with the Virginia for attention. Cypriot Latakia is used sparingly and provides a smoky, earthy undertone rather than dominating the flavor profile.
The use of ribbon cut ensures that the tobacco, sliced into long strands, packs easily into the pipe and facilitates an even burn. The strength of Peterson's Early Morning Pipe is mild to medium, and the tobacco maintains a slightly sweet and salty flavor from the first light to the bottom of the bowl. It burns cool and clean, requiring minimal relighting, making it a pleasantly smokeable blend suitable for carefree enjoyment during morning activities (like brushing your teeth 😎).
Peterson Irish Flake is a classic natural tobacco offering a full flavor of non-aromatic tobacco leaves from Virginia, Burley, and Dark Fired Kentucky. The blend consists of air-cured Burley and Virginia tobacco leaves and fire-cured Kentucky leaves. The high proportion of dark fire-cured Kentucky tobacco gives the blend its characteristic dark brown to almost black hue.
Peterson Irish Flake tobacco is renowned for its intense strength and nicotine impact, making it more suitable for experienced pipe smokers. The flavor is described as full and robust. The dominant taste comes from the Dark Fired Kentucky tobacco, which brings deep, smoky, and woody notes. This strong base is balanced by the natural sweetness of Virginia and the earthy undertones of Burley.
The form of the tobacco is pressed flake, allowing Irish Flake to be packed into the pipe either by the fold-and-stuff method or by completely breaking up the tobacco. Due to the pressing, the tobacco retains a relatively high moisture content, so smokers are advised to let the slices dry slightly before packing them to light the pipe. The optimal moisture level helps ensure a smoother, cooler, and more consistent burn, enhancing the smoking experience and reducing the need for repeated lighting.
I have to share this interesting fact with you, what do you think?
Another very interesting pipes can be found on the Yiannos website: https://kokkinospipes.weebly.com/
Mac Baren Plumcake is a classic blend deeply rooted in history, evoking the image of sailors filling their pipes on the decks of sailing ships amidst the scent of tar and saltwater. This tobacco is part of the extensive portfolio of Mac Baren Tobacco Company, a Danish manufacturer whose roots date back to 1826. The company, which has been run by the Halberg family for four generations, has innovated pipe tobacco production since the early 1950s.
Plumcake is an example of the traditional style of “Navy Blend,” characterized by tobaccos flavored with spirits like rum to extend their shelf life during long voyages.
The flavor of Mac Baren Plumcake is complex, consisting of a blend of bright Virginia and Burley aged in barrels. These base components are mixed with Original Mac Baren Cavendish tobacco, and finally, a light addition of Latakia is made. This combination of tobaccos brings a balance between the natural sweetness of Virginia and the smoky flavor of Cavendish and Latakia. The Virginia leaves are cut as ribbon, while the Burley is ready-rubbed, making it easier to pack the pipe and burn.
What sets Mac Baren Plumcake apart from other “navy” tobaccos is the subtle flavoring with real Jamaican rum, which adds an interesting aroma (some even liken it to nuts) and a light sweetness. This slight enhancement ensures a full smoke flavor while preserving the taste nuances of the natural tobaccos.
Due to the combination of aromatic rum flavoring and the addition of Latakia, this blend is often perceived as a "middle ground" between natural tobaccos and aromatics, appealing to both pipe smokers who prefer English/Balkan blends and those who favor lighter aromatics. Mac Baren Plumcake typically burns well with a cool smoke, and slow smoking is recommended to fully enjoy its rich flavor.
The Peterson Standard Mixture is a classic English tobacco blend, with a history that dates back to the early days of Alfred Dunhill. Originally, the tobacco was sold under the brand Dunhill Standard Mixture. When Dunhill ceased tobacco production, it was taken over by Peterson, ensuring the survival of this classic English blend. Crucially, the original recipe, the tobaccos used, and the manufacturing factory responsible for the blending remained unchanged during this transition. Peterson Standard Mixture is now produced by Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG), with claims that the original recipes are being followed.
It’s not ideal; we would all wish for the original Dunhill to be available, but at least it ensures that the traditional flavor profile of Standard Mixture remains accessible to us pipe smokers. Peterson Standard Mixture is defined by its balanced composition of three main types of tobacco: Latakia, Oriental, and Virginia. Virginia tobaccos are air-cured and primarily come from the eastern United States, providing a base of mild sweetness, grassy, and slightly bitter citrus notes. Oriental and Turkish leaves, most commonly from the Mediterranean, contribute a woody, dry, floral, and subtly spicy character that is present throughout the smoking experience. The blend also contains Latakia, which adds a smoky, earthy depth.
The room note is generally considered tolerable; it is a classic, pleasant tobacco for all-day smoking.
Briar, wood from the shrub Erica arborea (tree heath), obtained from hard root growths, revolutionized pipe manufacturing in the mid-19th century. Before its widespread use, pipes were commonly made from less durable materials such as meerschaum, clay, or various types of wood, including cherry or olive. Heath grows slowly and steadily in the sun-baked, poor soil of the Mediterranean, taking nearly three decades for the root system to mature sufficiently for harvesting.
The unique appeal of briar for pipe making stems from its fire resistance, allowing it to withstand temperatures exceeding 400 degrees Celsius, as well as from a combination of density and porosity. The hardness associated with the high density of the wood is crucial, as it enables the wood to absorb moisture and tars from tobacco, resulting in a cooler and drier smoke. Once the roots are manually dug up, they undergo careful preparation, starting with boiling in a water bath to remove any remaining sap and resin.
After boiling, the blocks are placed in ovens, where they must dry for sometimes over a year to reach optimal moisture before pipe production can begin. The quality of the finished pipe is often judged by the consistency and pattern formed by the growth rings. Popular patterns include flame structure (expanding fibers upwards), straight structure (parallel lines), and bird's eye (clusters of small dark spots). Because briar grows underground, finding top-quality blocks without knots and small holes caused by air pockets or impurities is a sign of high-quality wood.
In just a week, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the ŠUMAVSKÝ PIPE CLUB PRACHATICE will hold another edition of the slow pipe smoking competition "O Vachtovu šumavskou fajfku" in the village of Stachy-Úbislav.
More information can be found here: https://www.pipeclub.eu/novinky/483-soutez-o-vachtovu-sumavskou-fajfku-2026-se-kona-v-sobotu-21-unora
Although the name suggests an Irish origin, Treasures of Ireland Galway 50g actually comes from the Duchy of Lauenburg, specifically from Lauenburg on the Elbe, and is produced there by Dan Tobacco. It is one of the blends that deserves more attention, as Galway has everything that should make it a favorite. The blend consists of 50/50 Virginia and Black Cavendish. Treasures of Ireland Galway is enhanced with the aroma of blackberries and vanilla. This makes it a fragrant, rounded "work of art" that will surely satisfy those with a sweet tooth. Like all pipe tobaccos from Dan Tobacco, this blend is characterized by producing only a small amount of moisture and burns well.
Room note: beautiful aroma, medium flavor, mild to medium strength.
On November 28, 2025, Jess Chonowitsch, a Danish legend of artistic pipe making and one of the most renowned pipemakers in the world, passed away. Jess Chonowitsch (born in 1947) was among the elite of pipe masters globally. His name became synonymous with absolute precision, refined aesthetic sense, and a deep understanding of materials. Although he was very modest and unassuming, his work spoke for itself — with an elegance that is impossible to imitate.
He was born into an environment where pipes were not just a craft but a way of life. As a young man, he learned in his father's workshop and later had the opportunity to gain experience alongside two legends of Scandinavian pipe making: Poul Rasmussen (since 1965) and Sixten Ivarsson. This school shaped his approach: respect for detail, simplicity of form, and perfection of function.
Once Jess decided to create under his own name, a new era began. Jess's pipes quickly gained respect worldwide. His signature was instantly recognizable: clean lines, harmonious proportions, masterfully executed sandblasts, and impressive work with bamboo. He never allowed himself to be swayed by fashion experiments — his style was timeless. He believed that a good pipe must primarily be a good tool: comfortable, balanced, and reliable.
Few have influenced as many creators as he did. He had a reputation as a quiet, thoughtful man who did not like to talk about himself but was eager to share what he had learned. Pipemakers from around the world visited his workshop to take away not only technical skills but also an understanding of the ethics and philosophy of creation. Jess never worked quickly; he created as it should be done.
Jess's legacy lives on in the thousands of hands that today hold his pipes. Not as collectible artifacts, but as living objects, carrying the art, time, and humility of their creator.
Libor Holý has prepared the second Advent crossword for all fans of long, cold smoke on the website of the Association of Pipe Clubs (adkcr.cz). It works like this: every day you can open the window for that day and answer the question. You write your answer in the crossword, which you can download in PDF or JPG format. But be careful, each question has its number, so write it on the corresponding line of the same number.
However, note that you must go to the calendar every day; the windows cannot be opened retroactively 😎.
So, for illustration (hope this is okay), on December 2nd, the question is: What is the brand of the Nuremberg pipe manufacturer? (one word, we are looking for the first letter).
