Charatan Rolls and its comparison with similar tobaccos
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."
