Best Selling Bulk Pipe Tobaccos

...in social situations and for both beginning and advanced pipe smokers. I say socially, because 1-Q is the quintessential pipe smoke whose aroma non-pipe smokers remember with fondness. The room note is so pleasant that anyone who complains about it is just plain being a freakish, high-minded wood tick. Good for beginners because 1-Q doesn't take a lot of fuss to enjoy. It's a good one with which to learn to pack a pipe because I've always found it easy to light and also forgiving if I don't get the pack quite right, and we do tend to learn from our mistakes where packing a pipe is concerned. And, you'll get a good Virginia tobacco flavor along with the light sweetness of the casing. Good for advanced pipe smokers too because, having worked at a local tobacconist for a couple of years after college, this was far and away our best seller to young and old pipe smokers as well as our most common ingredient in blending. It's a smooth, lightly sweet flavored tobacco without being overpowering on the tongue. That light sweetness feels natural to the tobacco too, not heavy as with some other cased products like the cherry or whiskey flavored aromatics, nothing against them. An excellent choice with which to begin your pipe smoking odyssey, and you'll likely return to it again and again as well, as one does with an old and trusted friend. P.S. My own experience was that once I wanted to expand my palate and choices, a good place to go from Lane's 1-Q was to try McClelland 2010, followed by McClelland 2000. Read Less

They definitely hit the bull's-eye with this. Crumbled two coins and smoke away. Great flavours. Always love when the blenders find a balance. I did find I had to nurse it a bit, but nothing major. Smokey BBQ meets Brown sugar. If you get this, make sure you get plenty, cause you'll want more. Just sayin Read Less

Do you guys know why this tobacco was welcomed in the past？Because it has a very reasonable price. Now 80 bucks？Are you kidding me？There are hundreds of other tobaccos which are much much better。So I decide let it go，say goodbye forever. Read Less

I eyed this tobacco for some time, and waited until Autumn to buy it. I was scared that it would be an overly moist, soapy aromatic, and I had friends who said it was “bitey”. As soon as I opened the tin, my nose hadn’t even got close to it and I was greeted with a beautiful sweet smell of maple. I was intrigued to find out about this ‘red virginia cavendish’ from C&D and I packed my pipe and lit it for the first time.

It was good, sweet and took light easily. The flavors were subtle and I got the taste of maple with the virginia cavendish tobacco. Middle of the bowl, it got a lot better, and I must say that that’s where the fun will stop for some people; during the final stages of my smoke I couldn’t taste any maple, but I could taste the tobacco. I have never tasted the straight red virginia cavendish from C&D so I couldn’t tell you if there was a difference, but boy I felt the nicotine was strong. It was relaxing - this is probably one to smoke indoors sitting comfortably with something good to read. I did take it out once, but didn’t appreciate it as much.

There’s not a lot going on at once, it’s not a complicated blend. However, I would go as far as to say it’s one of the best aromatics I have tried. I enjoyed it so much, I bought a new pipe and dedicated it solely to this tobacco. That way nothing can change the delicate flavour this gives.

It doesn’t bite as much as I was expecting - dumping the ash mid bowl seemed to revamp the taste of the maple. Read Less

First of all, for the Philistines that think they're dunking on this blend by giving it one star because it has Lakeland essence -- of course it has Lakeland essence, it is GH&C. Let's get one thing straight: one star is for either a blend that is obviously comprised of lugs / grade C leaf only, or Captain Black Grape. Whether Lakeland is your cup of grog or not, GH&C leaf choice is unimpeachable. Don't believe me? Let it sit in a mason jar untouched for five years and come back to flakes absolutely coated in sugar crystals. Giving this blend one star is like ripping a flier for guitar lessons off a telephone pole and shouting "I DON'T WANT GUITAR LESSONS!". That being said, I suppose everyone is entitled to their opinions, however misguided they may be. At least this isn't as bad as the people who review bomb Sun Bear because they don't understand how supply and demand works.

BCF is mechanically a great smoke, staying cool and burning slowly with proper pacing. Let it dry for 30-45 minutes before you pack it. It's a smoke best served as dessert. A slow retrohale is the key to taking in all the flavors and complexities of this blend. I knocked off half a star for GH&C being a little inconsistent with the amount of chocolate topping they apply from batch to batch. Read Less

First of all, I want to apologize for my behavior because next I start cursing people. I am from China. I apologize for the stupid behavior of my compatriot "蓝一斗". I also advise "蓝一斗", please don't come out to embarrass the Chinese people again. Read Less

Three Sails packs and burns with ease. Due to its thin cut and lower moisture content, the flavor strength takes no time to develop. And while this isn’t a complex smoke, it does offer up a few nuances. What I like most about Three Sails is that it presents the typical light, grassy, sweet cereal and citrus like flavors of a bright Virginia blend, only with more bravado and also a bit of spice. Read Less

I've been pipe-smoking for 45+ years and "grew up" with the OLD Balkan Sobranie, Dunhill 965 and Standard Full, Rattray's Red Rapp and Black Mallory as well as Bengal Slices, State Express, etc. While I have found nothing like these old blends, some of todays are very smoke-able. This, however, raises the bar to another level. If you have been lamenting the old/good stuff, this is worthy of your attention! I wanted to give it 5 stars, but somehow the website wouldn't allow it. Give it a try, you won't regret it! Read Less

Update: After trying GH Bob's Chocolate Flake, I find that Luxury Twist Flake has a topping that's quite similar - sans the Lakeland essence. This is a great flake with a beautiful presentation; LTF does not disappoint. On the other hand, it is probably not going to please Virginia purists with such a distinctive casing. The pouch/tin note smells like powdered hot cocoa mix and fresh-baked bread. Its room note is pleasant as well. Preparation is easy, and behavior is good. Whether you choose to rub it to ribbons or fold-&-stuff, it's hard to mess this one up. The smoke is creamy, with a flavor that's mildy sweet with hints of cocoa and brown sugar, and I find it to be almost entirely bite-free. Additionally, the nicotine level is very low—even a big pipe of this on an empty stomach wont make you dizzy or ill, making it a very agreeable flake. As for aging, blends that are good when fresh—especially Virginias—are a thing of greatness, and this is one of 'em. With that said, it absolutely gets better with age. Still, it's nice to buy fresh flakes and be able to enjoy them as is. LTF is a perfect blend for those who want a Virginia flake with a sweeter twist, and if you liked Luxury Navy Flake, it's likely you'll enjoy this as well. Read Less

When I tried Creme Brulee, I was at once transported to an enchanted oasis of tranquility and repose. It was smooth but had the robust, yet gentle power of one point four billion butterfly sneezes. My faithful companion Penelope, called to me from the garden in a pert and attentive tone and inquired as to what this amazing aroma could be that was entrancing her delicate nostrils. I thought the only thing that could be more comfortable would be the slippers that would adorn the delicate feet of my queen. Upon opening the blend it smelled so enticing, that I was tempted to eat it like sweetened, shredded coconut of my youth that mother had been saving for the cake. But I refrained. I hesitated for a moment and considered to partake in bowl of salted caramel ice cream to set the stage for the smoke I was soon to enjoy, but couldn't wait a moment longer. Loading the bowl was a pleasant, tactile adventure all its own, and whilst I was tempted to lick my fingers, I thought better of it and simply used a moist towellete. It took a few seconds before I could maintain a good, consistent burn, however once lit, this magnificent blend of tabaccos stayed smouldering with little effort for a good twenty minutes and no overabundance of puffery was required to maintain the slow burn. It retained its majestic integrity like the steady gate of a jaguar loping through the forest at dusk in search of its prey. Yes, indeed, this blend will be finding its way into my Dunhill on a regular basis and Penelope will be very pleased, of this I am quite certain. Read Less

The SP description lays it out. Not for the faint of heart. If you're new to VA/Per's, don't go here. Go with a 10-15% perique. Also, the particular Perique that C&D uses is very intense. It's dark, oily, musty deliciousness. The VA's in the blend are excellent. Sweet, clean favor. The perique in this blend is above excellent. It's what perique should be. Hints of dark fermented fruit. Only slightly "peppery". A nice loose leaf blend. Packs and lights perfectly, smokes through with only the occasional re-light. No bite, no gurgle, only a small dottle left un-burnt. Yes, it's full and intense. Yes, it strengthens as the bowl progresses. This is not a "light" blend, and not meant to be. It's heady and them some. I cannot say enough about the perique used here. The VA's are good, but there are lots of good VA's out there. This perique is special - very special. It's full flavored and totally satisfying. I looked for years for "my" favourite VA/Per - this is it. Heads and shoulder above and C&D blend I've ever tried - I found most of theirs sorta bland. This - this is wonderful. I will be buying pounds of it. Read Less

Great shag Virginia I like it better that the C&D bright Virginians as they are lighter and burn up way to quick. This has more of a mellow not darker but heavy note. I personally love to role ciges with this for when I have some friends over for poker night and they love it. I don't smoke cigarettes. So for me this is also my best go to when I want to smoke my corn cob =) Read Less

I've been comparing different "Balkan" blends recently. Unfortunately this is completely unlike any other. To those of you unfamiliar with Lakeland Essence let me just say it quite similar to maybe sucking on a bar of soap while sitting behind the worst church lady perfume ever. On a Sunday after a long evening. Headache included. Ick. Not a Balkan but instead some horrid mess. Read Less

Ok, one bowl of RLP-6 was enough to make me a fan of this blend! I know I'll need more time with it to get to really know it, but my first impressions are very favorable. Many of the other reviews of this blend mention flavors like vanilla, nougat, chocolate, and various fruit. I guess I could taste some of these things, like the vanilla, but more than anything I was tasting caramel, something rather creamy, some nuttiness, and banana. Especially banana! No kidding. Banana! I didn't see any other reviews here or elsewhere mention a banana flavor. Maybe it's just me. Banana... Hmmmm... Anyway, don't get me wrong: I LOVE banana! And I love this blend. Also, there was plenty of real tobacco flavor in the mix, especially nuttiness from the burley. Great stuff, huh? I guess for me at least, RLP-6 drives me bananas AND nuts! Cheers. Read Less

The Key to BCA is to let it ghost your pipe. The more you smoke it the more the flavor grows. For me it has gone from tasty air to a really great smoke. I have tried about all of the sweetened Black Cavs and to me this is the best. It is also the most unique as it does not have the traditional chocolate flavor that is in most, but to me has the best chocolate like flavor. I have come to smoke this blend the most and also find it awesome when mixed with other tobaccos. For a change I may mix the following 1:Add about 25% of your favorite VA especially some fresh C&D bright va with a citrus flavor. 2: Also wonderful is about 25% of your favorite vanillia ( I use C&D Green River) this is a soupy blend but awesome. 3: Another awesome favorite and addition is about 25% RLP6 from lane limited. 4: Lastly I will add a disk of Lane bullsey to equal about 25%. It seems that adding morethen 20 – 25% of another tobacco takes away from the BCA portion to much atleast to me. I have tried and love about all the tobaccos the pipe world has to offer, but these have grown to be my favorite all day smokes. Also after 30+ years of offending others by cigarettes it is really nice to hear someone say “WOW that smells GOOD” My response is that “It taste good too” ; ) Read Less

I let this age almost a year and it did fantastic. Still moist in my jar and smelling like the deep woods after a shower - pure tobacco aroma. I sliced off several chunks using my cigar cutter, separated the leaves and let it set for about 10 minutes which was plenty here in Colorado. Then packed my pipe rather loosely and lit it. After the initial bloom it did great. Pleasant aroma of well aged tobacco almost like a prune or rich mushroom. I found it to be rich and strong with no bite. Extremely enjoyable to the bottom of the bowl. Read Less

I've tried many English blends -- and will continue to do so to satisfy my curiosity -- but this remains my daily smoke. Flavorful with just the right Latakia perfume. Read Less

The C&D Bulk Library Project

Dark Fired Kentucky
Smoking Pipes rated 4.4

This is the king of all blending components.

Dark, thick, blackish brown ribbons that are not oily, but look like they have a sheen to them. The aroma from the bag is smoke, smoke, smoke, and then right at the end of the spectrum just a little bit of smoke.

Sampled in a Missouri Pride.

Hell. Yes.

This is the smoke that I have been looking for - delicious but almost to the edge of charred oak and cinders.

I love the “in the face” full frontal nudity of this smoke. It’s unashamed and forces you to pay attention.

It used to be if I saw a blend had Latakia, it piqued my interest. These days that is Dark Fire Kentucky. I want it in every blend I smoke because it just adds that tough leather acrid biting element that I find delicious.

It is acrid – in a good way.
It is strong – in a good way.
It is meaty and rich – in a good way.

This is not one you can hide from the wife when you come from outside if you’re a closet smoker. This one is going to work its way into every fiber of every fabric within 20 feet of it and take residence.

To me, this is a 100% solid solo smoker. I love the tangy smoky assault on the senses and sometimes I will smoke this until my head swims.

My rating 5

This is the 84th of 101 C&D bulk blends I am reviewing for this project. Read Less

The C&D Bulk Library Project

Nutty Irishman
Smoking Pipes rated 4.5

This aromatic is made of Virginia and Burley and smells of caramel , hazelnut, coffee, honey, cake frosting and cream. Chocolate brown and black ribbons are just barely perceived as moist. Very fragrant.

Sampled in a Missouri Pride.

So this is gonna be one of those reviews that doesn’t match the format. There’s no way for me to even act as if I’m reviewing this product from any point of discovery as this has been one of my favorite blends for many years now.

Sweet and chocolatey and coffee and hazelnuts The blend hold a place in my heart for a couple of reasons.

First - when my wife (married 32 years) and I were dating - my coffee date drink was coffee , Bailey’s and hazelnut syrup. This blend , in the bag , spot on replicates the aroma.

Later I life I love to mix :
6 oz cold brew coffee
1 oz Frangelico
1 oz 5 County Irish Cream
2 oz Jameson (either original or Black Barrel)

Shake over large cubes, pour strained on top of pint glass of crushed ice.

Again - this blend is all over the top of that drink as well.

There’s something magical about hazelnut, sweet cream, coffee and Irish whiskey - and this blend captures that.

I have - and will continue to - kept a sizable reserve of this blend in hand and smoke it almost every Saturday morning with a cup of coffee or cocoa.

My (very sentimental) rating : 5

This is the 89th of 101 C&D bulk blends being reviewed for this project. Read Less

I know you are supposed to mix it. I mixed mine 50/50. Latakia/latakia. My buddy (Awesome guy) brought this over to try. I filled up my biggest bowl (Missouri Meerschaum General) and smoked it. This was smooth, smokey, silky, and sultry. I am hard-pressed to understand the need to mix it with other stuff, unless you are trying to make it last longer (best guess?). This was a great smoke. I am trying to figure what blends that good use some extra help to use it on... or maybe another straight indulgence. Read Less

Finding I’m smoking this and nothing else. Smooth, creamy, cool, no bite, just hard to beat. Does need to be dried out, depending on your humidity. Wife accepts the light perfume room note. Tried all the Lakelands, don’t mind the “old lady” notes. But DFA is most similar to 1792, which I also hold high. Waiting for more… Read Less

Don't know what's up with the rating button but I want to make it clear that this is a 5 star out of 5 star rating. I have a friend from the U.K. that told me that I would tier from the American everyday burley blends. I though he was wrong, and for years he was. But another friend that lives here in the states told me he was sending me some "tasty" virginia's and some other tid bits. He sent me some Samuel Gawith flakes and that was it, I was hooked. Gawith Hoggarth Brown Flake aromatic is one of my favorite tobaccos. When I first bought it and opened the bag I thought I made a huge mistake. The stuff smelled exactly like the powder I use after showering. I mean it's the same smell! I thought to myself "this is going to be gross". I let it sit in the jar and smoked the Dark Flake Scented and loved that. After a few months in the jar I decided to pack a bowl. The flakes had tiny glistening diamonds all over them. Besides rum Flake Dark Flake Scented and Coniston Cut Plug, this stuff is by far my favorite Gawith Flake. Taste is amazing, the room note is fabulous, and it has a great nicotine content, perfect to be honest. If it wasn't so darn pricey I would buy 5lbs at a time. Kendal Flake was another favorite but I'm not too upset that KF was discontinued AS long as Brown Flake aromatic is still around. Read Less

My review basically reflects GothGirls, plus/minus a couple details. Let's start at the mailbox which we're opening and sure enough. The mailbox note is what they all say it is, s'mores. It's savory, it's rich, it's deep, it's velvety and all it needs is the campfire that's kindling in your pipe chamber.

And so we throw this bush on the fire and you're 8 years old again, marshmallow ablaze at the end of a stick and your face is basically just a grin.That first 3rd of the bowl is a toasted 'mallow, sweet and fluffy with caramelized bits and I swear that virginia yeasty-ness comes through and acts the role of the graham cracker as the ember works it's way down. Did Lane plan for that? I have to assume they did. Second 3rd of the bowl and the chocolate makes it's debut both sweet and bitter, 70% dark I'd like to put it at and boy I tell you what if there ain't a damn s'more in your pipe and you're gaining weight through combusted vapor, it's basically witchcraft. The final 3rd of the bowl arrives and ngl it's my favorite part. The campfire is now smoldering and you're basically left alone with this mostly bitter but quite sweet dark chocolate and for me, for some reason, it is a very salty chocolate which makes that bittersweet delectable treat soooo very savory and my pipe stem is now steeped in drool as I suckle upon the teat of heaven.

The secret to enjoying this aromatic to the fullest, as it is with most of them, take the time to dry it till the wet gloss is gone and it has that bouncy dry feel you know what to look for with enough experience. Do that and the most mess you'll make is a slick sheen at the bottom of the bowl that can easily be wiped away. Read Less

Plumes of rich , creamy, peachy but not overbearing, a sweet bourbon/whiskey note, clouds of smoke. Nic hit is a slot above very mild. A creamy warm smelling aromatic,the burleys are nutty, and the virginias give me a a chocolaty grassy note aswell, all the flavors combine very nicely to produce a peachy and creamy smoke. I really enjoy this stuff, it reminds me of the same feeling of finding a frsh pack of optimo peaches back in my hayday, something magical about these well done peach tobaccos! It either taste like fake peach crap, or is amazing , as were the optimo peaches, the other peach cigarillos couldnt come close, this is the pipe tobacco equivalent. 5 star aromatic, it does its job gallantly! Read Less