Cornell & Diehl: Autumn Evening 8oz Pipe Tobacco

It has been said that if you buy a dozen bagels and just one of them is an everything Bagel, then the entire fucking bag will stink of everything Bagels. This is true of Autumn evenings, it really is the everything Bagels of pipe tobacco.

On opening my shipping mailer I was immediately hit by the overpowering aroma. It was inescapable like a Labyrinthian maze of terror, dreamt up from the mind of a depraved scoundrel and left scrawled upon a tawdry canvas like some sick Hieronymus Bosch painting. Everything in the bag including a metal tin of capstan stinks like this everything Bagel of an aromatic.

First inspection the tobacco looks cheap. Very fine, dry looking ribbon of a dull and uninteresting brown colour. Imagine a party wig from a 1980s Halloween dance, left unattended for near four decades until it unexplainably shows up at a garage sale for $1. Jesus that smell doesn't quit!

I was hesitant to put it through any pipe of any quality, hence forth it be forever relegated to a hell of aromatic purulence. Stuffed a bowlful into a sacrificial Cob whose willingness to give up its own life in service of the war effort did not go unnoticed.

I'm immediately hit by the most overpowering tongue bite I have ever known. As if that creepy arsonist from the movie back draft had set fire to my mouth, only for whichever Baldwin was also in that movie to show up and put the fire out using maple syrup instead of water.

After several minutes of what feels like going 12 rounds with a maple syrup Mike Tyson I throw in the towel. Possibly with long term brain damage as a result. I look down to see the poor bastard of a Cob in the last agonising seconds of it's miserable life. I can only imagine that if it could speak its final words would have been "Kill me".


I take it still smouldering carcass over to the fallow field across the way and use a 12 gauge to send the poor son of a bitch to meet its maker. As for the remainder of the 1oz that I purchased, it was buried alongside the remains the cob. I mark the area as an ancient Indian burial ground as to ensure that no future unsuspecting victim will accidentally come across this accursed abomination, like the plot a Steven King novel.


What can be said? If canada fucked an everything bagel and that everything bagel gave birth to a pipe tobacco it would be autumn evenings. Avoid unless you're a fan of oral violation and maple syrup....Read More

Cornell & Diehl's Autumn Evening has garnered a reputation in the pipe smoking community as a distinctly polarizing blend, a true "love it or hate it" affair. As a seasoned tobacconist and product reviewer, I approached this aromatic tobacco with an open mind, eager to understand the nuances that draw such varied reactions.

Upon opening a freshly acquired pouch, the first sensory wave to hit is the rich, unmistakable aroma of maple. It’s not just present; it's powerfully pervasive. This strong maple scent sets Autumn Evening apart, offering an inviting experience from the get-go. It promises a room note that is as pleasing to bystanders as it is to the smoker, addressing a common concern among aromatic enthusiasts who seek to enjoy their pastime without overwhelming others unfavorably.

The blend itself is primarily based on high-quality Virginias, which are known for their sweetness. Here, they are cased and top-dressed liberally with a maple flavor that penetrates deeply and lasts throughout the smoke. The result is a smooth, mildly sweet smoking experience with a creamy texture to the smoke, almost reminiscent of a fine dessert enjoyed beside a crackling fire in the fall.

For newcomers to pipe smoking or those who typically favor aromatic blends, Autumn Evening offers a gentle yet flavorful introduction. The sweetness of the maple is front and center, making it an excellent choice for those looking to avoid the more robust, earthy tones found in non-aromatic tobaccos.

However, for tobacco purists or those who dislike added sugars and prominent flavorings in their tobacco, this blend may not appeal. Its unapologetically aromatic nature, dominated by a sweet maple overlay, can be a turnoff for those who prefer the natural subtleties of tobacco without interference from heavy casings. If your palette leans towards pure tobacco tastes, the pronounced sweetness of Autumn Evening might prove overwhelming.

A word of caution for those considering purchasing this tobacco in bulk: the blend can arrive a bit on the dry side. While this isn’t always the case, it’s frequent enough to merit consideration. For those concerned about moisture content and preservation of aroma, opting for the tin may be a safer bet. This not only ensures optimal condition but also provides easier storage and maintains the integrity of the flavor profile longer.

Overall, Cornell & Diehl's Autumn Evening is a commendable blend for its target audience. If you appreciate a strong aromatic presence in your pipe tobacco and enjoy sweet, inviting fragrances, this blend will likely delight. Whether it becomes a staple in your tobacco rotation or a special occasion treat, Autumn Evening is sure to leave a lasting impression....Read More

I bought an ounce on a whim and boy was I ever glad I did. I'm not usually a fan of aromatics but I'm dipping my toes back in. This has got to be [one of] the best [bulk] aro [flavors] I've ever smoked. No weird artificial taste, no lingering sugar-mouth aftertaste (not much, at least). And the taste... I find myself actually craving this flavor, it's almost addictive. It just pops in my head throughout the day, "Hey, you should smoke another pipe of that Autumn stuff". I've since tried other maple blends and none can even touch this. Flavor kind of fades halfway to the bottom. A little bite, mixed with some stoved virginia tempers this. I don't know what that weirdo, Dave, is talking about, it doesn't taste like bagels. I wish people would stick to the point when reviewing tobaccos. You aren't Hemingway and this isn't your personal blog....Read More

I really liked this blend. I smoked it once, in the car on a road trip. The maple and earthy tones made for a nice blend. It is not overwhelming, which is nice. I often find aromatics tasting like chemicals, but this one was a clean and cool smoke. I plan on using this as my regular car tobacco as it is not overwhelmingly smokey and has a nice room note. Aromatics are often not very complex and lack depth, but this one met my standards well. It is a fun smoke, but not one of my top favorites. That may change over time...Read More

I absolutely love this blend. The casing and topping choices are sublime and they transport me back to the October evenings of my Midwestern childhood, with woodsmoke in the air from the back porch stove and the last red wisps of sunlight filtering up over Bill Moran's dormant corn field across the road. The nostalgia is strong with this one....Read More

This is a must have in every one's cellar, multiple cans!!
Not only does this stuff age amazing, but it's also an all-day smoke if you wanted, never gone wrong in my opinion. Let's not forget the amazing staff service and helpfulness, guarantee a comeback customer. Thanks!!

The tin note is wonderful. Reminds me of a nighttime in the October time-frame. I use it as a mixer mostly, but it's still wonderful on it's own. Both tins and bulk are quality tobaccos. Pairs well with an Oktoberfest beer.

This is a great all day smoke. In a meerschaum pipe, the maple seeps in, with a good thick cloud. I absolutely say smoke slow and enjoy. Don’t smoke too fast it can bite, but not much.

I generally like this blend. It smells really good. It has a little bite, though, so I generally smoke it in a filtered pipe. The reason for minus one star is because it's a little inconsistent. Some tins I have liked better than others. Some are smokier, some are slightly more maple-like, some are spicier. I'd prefer a slight bit more maple....Read More

Brilliant tobacco! It has a nice autumn aroma, smooth on the tongue, and decently structured plumes of smoke. Anyone looking for a smooth, flavorful evening tobacco, this is it! A truly beautiful tobacco that evokes images of long walks on beautiful golden and burgundy-laid autumn lanes as the dusk of evening falls, and a peace settles this is where the Tabacco will take you!...Read More