Shane Ireland

Peterson's University Flake is one of those blends that has been around for a while and has amassed quite the loyal following. I've smoked it before and enjoyed it, but for whatever reason it's been quite a while since I popped a tin. ... Read More

Todd Johnson is a talented pipe maker. There's no doubt about it. He's done so much to propel the American pipe making movement in the last two decades, as well as completely change the game of the serially produced pipe. ... Read More

Straight Up English is the first installment of C&D's new Small Batch project, and it delivers exactly what the name promises: a no-frills English mixture that's simple, rustic, and immensely satisfying. This blend will show you sides of Latakia that are anything but common; there's no other condimental leaf to take ... Read More

​McConnell's Scottish Flake and Scottish Cake have been long-time favorites of mine. They're well-represented in my cellar, and I find myself reaching for these blends often (especially the Flake), even after years of enjoying them. But it recently occurred to me that I've never given Scottish Blend (by the same marque) a fair shake. ... Read More

Chances are you have either already heard of Solani or smoked at least one of their offerings. Several of their blends are on the top of many smoker's "must try" lists, and Aged Burley Flake (or Blend 656) is no exception. ... Read More

New blends from Samuel Gawith aren't exactly common, but the fact that Cabbie's Mixture is also the first coin cut from the venerable English blending house makes it all the more exciting. This Virginia-Perique coin is the perfect addition ... Read More

For this video, I sampled the blends myself (and loved every minute of it). What's more, I sent out pre-release samples to a few willing participants that had no idea what they were trying. ... Read More

I've long been a fan of both Vladimir Grechukhin and Jeff Grecik of J. Alan pipes. The two makers have worked together several times over the last few years as part of Grechukhin's International Project, an open collaboration in which the Russian Master invites other master carvers to his shop to make pipes together. ... Read More

I waited a long time to try Brigade Campaign. It was a few years ago when the blend was rarely available due to the cult following it had gained. When I finally got my hands on a tin, I wasn't disappointed. Experienced Virginia smokers are likely to fall in love immediately ... Read More

Earlier this year while Sykes and I were at the Savinelli factory in Italy, a new shape was being designed, but not all the details were worked out yet. Sykes and I were able to brainstorm and collaborate with the Production Manager and the rest of the team at Savinelli, and the 311KS is the result. ... Read More