Rattray's

Top 13 Best-Selling Flake Tobaccos

June 16, 2023 by John McElheny

15 Comments

Like spun-cut or coin-cut tobaccos, flake tobacco began at sea as a means of preserving a blend's moisture content. Pressed tobacco dried out less quickly because less surface area was exposed to air, ensuring that sailors could enjoy smoking their pipes over the course of long voyages. ... Read More

10 Great Winter Smokes

January 19, 2023 by Gabriel Bass

11 Comments

As winter begins its gusty approach once again, I find myself returning to blends that offer rich, deep flavors, or alternately, old favorites that feature top notes of nostalgic quality. I can't say what exactly draws me to certain blend types in the winter months. Perhaps Latakia's smoky, incense-like flavors unlock ... Read More

Aromatic Tobaccos for Non-Aromatic Smokers

April 14, 2022 by David Wheelock

11 Comments

Is there a divide within the pipe-smoking community? There are certainly enough differences of opinion, varied preferences, and spirited debates to go around. We're an opinionated lot, but honestly, it's part of what keeps this community interesting. One of the topics that generates the most heated exchanges regards ... Read More

Top 15 Budget-Friendly Pipes

January 6, 2022 by Joel Balyeat

19 Comments

When you're new to the world of pipe smoking and a little unsure about where to start, the sheer volume of options can be a little intimidating. It's generally best to just grab a pipe and get started, because pipe smoking is a personal experience and everyone's preferences in terms of pipe shape, size, and finish will be different. ... Read More

Pipe Smoking Desktop Backgrounds: May 2021

April 28, 2021 by Andrew Wike

3 Comments

It's time for another round of beautiful pipe smoking desktop backgrounds! As in previous months, we've compiled some of our favorite shots and artwork to share with you. Below you'll find eight unique images, split between desktop and mobile orientations and available for download in two high-resolution formats. ... Read More

Pipe Smoking Desktop Backgrounds: September 2020

September 2, 2020 by Andrew Wike

2 Comments

It's time for another round of beautiful pipe smoking desktop backgrounds! As in previous months, we've compiled some of our favorite shots and artwork to share with you. Below you'll find six unique images, split between desktop and mobile orientations and available for download in two high-resolution ... Read More

Tasting Notes: Rattray's Bagpiper's Dream

August 13, 2020 by Shane Ireland

7 Comments

Welcome back to another episode of Tasting Notes. For this installment, I'm stepping outside of my comfort zone and revisiting Aromatic blends, starting with Rattray's Bagpiper's Dream. I've long overlooked Aromatic mixtures in favor of Virginia/Perique or pure Virginia tobaccos, but I've recently realized ... Read More

Virginia and Perique Mixtures: A Varied Family of Pipe Tobacco

July 18, 2019 by Kaz C. Walters

7 Comments

Virginia and Perique mixtures, or VA/Pers as they are sometimes referred to, are pipe tobacco blends consisting of one or more varieties of Virginias that have been lightly spiced with a small portion of Perique. Traditionally, the percentage of Perique in a blend is only three to five percent ... Read More

Holiday Survival Guide

November 22, 2017 by Adam O'Neill

4 Comments

In our Holiday Survival Guide, I run through my must have items to get through this holiday season in one piece.

Tasting Notes: 5 Blends For Autumn

September 22, 2017 by Adam O'Neill