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 Aromatic and non-Aromatic tobacco blends. So, it's worth asking, can a successful crossover be made? Can one enjoy the characteristics of both? Or are we hopelessly tied to our respective camps in a tribal expression of personal preference? Perhaps we can bridge the gap and mend some fences on the subject.

I'll start with my own experience. When I first picked up a pipe some years ago, I relied heavily on information gathered from pipe groups on social media and invested more than a few hours reading reviews and descriptions on TobaccoReviews. This period of discovery revealed a recurring piece of advice: It's best to start with an Aromatic tobacco and progress toward non-Aromatic blends — like English, VA/Per, and Burley mixtures — from there. I'll admit that there were other points of view on where to start, but this was certainly the most prevalent piece of advice I encountered. Alas, I ordered three or four highly-regarded Aromatics and started puffing away. I won't share the particular blends out of respect for those who enjoy them, but they were popular tobaccos with nostalgic aromas reminiscent of the pipe smokers I'd encountered in my youth.

Let's just say that I was left wanting. Not so much by the flavors and aromas of the blends I'd selected but by, in my opinion, the lack of body, strength, and the poor smokability that I experienced. I wanted something fuller in body, more robust in strength, and with a cooler, more consistent burn.

This is probably a good time to admit that, back then, I knew next to nothing about tobacco and how it was utilized in the blends that we all smoke. I didn't appreciate the nuances achieved by various tobaccos components, nor did I have an understanding of each varietal's inherent characteristics. The differences between casings and toppings hadn't even entered my mind at that point. I was a noob, I behaved like one and, let's be honest, smoked like one too. All I knew was that I wasn't enjoying the hobby very much and that I must be missing something very important.

What I saw in the pipe community were entrenched camps — those who enjoyed Aromatics and those who stayed far, far away from them. Of course, this is an over-simplification. Many smokers do enjoy both, but with that said, encampments do exist. Over the years, and after smoking many tobaccos (mostly Virginia and Virginia/Perique blends), I've found myself dipping my toe back into the waters of Aromatics or more overtly flavored mixtures to see if I could find a few "change-up blends" to break the monotony of my regular tobacco rotation. My list of prerequisites were tobaccos with more pronounced body and strength, that weren't overly topped or moist out of the tin, and blends where the natural essence of the component tobaccos were still discernible but still distinguished by other added flavors.

Before I get into the Aromatic blends that I've come to occasionally enjoy, let's do a little level setting and come to a better understanding of the properties that make a tobacco blend an Aromatic. Obviously, aroma and flavor come into play here. This is predominantly a function of the casings and toppings that are applied to constituent tobaccos to produce a more aromatic, flavored, and perhaps sweeter smoke. With this process, oftentimes some additional moisture accumulates in the blend.

Casings vs Toppings:

As opposed to me fumbling through a discussion of the applications and differences between casings and toppings, I'm going to leave this bit to the expert. Please enjoy this brief video from Cornell and Diehl's Head Blender, Jeremy Reeves who eloquently weighs in on the subject:

Essentially, casings are added at the beginning of the blending process and are used to make minor adjustments to the flavor, body, and mouthfeel of a mixture. They're typically more neutral or subtle in flavor and are quite sweet. Toppings, on the other hand, are more overt, are added at the end of the blending process, and contribute a more noticeable flavor to the mixture — i.e. the top-note of the blend's overall flavor.

Moisture Content:

What I've discovered (and it's no real secret) is that tobaccos with higher moisture content, and often containing humectants that help keep the tobacco moist for longer, need to be dried for a longer time and smoked with a little more patience and care. With proper drying and a slow and steady smoking cadence, Aromatics can behave well and can be enjoyed with minimal risk of tongue bite.

Another consideration is the pipe you choose for your Aromatics as these tobaccos are more likely to leave a ghosting residue when smoked. For this reason, I recommend a dedicated briar for Aromatics or a pipe with lower ghosting potential such as a meerschaum, clay, or corncob pipe.

Aromatics are what they are. If we adjust appropriately, they can be enjoyed with more pleasure than consequence.

10 Aromatic Tobaccos for Your Consideration:

Below is a brief list of pipe tobaccos that I enjoy on occasion and ones that, if you're looking to add an Aromatic to your rotation for a change of pace, are worthy of consideration. I've also solicited the recommendations of some of my esteemed colleagues — all of whom don't consider themselves regular Aromatic smokers — to provide a more well-rounded set of offerings.

War Horse: Bar

Smokingpipes Description: A mixture of Burley, Dark-Fired Kentucky, and Virginia leaf, War Horse Bar is a plug that presents a full body and robust flavor profile fit for the experienced pipe smoker, with subtle toppings of anise and tonquin complementing the natural tobacco flavor.

Why I like it: Aromatic plugs are not very common and the moisture content of this Sutliff tobacco is minimal, allowing for a pleasant smoke right out of the tin. I would describe the flavor as reminiscent of licorice with a touch of vanilla and, while it's very unique, it's not overwhelming. The blend is full-bodied and packs a significant nicotine kick. This is one of my go-to tobaccos on a brisk fall or winter day.

G.L. Pease: The Virginia Cream

Smokingpipes Description: G.L. Pease seasons fine Red and Golden flue-cured Virginia tobaccos with rare condimental leaf, enhancing the result with a subtle vanilla/bourbon topping that is never overbearing.

Why I like it: This is the quintessential subtle Aromatic and what I consider a natural crossover blend for someone who doesn't typically smoke Aromatics. The naturally sweet Virginia leaf is in the forefront of this blend. The addition of the vanilla/bourbon top note adds an additional creamy sweetness that doesn't cloy or offend. Delicious with a cup of coffee, The Virginia Cream is moderate in strength and is a blend I particularly enjoy as my first bowl of the day.

Erinmore Flake

Smokingpipes Description: Erinmore Flake is a superb blend of premium Virginia leaf topped with a secret recipe and aged under pressure to marry the flavors. The aged cake is then sliced thin and packaged. It can be easily rubbed out to suit any taste. Medium in strength with a refreshing aroma. A cool, clean burning all-day smoke.

Why I like it: Erinmore is a polarizing blend: You either absolutely love it and shout its praises across mountaintops, or you loathe it with a burning hatred and want to throw the entire world's supply into a swirling maelstrom to prevent others from ever having to experience its dreadful flavor and aroma. And that, I think, is what makes it so great; it's a truly memorable smoke unlike pretty much anything else on the market. The Virginias and Burleys that comprise the foundation of the blend are excellent, and the flakes themselves are finely sliced and springy, making it quite accessible to those who primarily smoke straight Virginia flakes. There's some debate as to the top note of this blend — most will fall in battle debating its pineapple-y-ness — but to me, it's more of an ambiguous tropical fruit and citrus flavor. There's a certain floral characteristic, too, though it's not really Lakeland-like. For me, Erinmore is a great, Virginia-focused Aromatic and a go-to in my rotation during the summer months when I crave something with a bit more dimension.

C&D: Nutty Irishman

Smokingpipes Description: A delightful mixture of Virginia, Burley, and Cavendish, C&D's Nutty Irishman is a pleasant Aromatic blending of Frangelico (hazelnut) and Irish Mist (whiskey with honey and herbs).

Why I like it: Everyone knows about Cornell & Diehl's Autumn Evening. It's among the best Aromatic blends you can recommend to a beginner pipe smoker, but C&D has quite a few Aromatics in their portfolio worthy of further consideration. Nutty Irishman is probably my favorite of the lot. Like all of Cornell & Diehl's blends, the main focus is the tobacco itself: a mélange of top-tier grades of flue-cured, air-cured, and Cavendish leaf — all hand-selected by head blender Jeremy Reeves. Cornell & Diehl places enormous emphasis on grade selection and leaf sourcing, and that meticulous focus is emphasized in the natural tobacco flavor of this blend. Of course, there is a top note, and it works to accentuate rather than mask those natural flavors, complementing the blend with notes of boozy coffee, toasted hazelnuts, creamy vanilla, and a little maple. If you're primarily a Burley or Virginia smoker but are looking for something a little sweeter to pair with coffee in the morning, or simply want something you can enjoy in mixed company, I'd highly recommend Nutty Irishman.

C&D: Autumn Evening

Smokingpipes Description: For Autumn Evening, Cornell & Diehl's proprietary Red Virginia Cavendish is lightly topped with a delicate maple flavor for one unique and widely popular Aromatic blend. The smoker will appreciate the taste of fine Virginias while those around will flock to the warm, inviting fragrance.

Why I like it: Autumn Evening has great burn characteristics and performs well, since there's no darker Cavendish, which can sometimes slow the burn down quite a bit and make things difficult if the moisture level isn't perfect. It's got slightly-above-average strength, so it's adequate for folks who are used to fuller blends and the room note is amazing, of course.

Sillem's: Black

Smokingpipes Description: The main ingredient is the finest spicy smoky Latakia. By adding highly Aromatic Black Cavendish, this blend becomes smoother. A small portion of Burley gives a slight toasted aroma, and a pinch of Bright Virginia brings a subtle sweet note. Mellow yet full-bodied aromas of honey and fruit essences result in a unique flavor.

Why I like it: Sillem's Black is by far my favorite from their portfolio, and also the least "typical" of their Aromatics. All the Sillem's Aromatic blends are high-quality and perform better than your typical Aromatic blends, but the Black stands on its own. It's got Latakia, which is more unusual, but the combining of the smoky, creamy, and woodsy Latakia with the Aromatic topping, Bright Virginia, and Burley, makes it very well-balanced and pretty much singular in the pipe tobacco world.

C&D: Engine #611

Smokingpipes Description: Commemorating the last of Norfolk and Western Railway's J Class steam locomotives, this blend of black Cavendish, Virginias, and Burleys — sweetened with a hint of coumarin vanilla — will have you firing on all cylinders. Full steam ahead.

Why I like it: I was first introduced to this when Jeremy Reeves was the inquisitor for a Mystery Tobacco Review. It's how I wish every Aromatic was, honestly, offering notes of vanilla and chocolate overtop natural tobacco flavors — and all without being goopy.

Rattray's: Sir William

Smokingpipes Description: Sir William is a ready-rubbed loose cut pipe tobacco. Various selected Virginias are the main components in this blend and are responsible for the balanced taste. Dark-fired Kentucky and cured Indian and Aromatic Thai Burley are then added, with a subtle whisky aroma rounding things out.

Why I like it: Not typically considered an Aromatic, Sir William does have a noticeable topping that I feel goes a touch beyond your typical toppings/casings for non-Aromatics. Just the right amount of flavor when you're in the mood for something different but without being overly moist and chemical-tasting.

C&D: John Marr

Smokingpipes Description: A poetic mixture of Bright and Red Virginias with a good portion of Turkish leaf, elevated by genial portions of Perique and Black Cavendish, and topped with the flavors of bourbon and vanilla, C&D's John Marr is an unparalleled voyage of sweet complexity.

Why I like it: Bourbon derives its natural vanilla flavor from the charred white oak barrels in which it is stored. John Marr's classic Virginia, Oriental, and Perique profile combines beautifully with the addition of real bourbon, adding subtle oaky and natural vanilla undertones.

BriarWorks: Peach Cobbler

Smokingpipes Description: BriarWorks' Peach Cobbler is an indulgent Southern recipe pulled straight from Mama's cookbook, featuring Black Cavendish and Virginia leaf topped with a pleasant peach flavor that's sure to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Why I like it: When BriarWorks approached C&D to create their line of pipe tobaccos, Pete Prevost, Sam Adebayo, Micah Redmond, and Bill Shalosky were all firmly non-Aromatic, primarily Latakia smokers ... until they tried Peach Cobbler for the first time during development. To this day, that blend is their unexpected favorite of the line.

Final Thoughts:

So, there you have it: 10 Aromatic blends for traditionally non-Aromatic tobacco enthusiasts. Wherever you stand on the virtues of Aromatic mixtures, there's always time and room to try something new, and while I may not reach for a flavored blend very often, I enjoy knowing that I have discovered alternative avenues and flavors to keep my hobby interesting and evolving. If you've been feeling like your tobacco rotation is getting a little stale, or even if you're only marginally open to giving Aromatics another try, I hope that this set of recommendations will be of some service to you. After all, variety is the spice of life!