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Burley was first cultivated in 1864 and has been used in pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and cigarettes. As a component in pipe-tobacco blends, the air-cured leaf creates rich, earthy flavors that pair well with virtually any combination of other components; even when not the showcase of a blend, Burley provides an essential foundation and welcome body in many mixtures.
Burley is a naturally thicker, more durable leaf, making it the varietal of choice for the production of steamed and fermented Cavendish tobaccos or fire-cured Dark-Fired Kentucky. The processing requirements of these preparation styles work best with more robust leaf. Burley's versatility and compatibility make it a popular tobacco that appears in hundreds of different blends in greater or lesser quantities. Today, we're going over our top-10 best-selling Burley blends.
Updated for 2026, this article was originally published February 20, 2015. This post has been updated to incorporate current data and edited to reflect product availability.
- 10. Mac Baren Navy Flake
- 9. Cornell & Diehl Pegasus
- 8. Daughters & Ryan Ryback
- 7. Peter Stokkebye PS41 Cube Cut
- 6. Samuel Gawith 1792 Flake
- 5. Prince Albert
- 4. Carter Hall
- 3. Grand Croupier Double Down
- 2. C&D Old Joe Krantz
- 1. Cornell & Diehl Haunted Bookshop
10. Mac Baren Navy Flake
Coming in at number 10 is Mac Baren's Navy Flake, an exceptionally smooth mixture of Burley, Virginias, and the blending house's original Cavendish, all enhanced with a touch of rum for a rich, rounded flavor.
"By far the best Navy for your pipe. Amazing notes, easy to keep burning, sweet taste with good smoke. I buy it and keep it in stock." - Preaching Piper, 5-star review at Smokingpipes
Available in: 3.5oz
- Components: Virginia, Burley, Black Cavendish
- Cut: Flake
9. Cornell & Diehl Pegasus
Ranking number nine, C&D's Pegasus is a classic American Burley blend from the late Bob Runowski. Burley, Virginias, and a touch of unsweetened Black Cavendish combine to form a traditional and hearty mixture for connoisseurs of old-school Burley blends.
"This is a really nice Burley blend. I like Old Joe Krantz Blue a lot, but think I may like this even more than OJK and Haunted Bookshop. It has moved to the front of my favorites. It is light, smooth and really tasty. If you are a Burley fan, this is a must try!" - G.L.Cathey, 5-star review at Smokingpipes
- Components: Virginia, Burley, Black Cavendish
- Cut: Ribbon
8. Daughters & Ryan Ryback
At number eight on our list is Daughters & Ryan Ryback, a medium-to-full-bodied blend that was specifically designed to delight Burley lovers. The flavor profile ranges from floral to spicy, and sweet to earthy, making it a complex experience fit for the colder weather.
"I love this tobacco. If you pack it tightly in your bowl it releases plenty of flavour, but if you are accustomed to aromatic or heavily cased tobacco you will probably miss the point." - Smeckma, 5-star review at Smokingpipes
Available in: 16oz
- Components: Virginia, Dark-Fired Kentucky, Burley
- Cut: Shag
7. Peter Stokkebye PS41 Cube Cut
Next up is PS41 Cube Cut from Peter Stokkebye, an American blend of air-cured, toasted Burley from Tennessee and aged Red Virginias are pressed together into cakes before being cross cut into cubes. The resulting experience burns slowly and encourages introspection amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
"My first all-cube cut blend. It really does pack easily, and burns very well. I do not think there is any casing, or topping added, but it really is that delicious that it makes you wonder if it is. It has obvious notes of cocoa, and it is nice and nutty, almost like smoking peanuts. I highly enjoyed this on its own, and will probably order more." - Ryan S., 5-star review at Smokingpipes
Available in: Bulk
- Components: Virginia, Burley
- Cut: Cube
6. Samuel Gawith 1792 Flake
Number six is one of Samuel Gawith's most popular tobaccos: 1792 Flake. The blend features Dark-Fired Kentucky and Virginias that are steamed and then pressed. Before being cut, the plug is wrapped in a select leaf, pressed again for over two hours, and then baked in a steam press for another two to three hours, further marrying the flavors. Marked by a dark color and decadent flavor profile, 1792 is topped with tonquin and offers a bold, full-bodied smoking experience.
"It's a blend of its own. 1792 revealed tonquin to me and I couldn't be happier. I have smoked through this the fastest and for good reason." - Andy P., 5-star review at Smokingpipes
Available in: 50g | 8oz | 250g
- Components: Virginia, Dark-Fired Kentucky
- Cut: Flake
5. Prince Albert
Introduced by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in 1907, Prince Albert is an ultra-classic blend of Burley and Cavendish, with just a hint of cocoa and molasses. It's an all-day blend that's been smoked for generations, marked by a timeless flavor and exceptional room note.
"This is my absolute favorite tobacco. I've tried many other blends of all different combinations of tobaccos and I keep coming back to old faithful. There is a reason this blend has been around as long as it has, it's just good. I've cellared a bunch of it. No bite, rarely relight, plenty of smoke and an outstanding flavor and room note." - Donald F., 5-star review at Smokingpipes
Available in: 14oz
- Components: Burley, Black Cavendish
- Cut: Ribbon
4. Carter Hall
Carter Hall's solid smoking experience and affordability lands it in our number four spot this year. It's a straightforward classic, combining Virginia and Burley leaf in a ribbon cut.
"It is unfair and an injustice to discriminate this tobacco for any reason whatsoever. There is a clear reason this has been a blend that has been able to stand tall for so many years. It's smooth, no bite, easy to pack, easy to enjoy. After having tried dozens and dozens and dozens of tobacco blends this one surprised me the most. I love it." - Brad M., 5-star review at Smokingpipes
Available in: 14oz
- Components: Virginia, Burley
- Cut: Ribbon
3. Grand Croupier Double Down
At number three, we have Grand Croupier Double Down, a Virginia/Burley blend assembled from the excess tobacco of an artisanal blending house. The components themselves are high quality, but the proportions are random. When it's in stock, Grand Croupier Double Down sells fast and delivers a dependable product at an affordable price.
"I loaded up a new Old Dominion cob and was surprised at the sweet nutty flavor. I would say my bag was about 70% Burley, 30% Virginia...great quality. For the price it is simply outstanding." - Old Timer..., 5-star review at Smokingpipes
Available in: Bulk
- Components: Virginia, Burley
- Cut: Ribbon
2. C&D Old Joe Krantz
This all-day smoke from the late Bob Runowski was named in honor of the man who taught Bob to smoke a pipe: his grandfather, Old Joe Krantz. Taking silver on this year's list, C&D's Old Joe Krantz blend combines dark and cube-cut Burley with Red Virginias and Perique, creating a smooth experience to enjoy through long days spent with loved ones this season.
"You can taste a very clear aroma of nuts. There are also earthy undertones and hints of leather, which together with smoky roasted notes create an interesting combination of taste impressions. Carefully plugged, the Old Joe Krantz burns inconspicuously, but as with so many Virginia-containing tobaccos you should be careful not to smoke too greedily." - Getaway Sally, 5-star review at Smokingpipes
Available in: 2oz | 8oz | Bulk
- Components: Virginia, Perique, Burley
- Cut: Ribbon
1. Cornell & Diehl Haunted Bookshop
The number one, gold Burley blend of 2026, as in years past, is C&D's Haunted Bookshop, and for good reason. Another mixture from Bob Runowski, it's named in honor of the famous novel written by Christopher Morley, and features a blend of Burley and Virginia with just a touch of Perique. For those who aren't quite ready to let go of Halloween, the spooky bookshop is here to comfort you, and it's a Burley that's excellent for autumn evening smokes.
"This blend took me by surprise. I caved to the hype, and I could not be more happy that I did. It reminds me of being a kid and picking out all of the chocolate from a trail mix to only be left with nuts and an occasional raisin. There are flavors of walnuts and cashews. It has a slight, occasional sweetness and is mostly a little dry on the palate. Every once in a while you get this pop of raisin. Then, if you dare to retrohale, there is the perfect amount of black pepper to tickle your nose. The nicotine level is around a medium, pushing to medium strong. Perfect to cap off a long day." - Christopher P., 5-star review
Available in: 2oz | 8oz | Bulk
- Components: Virginia, Perique, Burley
- Cut: Ribbon
These are our top 10 best-selling Burley blends for 2026 here at Smokingpipes. Keep in mind that these blends were ranked based on popularity, not on our own tastes or judgments. Did your favorite make our list? Let us know in the comments. As always, happy smokes!
- Cornell & Diehl Haunted Bookshop stayed at #1
- Cornell & Diehl Old Joe Krantz stayed at #2
- Grand Croupier Double Down entered at #3
- Carter Hall moved from #8 to #4
- Prince Albert entered at #5
- Samuel Gawith 1792 Flake entered at #6
- Peter Stokkebye PS41 Cube Cut moved from #6 to #7
- Daughters & Ryan Ryback moved from #10 to #8
- Cornell & Diehl Pegasus moved from #4 to #9
- Mac Baren Navy Flake entered at #10
- Granger, Daughters & Ryan Two Timer, Five Brothers, and Cornell & Diehl Night Train dropped off the list
A note on the tobacco information.
Strength: a measure of the tobacco's body and nicotine. One is the lowest. Five s is the highest.
Room Note: a measure of the pleasantness or intensity of the smoke's odor to everyone else in the room. One is the least intense room note, while five s would be the most noticeable to others.
Taste: A measure of the power and fullness of the smoke's flavor, with one being the most mellow and five s being the fullest.
Tagged in: Cornell and Diehl G. L. Pease Mac Baren Peterson Peter Stokkebye Recommendations Solani Tobacco
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Comments
Hard to name a "favorite", but if pressed I guess I'd have to say Skiff Mix. Love those orientals! At the other end of the spectrum though, recently tried C&D's Da Vinci and really enjoyed it!
Old Joe Krantz is a favorite of mine and is quite good. You certainly have to like perique though since it makes up 25% of the blend. The red Virginia also adds a subtle sweetness to the cube and dark burley which makes this a masterful blend. Bob Runowski did good on this one, may he rest in peace.
I've never smoked it on its own, but I like to crumble up some Wessex Burley Slice into my Dark Birds Eye. I do the same with Solani Aged Burley Flake. As far as I can tell, the Solani and the Wessex are SO much alike that I expect they're the same tobacco.
@Fred L Oooh, that sounds good!
2 simple and straight forward burley tobaccos, Carter Hall and Prince Albert very satisfying and economically priced. You don't have to break open your piggy bank to enjoy a good burley tobacco.
Big N' Burley is my go to smoke. I love the stuff. It's extremely satisfying, has a huge vitamin N kick, and tastes wonderful. Room note is not very good and my wife has banished me outside to smoke this! :)
As a diehard Burley smoker, I felt compelled to comment about a recent discovery. Barking Road was recently offered and after reading the accompanying commentary I decided to buy a tin and try it out. Before I could order more it was sold out. I was abandoned by my own conservative frugality. Turns out, the stuff is excellent with just the right combination of Burley and other components presented as a medium ribbon cut. I’m currently waiting for a new shipment, fully intending to stock up so I won’t run out in the immediate future. It’s the first McConnell blend I’ve smoked and I’m very impressed. Thus far, for me, it has no negative aspects. Looks good, smells good, tastes good, burns well, etc. it has good strength and a reasonable room note. I’m sorry that it wasn’t included in today’s list...maybe none of the contributors has tried it. For Burley smokers, it’s a must in my opinion. There are only two reviews at this time, one by a fellow Burley lover that summed it up well and another by me in agreement. I’ll bet there’ll be more good reviews.
Granger is a beautifully simple, old-fashioned tobacco that highlights the best qualities of a good Burley. I get that it isn't as nuanced as any of these mentioned above, but it is a solid, all-day smoke.
Being a Burly & Virginia lover I've recently been on a Burley kick the last few months only smoking Burley forward blends.With Haunted Bookshop as my first love among Burley blends I recently got introduced to my now favorite Burly blend, Shandygaff, a Burley/Turkish/ Perique blend of C&D's after watching a review of under appreciated C&D bulk blends. It has all the bold raw Burley flavor of Haunted Bookshop with less of an edge (ie, harshness). (https://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/cornell-diehl-underrated-bulk-blends)
You also can't go wrong when in the mood for Dark Fired burley forward blends with MacBaren Old Dark Fired & Bold Kentucky. The tin note of these two MacBaren HH blends is worth the price of admission.
I tried the C&D Burley Flake series when it first came out and settled on No. 2, with No. 1 a close second. I've smoked many of the others mentioned in the article, like OJK, ABF, all the Mac Barens, etc. Those are good but not as good as BF2. I sure hope the Burley Flake Series doesn't disappear.
Don't neglect Daughters and Ryan Two Timer! Very good and economical, too.
Great list with many of my favorites - I'm a Burley guy for sure. Let's not forget Lane Ready-Rubbed as well. Great classic blend, the resurrection of Edgeworth.
Very good tobacco. Too bad that you cannot get it any longer! Would certainly smoke it should it come back out again.
Great site!
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Old dark fired my favorite burley Kentucky and haunted bookshop my favorite burley . These two are legendary blends for me .
Solani aged burley flake is the best burley hands down but it nor the best selling because it's never on stock.
...where can a person purchase that cool pipe ashtray in the photo?
Why is 1792 in the picture? Afaik it is made of dark fired Virginia leaf from Africa, not burley. The English say dark fired to mean dark fired Virginia, and say Kentucky when they mean dark fired burley.
You should add C&D's Big N' Burley. I've been smoking that as my main since 2010. I love it. It really is big burley that you can purchase tinned or bulk. I get it bulk and is my every day smoke. I love this stuff! I'll try the others listed here, but most of them get ruined by too much Virginia which always bites me. I've never gotten bit by Big N' Burley.
Been on the Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired. Loving the ODF, Dark Twist and Royal Twist.Sometimes I mix it 50/50 with Edisto, Jubilaeums, or Capstan. Experiments with different combinations make it fun and exciting. Right now, I am enjoying a 50/50 ODF Capstan. Deeelicious.
One of my pipester pals gave me a tin of the Mac Baren Rustica, Ltd edition. Holy Smoke is that a great one! It really distinguishes itself right away. I beg Mac Baren to make that available again!
I would argue that ODF and HH Bold KY don't belong on this list. They're Burley in the same way that Latakia is Oriental. Totally different thing.
Sorta surprised that C&D Crooner isn't on the list. As a very dedicated Latikia-forward English blend lover, I take a break every so often with this cube-cut Burley with just a smidgeon of Deers' Tongue. It's the ONLY Burley I smoke and I have no idea why I like it. Go figure...
The Solani Aged Burley Flake is a tobacco formulated by Ruediger L. Will and even though this flake and Wessex Burley Flake are both tinned by Kohlhase & Kopp, they are definitely not the same. Solani ABF is in a league of its own. The demand has caused serious out-of-stock conditions. Ruediger took 2 years to develop this incredible tobacco.
Solani USED to be… it’s changed. Prior to the change in the early 2020’s, it was one of the best coffee and cocoa were balanced with their anise block. Just finished my last tin from 2018, and have gifted away the newer ones I acquired. Taste is relative.
Where is Stonehaven??! It sells for gold in the secondary market, and it's instantly gone in primary markets, it's hailed as the pinnacle of VaBur. Come on fellas, it needed a spot on this list.
Here's hoping that someday they do a list of best tobaccos with deertongue, my favorite pipe additive.
@Paul Gomes If you read this, there are only 4 blends sold on Smokingpipes that include deertongue, so I would assume the best blends would be these 4 in some sort of order!
Only had Haunted bookshop & old dark fired..both are superb burley
H.H. Burley Flake was the halcyon of burley. I’ve acquired enough to provide my morning coffee its companionship. But, as were speaking on currently available burleys; second to this is Savinelli Jupiter. Solani has altered its recipe and is no longer a contender. Wessex… I’ll pass as it’s grossly overrated. My 3rd choice is my own blend of white, dark and Dark-fired, with a touch of red VA cavendish. It’s topped with molasses, dutched cocoa and Herbsaint Anise liqueur… aged for 90 days (minimum) with white oak barrel staves. For something simple, rustic and tasty, Cornell & Diehl’s Burley Ribbon Cut is a great stand-alone burley… don’t overlook it! Newminster 702 (also aged in white oak barrels) was a sleeper, but that’s gone too.
HH Burley Flake and Mac Baren Golden Extra/Blend are my favorite burleys along with Pegasus.
Ah… Golden Extra, that honey-graham cracker sweetness with vanillaesqe oaky notes. I should’ve cellared more of that, as I miss it.
It was a joy to read this.
Glad to see Pegasus on the list.
I love Pegasus. When I buy a pound ,I buy four ounces of C&D unsweetened black Cavendish and add it to the quart Mason Jar. I let it sit for a few weeks then smoke.
The old BOND STREET was a wonderful tobacco. Smoked it in the seventies and into the eighties until I ran out of my stash. Sure would like to see it reappear so as to once again purchase. It was so good and burned so well.