Top 11 Best-Selling Aromatic Tobaccos

Updated for Winter 2022. This article was originally published February 20, 2015. It has been updated to incorporate current data and edited to reflect product availability.


Top 11 Aromatic Pipe Tobaccos at Smokingpipes.com

For many pipe smokers and non-pipe smokers alike, Aromatic blends represent the archetypal pipe tobacco. Their enticing room notes of vanilla, or chocolate, or cherry, or whiskey often conjure fond memories of pipe-smoking grandparents or rekindle a nostalgia for one's early pipe-smoking days. Because of their pleasant aromas, Aromatic pipe tobaccos are often reached for when first venturing into the pipe-smoking hobby — before one discovers Latakia-, Burley-, or Virginia-forward blends. That progression was certainly true for me: Growing up, I would often sneak into my father's study to smell his pipes. I never remember him smoking, but I remember those pipes and how the chambers reminded me of vanilla candles. I later learned I had Captain Black Original to thank for that sweet aroma, and admittedly, I assumed for the longest time that Aromatic pipe tobaccos were pipe tobacco. I'm glad I was wrong — the world of pipe tobacco is so much more enjoyable with diversity — but Aromatics still carry a certain nostalgia for me. I'm sure many of you have similar stories.

Unlike English, Burley, or Virginia blends, Aromatic pipe tobaccos — as a family of pipe tobacco — aren't defined by their components. Instead, the grouping is characterized more by the tobaccos' flavoring and room note. Most tobaccos are flavored to some degree so the term "aromatic" can be misleading, but Aromatic blends are those that are flavored in such a way that it affects the room note to a considerable degree. Chuck Stanion dove deeper into the blending and categorization of Aromatics in a previous article in which he discussed the topic with Jeremy Reeves, Head Blender of Cornell & Diehl. For this article, though, we're overviewing Smokingpipes' top 11 best-selling Aromatic tobaccos. It's an ideal list for paring down the myriad options should you be interested in exploring the expansive world of Aromatics. Hopefully it simplifies your selection process and maybe even introduces you to some future favorites.

    Top 11 Best-Selling Aromatic Tobaccos
  1. 11. Captain Black: Royal
  2. 10. Half and Half
  3. 9. Mac Baren: Mixture Scottish Blend
  4. 8. Cornell & Diehl: Autumn Evening
  5. 7. Sutliff: Crème Brûlée
  6. 6. Lane Limited: RLP-6
  7. 5. Sutliff: Z92 Vanilla Custard
  8. 4. Mac Baren: Vanilla Cream
  9. 3. Lane Limited: BCA
  10. 2. Captain Black: Original
  11. 1. Lane Limited: 1-Q

11. Captain Black: Royal

Made under the Lane Limited name — a tobacco manufacturer with roots dating to Dresden, Germany, in 1890 — Captain Black is among the world's most iconic lines of pipe tobacco, having made its debut in 1956 and eventually becoming America's best-selling pipe tobacco brand. For many pipe smokers, Captain Black's blends represent the archetype of Aromatic mixtures, redolent of nostalgia and conjuring memories of times when pipe-smoking was more commonplace in society. Marked by a royal-blue color palette, Captain Black's aptly named Royal mixture combines Black and Gold Cavendishes with flavors of vanilla, molasses, caramel, and subtle liqueur for a delightfully complex flavor profile and enticing room note.

Available in: 1.5oz | 7oz

This classic Captain Black blend never disappoints. It has a very mild flavor, and I always get comments on the aroma, even sitting outside — someone said they smelled it from a block away and loved it. I've tried hundreds of different blends but this one is in my top three favorites.
-Derek H., 5-star review at Smokingpips.com

  • Components: Black Cavendish, Virginia
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

10. Half and Half

First blended in the 19th century by American Tobacco, Half and Half remains one of the most widely popular blends in the United States, with considerable export to more than a dozen other nations. It's a simple and readily enjoyable Burley mixture, topped with classic anisette and chocolate flavorings. While often recommended for beginners, this old-school blend is a celebrated staple in the cellars of more experienced smokers as well.

Available in: 1.5oz | 7oz

A flavor profile often imitated, Half and Half is the original in its category. Like many old recipes, it's good because there's nothing wrong. It doesn't need to change or improve, it will always be successful. Although it's production has changed hands a few times, I've heard it said it remains remarkably unchanged. ... Half and Half continues to have widespread adoration because it was right from the start. Enjoy.
-Smokebacca, 4.5-star review at Smokingpipes.com

  • Components: Burley, Virginia
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

9. Mac Baren: Mixture Scottish Blend

First introduced in 1958, Mac Baren's Mixture Scottish Blend is a true Danish-style Aromatic, medium-mild in strength and with a good bit of sweetness and a light, pleasant room note. It's blended from over 35 different tobaccos from around the world — including various ready-rubbed, matured, and ripe Virginias, golden brown Burley, and Cavendishes — making it one of the most complex mixtures on this list. When sipped slowly, Scottish Mixture will not disappoint: an excellent introduction into traditional Danish blends.

Available in: 3.5oz | 16oz | Bulk

I love this mixture! Smoke it slowly and it wont bite. It has that honey-toast aroma and taste that I love. An original classic.
-Thomas S., 5-star review at Smokignpipes.com

  • Components: Black Cavendish, Burley, Virginias
  • Cut: Broken Flake
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

8. Cornell & Diehl: Autumn Evening

Among Cornell & Diehl's most popular mixtures, period, Autumn Evening is blended around C&D's proprietary Red Virginia Cavendish, which offers the same sweetness and roux-like characteristics of Black Cavendish while maintaining Virginia's brighter signature notes and offering a bit more strength. Though cased with a rich maple flavor, the natural tobacco still shines through, especially later in the bowl, making it a go-to recommendation for Aromatic smokers easing their way into more natural Virginia blends. The room note also smells like pancakes. And who doesn't like pancakes?

Available in: 2oz | 8oz | 16oz | Bulk

Light maple aroma and flavoring. I'm working my way through all the different winter and seasonal Aromatics, and Autumn Evening is still, by far, the best of the lot.
-Norrher, 5-star review at Smokingpipes.com

  • Components: Virginia Cavendish
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

7. Sutliff: Crème Brûlée

Sutliff's Crème Brûlée is a rich Aromatic blended specifically for those with a particular taste for the famous custard. It's a balanced mixture of Black Cavendish, Burley, and Virginias layered with notes of creamy vanilla, honey, and caramel, resulting in a lovely room note that'll transport you back to the finest Parisian pâtisserie, even if you've never been.

Available in: Bulk

I am truly a fan of Sutliff and have tried almost all they offer. I must say that if I had to smoke one tobacco for the rest of my life, it would be their Creme Brûlée. It is a pleasingly sweet smoke with minimal bite and one you will always come back to. Sutliff's Creme Brûlée is by far the best smoke I have ever experienced.
-D Eric L., 5-star review at Smokingpipes.com

  • Components: Black Cavendish, Burley, Virginia
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

6. Lane Limited: RLP-6

A timeless mixture from Lane Limited, RLP-6 is no surprise on this list. Golden Virginias, nutty Burleys, and rich, toasted Black Cavendish combine to create a solid foundation for its deep undertones of vanilla and chocolate, resulting in a sweet, decadent flavor and a delightful room note.

Available in: Bulk

Any time I smoke an Aromatic and it fills the room with great aroma while still allowing me to taste the tobacco, I feel like I've hit a home run. So it is with RLP-6. Smells great but I can still get the flavor of the tobacco. ... It's a winner.
-El Chupacabra, 5-star review at Smokingpipes.com

  • Components: Black Cavendish, Burley, Virginia
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

5. Sutliff: Z92 Vanilla Custard

For those who enjoy Sutliff's Crème Brûlée but wish the blend had just a touch more vanilla, Vanilla Custard is certainly one to explore. Coming in at number five on our list, it features the same base components as Crème Brûlée — Black Cavendish, Burley, and Virginias — but is a touch lighter in shade and offers a more distinctive vanilla aroma. It yields a soft, billowy smoke that's sure to satiate your vanilla cravings.

Available in: Bulk

This is a wonderful, sweet tobacco with a creamy, vanilla taste. The whole family loved the aroma and I enjoyed the silky smooth smoke.
-Kam D, 5-star review at Smokingpipes.com

  • Components: Black Cavendish, Burley, Virginia
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

4. Mac Baren: Vanilla Cream

As you can tell, vanilla flavoring is one of the most popular toppings on Aromatic pipe tobaccos, and it's not a surprise: Vanilla's soft, creamy notes are a natural pairing to a variety of tobacco components, adding a nice rounded finish to many blends. Mac Baren's Vanilla Cream is an excellent example of just what a little vanilla can do to Bright Virginias when mixed with a little Black Cavendish, offering notes of freshly baked goods and sweet cream, all in a full, silky smoke.

Available in: 3.5oz | 16oz | Bulk

This isn't an over-cased tobacco. In fact, it is done superbly. It smokes cool if you don't rush it; the aroma is to die for; and the taste is smooth, creamy, and sweet without being overbearing or cloying. You get tastes of vanilla, cream, cinnamon and nutmeg. I usually smoke Mixture Scottish Blend, but I like this as a switch off in between.
-Thomas S., 5-star review at Smokingpipes.com

  • Components: Black Cavendish, Virginia
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

3. Lane Limited: BCA

Another staple from Lane Limited, BCA is a mild, slow-burning blend of fire-cured Black Cavendish, discreetly flavored for the most enjoyable smoking experience possible. The Black Cavendish absorbs the topping quite nicely, keeping those creamy notes of chocolate, vanilla, and anisette alive all the way to the bottom of the bowl. BCA is a great recommendation for veteran and novice pipe smokers alike interested in a definitive Aromatic mixture.

Available in: Bulk

This is one of the best Black Cavendishes that I've had. Has a nice, smooth, sweet taste.
-ChelseaHeller, 4.5-star review at Smokingpipes.com

  • Components: Black Cavendish
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

2. Captain Black: Original

For nearly 50 years, Captain Black has remained one of the best-selling pipe tobacco brands in the world, and the brand's Original mixture is by far the most iconic, especially among new pipe smokers. (It was the first pipe tobacco I ever smoked.) All in all, it's available just about everywhere, is relatively inexpensive, and offers that classic, archetypal room note we all crave from time to time.

Available in: 1.5oz | 7oz

This is my everyday, all-day smoke. Love the flavor and the room note is second to none!
-Old Sea dog, 5-star review at Smokingpipes.com

  • Components: Black Cavendish, Burley, Virginia
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

1. Lane Limited: 1-Q

When you talk to any non-smoker about pipe tobacco, they probably have a certain aroma wafting through their mind's nose, and more than likely that aroma came from Lane Limited's 1-Q. A classic mixture of golden and fire-cured Cavendishes, it's our number one, best-selling Aromatic here at Smokingpipes, and has been for years. Like many of Lane's other products, it's quite forgiving, making it the perfect choice for new pipe smokers looking to develop their technique. Of course, that doesn't mean that it isn't a staple for veteran smokers, with many relying on 1-Q as an all-day, everyday smoke.

Available in: Bulk

The room note is so pleasant that anyone who complains about it is just being a freakish, high-minded wood tick. Good for beginners, because 1-Q doesn't take a lot of fuss to enjoy...It's a smooth, lightly sweet-flavored tobacco without being overpowering on the tongue...An excellent choice with which to begin your pipe smoking odyssey, and you'll likely return to it again and again as well, as one does with an old and trusted friend.
-Northman, 5-star review at Smokingpipes.com

  • Components: Black Cavendish, Virginia
  • Cut: Ribbon
  • Strength:
  • Room Note:
  • Taste:

So there you have it: our top 13 best-selling flake tobaccos here at Smokingpipes. Keep in mind, these blends were ranked based on popularity, not by our own tastes or judgements. If you don't see your favorite on the list, leave us a comment and share your thoughts — perhaps it will make it in a future list!

    Latest Updates (2022):
  • Lane Limited BCA moved from #2 to #3.
  • Lane Limited RLP-6 moved from #3 to #6.
  • Sutliff Vanilla Custard moved from #4 to #5.
  • Mac Baren Vanilla Cream moved from #5 to #4.
  • Mac Baren Mixture Scottish Blend moved from #6 to #9.
  • Cornell & Diehl Autumn Evening moved from #7 to #8.
  • Captain Black Original moved from #8 to #2.
  • Sutliff Crème Brûlée moved from #9 to #7.
  • Half and Half moved from #11 to #10.
  • Captain Black Royal entered at #11.

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 the power and fullness of the smoke's flavor, with one being the most mellow and five s being the fullest.


Comments

    • Rodolfo Scaffo on February 20, 2015
    • Me encantaría poder comprar varios de estos tabacos. En mi país (Uruguay) no se consiguen y lamentablemente tampoco creo que los dejen pasar por la aduana.

    • Andrew W on February 20, 2015
    • Rodolfo, gracias por comentar aquí. Estos tabacos, de verdad, son muy buenos. Nosotros, sí, podemos enviar todos los productos a Uruguay. Así que no creo que hayan problemas pasando por la aduana. Si tiene alguna pregunta, puede mandarme un correo a ([email protected]) o consultar esta página: (http://www.smokingpipes.com/information/faq/intshipping.cfm). ¡Feliz Día Mundial de la Pipa!

    • Andrew W on February 20, 2015
    • Rodolfo: "I would love to buy a few of these tobaccos. We don't have them in my country (Uruguay) unfortunately, and I don't think they'll let them pass through customs either." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rodolfo, thanks for commenting! All these tobaccos are really great. We can ship pipes, tobaccos, and accessories to Uruguay, so there shouldn't be any problems passing through customs. If you have any more questions, you can shoot me an email or visit our FAQ page. Happy International Pipe Smoking Day!

    • Rich on February 20, 2015
    • Once again, great information that a rookie can pack into his pipe. I have now added 7 new tobaccos to my wish list and look forward to ordering some new ones this coming month. Sometimes old hands at pipe smoking forget that us newbies approach new tobaccos with some nervousness. After all we are still developing what we like and with the staggering selection of tobaccos available getting stuck with what I call: "last resort smokes," is not that fun. I have attempted to give some tobaccos away, it is with a lot of entertainment value that friends of mine who are dyed in the wool cigarettte smokers try my favorite blends. The faces they make told me how strong pipe tobacco is compared to other tobacco. Thank you again for good information Andrew.

    • Andrew W on February 20, 2015
    • Thanks for commenting Rich, and for the kind words! I've been a pipe smoker for some time now, and my tastes are still constantly changing. It's all about finding what you like, as you said. Thanks again for sharing!

    • Jim on February 20, 2015
    • Been a dedicated pipe smoker/collector since the 1970's, and MacBaren Mixture: Scottish Blend has always been one of my favorites! Highly recommended to old hands and newbies alike!

    • amax on February 20, 2015
    • Great post Andrew! I just placed a tobacco order last night, took advantage of your IPSD 10% off promo, and I received notice earlier today that it's shipped already. You guys deliver great service for a great price. Even with the exchange rate not in my favor (I'm in Canada), it's still saving me about half what it would cost here, and that's if I can even find a local supplier. Not many tobacconists locally so limited to a couple of cigar shops that have very limited selection of pipe tobacco and what they do carry is very overpriced. The variety of tobaccos you carry is incredible. I've only been smoking a pipe since December, so very new. My very first order was for 4 oz of Lane 1-Q. When it arrived and had just opened the box, not even the bag, I could smell it's lovely aroma. My next order will definitely be for some RLP-6 and BC-A. The order I placed yesterday was for some Escudo, Luxury Bullseye Flake, JackKnife Plug, and to round the order out, a tin of Craftsbury: Frog Morton's Cellar. I'm looking forward to receiving them, and really looking forward to some warmer weather so I can get outside and start enjoying all this fantastic tobacco.

    • Nathan Molcillo on February 21, 2015
    • Thank you so much for posting your favorite Aromatic blends. This is my 3rd reunion with tobacco in my 35 years of life, and now that the internet is increasing my knowledge of tobacco, I can go into my local tobacconist and have a decent conversation with the old men about smoking. As much as they upsell their house blends, I still like to know more about companies that have been blending tobacco for many years, even centuries. I'd like to give a shout-out to my local tobacconist that have helped me out over the years. Edward's Pipe and Tobacco in Los Altos, CA, burlingame tobacconist, Mission Pipe and Tobacco in San Jose, CA. And thank you smokingpipes.com

    • Tim on February 26, 2015
    • Not a regular aromatic smoker, but there are some on that list that I do from time to time smoke. Autumn Evening and Scottish Blend (My personal all time favorite aromatic - looks good enough to eat) are worth keeping on hand, even for a non-aromatic smoker in my opinion. A great change of pace and still retain "tobacco" flavor. There's a reason why RLP and 1Q have been around so long, and have been big sellers for so long. There's many a local tobacconist's whose "house aromatic blend" is based off of RLP or 1Q.
      And if you've never tried Blue Note, well, you should. It's an experience. The room note is enchanting.
      You know Andrew, I'd be really curious what your "all" time number one seller is, regardless of genre.
      Maybe you can put together your number one's for us someday.
      Enjoy the site and the articles, always fun reads in a world without nearly enough fun reads in it.

    • Don Fleming on April 25, 2015
    • I see one comment from Canada, so no problem with shipping it seems. Could you send me 1 tin of Lane Limited 1-Q? Can I pay with mastercard?

    • Andrew W on April 28, 2015
    • @Don Fleming, we can definitely ship you some Lane 1Q. We do accept mastercard. Just give us a call at (888) 366-0345, and we'll set you up.

    • Andrew W on April 28, 2015
    • Thanks everyone for sharing your favorite blends. It's always nice to hear your opinion and compare tastes.

    • Marshall Ziehm on July 25, 2015
    • I'm a pure Virginia fan but occasionally smoke an aromatic for a change of pace. I was happy to see the Mac Baren contingent. Royal blend from their 7 Seas line is one to try.

    • Sir Chandan on December 11, 2015
    • My friend. No idea why that you have chosen to omit AMPHORA FULL AROMA (only Made in Holland one), the age old classic aromatic and Borkum Riff Cherry Cavendish. Try

    • Stan on March 19, 2016
    • I am switching from cigars to the pipe. I like Dominican full-bodied cigars but they are expensive when u smoke 3 day and I tend to inhale, which I need to stop. I have no idea what type of pipe tobacco to purchase. maybe I should try a few varieties. can you make a recommendation? Also which pipe do you recommend? Thanks

    • Adam O'Neill on March 21, 2016
    • @Stan: A lot of beginner pipe smokers tend to gravitate towards either Englishes or Aromatics when starting out. Any of the tobaccos on this list or on the English top ten (linked below) should be a good place to start. As far as pipes go, it depends on your budget, but Savinelli, Peterson or Rossi are great factory pipes that have sub $100 entries.

    • Adam O'Neill on March 21, 2016
    • @Stan And here is the promised English list https://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/top-best-selling-english-blends

    • Bob on November 17, 2016
    • I am really surprised that McClelland's Balkan Beauty was not mentioned. I recently discovered it and it is by far my favorite aromatic and will be from now on.......

    • Cheng-hsiung Shih on November 17, 2016
    • I'll try Lane Limited - 1-Q for my next purchase.

    • Adam O'Neill on November 18, 2016
    • @Bob Hey Bob. Balkan Beauty's a fine blend indeed, so please don't take its absence as a snub. This isn't a list of our favourite blends, but a generated list of the aromatics we sell the most of.

      Glad to hear you like it so much though, it's always nice to find a go-to blend :D

    • Adam O'Neill on November 18, 2016
    • @Cheng-Hsiung Shih It's probably one of the most prolific pipe tobaccos around, which makes definitely makes it something worth trying.

    • Keith C on November 18, 2016
    • I have been smoking #7 for the past 2 weekends and love it. I have 2 tins for cellaring of #4 and definitely going to purchase some #8 to take with me to France for the Xmas/NYE holidays. Since being a Aros only smoker, I truly appreciate writing and producing a list like this for us Aro-only lovers.

    • Adam O'Neill on November 18, 2016
    • @Keith C We're glad to help Keith. Let us know how that Black Virginia Cavendish goes!

    • PREACHER on March 13, 2017
    • Terrific information. I haven't yet stepped into the Aromatic realm as I am hopelessly in love with the English blends at the moment. I see a few in the list that I think I will order shortly. Thanks!

    • Adam O'Neill on March 13, 2017
    • @PREACHER There's plenty of blends considered "English Aromatics" or "crossover blends", and you can find them through the tobacco locator.

      https://www.smokingpipes.com/search/the-tobacco-locator.cfm?sortOpt=default&family=5&displayNum=24&page=2

    • POK AVEE on November 16, 2017
    • Great review.

    • Mary H on November 16, 2017
    • I have many of these great blends in my stash since this list came out in 2015. I'm glad the comments live on... My favorite blend is 3 parts of McClelland's Pal O Mine, Mellow Mac, and Easy Street! I found this blend in a comment somewhere on Smokingpipes! Definitely my GoTo.

    • KevinM on November 16, 2017
    • Very good summary. So Erinmore must be number twelve, right?

    • Adam O'Neill on November 20, 2017
    • @KevinM It's up there ;)

    • Adam O'Neill on November 20, 2017
    • @POK AVEE Thanks for reading, my friend.

    • Adam O'Neill on November 20, 2017
    • @Mary H Huh, we'll have to give that one a try.

    • Nathan Barrington on February 18, 2018
    • I have just started smoking a pipe. I am looking for a taste of Vanilla and a vanilla Swell.

    • darwin h on February 19, 2018
    • I would like to buy tobacco but I'm from Brazil and I received this message:

      Unfortunately, Brazil does not allow us to ship tobacco products to you. However, you can purchase non-tobacco items from us such as pipes and accessories. If you would like to place your order, please remove tobacco items from your cart.

    • Adam O'Neill on February 19, 2018
    • @Darwin H That's the advice we have received from Brazilian customs, Darwin. We can absolutely ship pipes and accessories, but not tobacco, no.

    • Joan Jacobs on May 22, 2018
    • I would like to order tobacco

    • Kenaz on July 6, 2018
    • Hello Adam,
      I'm new to pipe and am loving it..
      Actually love the culture altogether. I'm from india and here this peculiar smoking path is less trodden i must admit.

      Perhaps the reason I had to start off pipe using rolling tobacco.. aromatics are not available here. And I can only imagine the pleasure of it while u guys talk of it.

      I would like to buy some. Mentionably the most creamy one. I'm an all-for-sweet person!...:) Could you suggest how we can set this on... And would you be able to ship pack to india?

    • Kaz W on July 9, 2018
    • @Kenaz,

      Thank you for reaching out to us!

      To get product suggestions or answers to any question you may have, please contact our customer service team at [email protected]

    • unitedxstew on July 13, 2018
    • Reading Lane Limited, # 1, brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.

    • unitedxstew on July 13, 2018
    • Do many women smoke pipes?

    • Michael on November 26, 2018
    • Thanks for the information

    • William H on March 3, 2019
    • Hello everyone at Smokingpipes.com. How about updating your list? I have everything or have already tried what is on this list and noticed that one company has closed. Also, I suspect new companies have entered the market. THANKS!

    • Jack G on March 22, 2019
    • I agree with @William H; can we get an update to this list?

    • truculentfrogs on September 11, 2019
    • That's a 3rd vote for an update. Regards.

    • ChukH on September 11, 2019
    • yep, need to update. Don’t leave out Sutliff’s Vanilla Custard.

    • Dr. Al janabi on September 22, 2019
    • Thank you Andrew for this elaborate list. I agree with many but rank autumn evening and vanilla creme higher especially the flake form. Sutliff seems to be soaked and lane flavoring fades away quickly so they may rank lower, but then again thats my worn out palate. Thank you again it is highly appreciated.

    • Stephen Daniel on September 22, 2019
    • I have been smoking "Touch Of Midnight" for several years, also known as "Lady Killer"! It is a real head turner!

    • Mark S on September 22, 2019
    • Very good observations. And genuinely helpful to pipe smokers who want to explore aromatics.

      But WHAT is going on with the "Room Note" ratings ? They often read the exact opposite of what they actually are. For example, you rate Mac Baren Vanilla Cream as a 1 despite its rather rich and penetrating room aroma. Whereas you rate Mixture Scottish Blend as a 3, even though its actual room note is subtle and quite mild.

    • Bob Merliss on September 22, 2019
    • THANK YOU!!! I have smoked aromatics since I smoked my first (awkward, fumbling) pipe almost 45 years ago!! I have run into a number of fellow pipe men who take a dismissive, condescending attitude towards aromatic pipe tobacco. Thanks for cutting through the snark!

    • VCT on September 22, 2019
    • Of the ' Captain Black ' line, I Truly believe the " DARK " version is Markedly Superior to any of the others in the ' CB ' line , , , , , POO ( personal opinion only ).
      VCT in Western MO

    • Cassie D on September 23, 2019
    • @Mark S. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the updated list! The room note ratings aren't based on the strength of the room note, but the pleasantness. I like to think of it in terms of how somebody who doesn't smoke a pipe would like the smell. The lower the dots, the more pleasant the aroma is to a non-smoker. In this example, Vanilla Cream has a very pleasant, sweet smell while smoking it and the Scottish Blend isn't quite as sweet and aromatic. Of course, these can be subjective and some opinions may vary, but we try to provide a baseline for our customers. I hope this helps!

    • bill haley on September 23, 2019
    • Hey folks; don't forget an old friend over-the-counter tobacco I'm sure everyone is familiar with: CARTER HALL - I still have many and I mean many people commenting on how sweet it is and it's not even my go to blend any longer I save it for. " special occasions" like in the fall October November when I take my bird dogs out bird hunting. Can't beat those memories of the 1970's !!!

    • Relaxing Raph on September 23, 2019
    • Thanks for the list. There are quite a few vanilla blends there. I could be wrong but I think they tend to be more popular in the US. It'd be interesting to see a similar list broken down by the top countries you ship to.

    • Astrocomical on September 24, 2019
    • I tried several of them. My favorites were Captain Black. I like all the flavors. There are all about the same with subtle nuances.

      I don't see what the fuss about the Lane aromatics. I saw nothing special about them.

      I did not like the Sutliff Vanilla. I was spitting out something after I smoked it.

      I like Half & Half. Similar to Captain Black but more crema and "tobaccoey" like.

      Haven't tried the other fancy name types.

    • Jack G on September 24, 2019
    • Thanks for the update! A friend just gifted me a sample of Sutliff's Creme Brulee; looks like it's time to give it a try!

    • Daniel S on October 8, 2019

    • I agree almost in all the elections, however I find it confusing the qualification of Room Note as Mark S said (I write in Spanish and use translator) Regards

    • Jim Payne on October 20, 2019
    • Thank you for the article. I have smoked a pipe for many years and basically found aromatics my favorite. There is a few of the top 11 that I have not tried but will in the near future. What is amazing is your top two aromatics which are my favorites. I buy a pound of each and mix them bag for bag ending up with 2 pounds of the best smoke i ever had. Thank you for the article.

    • Saurasri on October 28, 2019
    • Great reviews. I myself started with Captain Black Gold and enjoyed it very much. Now I am smoking (?!) mostly Amphora Full Aroma. Enjoy that too greatly. But here in Kolkata,West Bengal, India coming across a variety of different tobaccos is almost impossible. Online purchase from smokingpipes will probably cause a fortune. So we have to console ourselves with the saying"SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING". :-)

    • EDWIN WEAVER - Old Man with a pipe on December 24, 2019
    • I have smoked a pipe since the 1970's. I have had the opportunity to try many different blends. Not long ago I purchased "Autumn Evening" and it has become my favorite.
      The aroma in the bag is great! When you light up the same aroma fills the air. Even my aunt who hates smoke loves when I am smoking Autumn Evening. She will come out to the garage (where I have to smoke) just to smell the great aroma.
      Don't be fooled, the taste is as good as the aroma. take a long slow draw and allow it to stay in your mouth and savor the great taste!
      If you want to have quiet time, you will have to find a place away from people. Once they get a whiff of the aroma they will be all around you.

      ENJOY!

    • JakKnight on December 25, 2019
    • A good list, but I was really surprised that I did not see Captain Black's RED SKY, nor can I find it anymore on your excellent web pages. Wondering; can you tell us what has happened to RED SKY?

    • Cassie D on December 26, 2019
    • @JakKnight Unfortunately, the Red Sky has been discontinued. I'm sorry I didn't have better news!

    • JakKnight on December 26, 2019
    • @Cassie D Thank you for the info Cassie. It is indeed sad to hear. In over 55 years of smoking pipes, I found Red Sky to be darn near the best aromatic I ever smoked. Oh well, I've had more than 1 really good woman vanish also.

    • Basil Croeser on May 4, 2020
    • Recently retired to Portugal from Ireland I am hoping to find a tobacco close to the old Dunhill Royal Yacht, of fifty years ago! The aroma often elicited favourable comment from those in the vicinity. Sadly their current blend is more than somewhat lacking. Have you ever thought of selling samples of your tobaccos? I'd be delighted to learn you do make available samples to those wishing to find their perfect blend!

    • Robert on August 15, 2020
    • Love these articles..hence my ordering from Smoking Pipes over the years!

    • Yorik on October 4, 2020
    • ¿Es posible ordenar estos productos a Guatemala? Se ven deliciosos

    • Jose Acosta on November 19, 2020
    • Estan activos?Posibilidades de envío a Venezuela?Recomendacion de aromáticos chocolate? Ofertas del Viernes Negro?Gracias

    • Dennis Kuiken on January 24, 2021
    • Thx for the list . I haven’t tried any of these but hope to and it will obtained through you . Your service when buying pipes and tobacco is really well done , and shipping to Canada is east as long as you buy small amounts of tobacco at a time it will “usually” not be dutified. Hopefully I didn’t screw that part up!I think I have purchased 8 estate pipes through you and you are always right on with your description of the pipes as well. Thx again dk

    • dhbillings on January 24, 2021
    • Great list. Would love to see a list like this for Enlgish blends.

    • CR on January 24, 2021
    • If Scottish Mixture is an aromatic, I’m Batman. Hey, it’s still a smooth and tasty blend that only suffers from minor sharpness (it’s not that bitey, actually), but I’ve got the little lady here to confirm this for me - it smells like a cigarette.

    • Ian Dundrillon on January 24, 2021
    • What happened to MacBaren's Modern Virginia Flake?

    • Ian Dundrillon on January 24, 2021
    • What happened to MacBaren's Modern Virginia?

    • Cassie D on January 25, 2021
    • @Ian Unfortunately, that blend was discontinued.

    • Martin Thomas on January 31, 2021
    • Very surprised Amphora Full Aroma didn't make the list.

    • Chris L on April 8, 2021
    • My grandfather was a pipe smoker. He was a working class coal miner in Manchester UK. As a child, In the 1960s i would visit his house and i remember the wonderful smell of his pipe. I dont know what tobacco he used but ive been looking for a tobacco that has the pipe smoking smell for years. Could you recommend a few types i can purchase and try. Many thanks

    • Jack+ on April 8, 2021
    • @Chris L -- I get that from Sutliff's Aromatic English (504C). Smokingpipes sells it in bulk on the USA site. Sutliff also has an older tobacco blend called Mixture No. 79; it's been in production since the 1930's. You could also try Captain Black Original (No 8 in this list). Lastly, there's also Mac Baren Mixture. It's been a staple since 1958.

    • Jorge Carlos Ermiaga on April 14, 2021
    • Hola, mi preferido de los aromáticos es un danés "Velvet" green label. Me gustan los artículos publicados. Saludos desde Mar del Plata, Argentina.

    • Paul bailey on June 5, 2021
    • I have to admit, Sutliff Vanilla Custard is wonderful tobacco. I've found the aroma is pleasant to others and the flavorful vanilla is fantastic. My only issue is. LOL I usually only buy 2oz at a time

    • Glenn on July 4, 2021
    • Do you ship to canada

    • Samuel B on July 5, 2021
    • @Glenn. We absolutely ship to Canada. Since our store works like any other web retailer, simply add the items you wish to buy to you cart, enter address and payment information, and confirm your purchase! From there, our shipping team will have it packaged and out the door same or next day. It is important to note however, that while we can account for product and shipping costs, we cannot account for any duties or fees related to customs. I recommend that you get in touch with your local customs agency to learn about any potential duties, limits, restrictions, or documents required to import tobacco or tobacco related products to your address. These costs are the responsibility of our customers.You can find more information about our international shipping policy at this link here: https://www.smokingpipes.com/information/faq/#IShippingI hope this helps! If I can provide additional information as of this time, do let me know,Samuel

    • Duane G on September 3, 2021
    • Years ago I used to smoke a blend from grants pipe shop in San Francisco. They are now out of business and I have been looking for the blend I used to get from them. It was called Old drum. I've never been able to replace it. Any ideas? BTW it was aromatic.

    • Duane Gronwold on September 3, 2021
    • Years ago I used to smoke a aromatic blend from a pipe shop in San Francisco called grants pipe shop they went out of business. Okay couldn't afford the rent increase. The blend was called Old drum not sure who produced it been looking for it for years and years. Any suggestions??

    • Duane Gronwold on September 3, 2021
    • Looking for a aromatic blend I used to get from grants pipe shop in San Francisco it was called Old drum

    • Duane Gronwold on September 3, 2021
    • Looking for aromatic pipe tobacco

    • Harald on October 14, 2021
    • Hi,I look for a pipe tobacco called Middletons Cherry Blend.Is this Brand still available ?Thanks,Harald

    • Jack+ on October 14, 2021
    • @Harald,Sadly, Middleton's is no longer produced.jack

    • Paul on October 19, 2021
    • Thanks for the info. This helps alot. New to the game and have a couple of these now on order.

    • Best Pipe Tobacco on October 27, 2021
    • Thanks for such a great blog to share with. I enjoyed reading it and I think other readers might enjoy reading it as well. Thanks for the good info! You would love to see my best tobacco pipe site as well.

    • James Walmsley on December 21, 2021
    • When I was a kid growing up in Canada I remember an older guy smoking a pipe and I loved the smell, Now I'm an older guy trying to get that smell back any guess what it might be. 60 years ago

    • Rob on December 31, 2021
    • I’ve found a gem of a place, The Country Squire. Their home blends are, IMHO, better than some of these mentioned here. Their middle earth blend, Old Toby, is similar but superior to Molto Dolce and their Rivendell is a woody, nutty flavour well worth on oz or 3! For those wanting something stronger check out their Baker Street, this is one of my favourites even though I’m still a relative newbie. Just to point out I’m not affiliated with the store, I just really like their tobacco and want to share the smoke. Hoping this brings some pleasure to the world.

    • SO on February 13, 2022
    • Thanks for the 2022 update. I would recommend adding Cornell and Diehl's Belmont Station. A very high quality aromatic blend.

    • CT on February 13, 2022
    • Firstly, I'm stunned that there's no Cherry Tobacco's on this list. There's no way that can be right. Borkum Riff's Cherry Cavendish is like, number six or seven in sales globally. Second, god I'd love to be able to buy some of these, especially in bulk. But I can't. Here's why: To buy MacBaren Scottish Blend would cost me $62.00 in my country's dollars for 16oz. Then I get it shipped here. Then Australian Customs will seize it and hold it until I pay the taxes that are due on Tobacco. Which would amount to $1,260.00. I kid you not.

    • Jeff and Barbara R on February 21, 2022
    • Lane 1Q is smooth mild and so fragrant it is the perfect smoke.

    • Lorry Jenkins on July 27, 2022
    • Is captain black royal sold at local neighborhood stores?

    • Jeff Welch on October 12, 2022
    • Someone shared some cigarette rolling tobacco with me he claimed he'd gotten as whole leaf and shredded himself, supposedly Virginia sweet bright leaf.It had a definite smoky sweet taste, no bite and left a pleasant taste in my mouth, not like a regular cigarette. I've tried several things but haven't found it's match in over 2 years. I specifically am looking for cigarette rolling tobacco. Any suggestions?

    • Brian Sherping on November 24, 2022
    • I have smoked a pipe (only) since the mid 60's and have sampled many different tobaccos since. My tobacco of choice is Captain Black Royal.

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