English Virginia Pipe Tobacco
English Virginia Pipe Tobacco - A Blend of History and Flavor
For many pipe smokers, the name “English” is synonymous with premium pipe tobacco. However, contrary to popular belief, this type of tobacco doesn't solely come from England. Instead, the name refers to the blending process that took place in England during the 1600s, when tobacco from the newly discovered land of America was mixed with different types of tobacco from around the world to create various blends.
One particular blend that has stood the test of time is the Virginia pipe tobacco. In 1617, the first shipment of 20,000 pounds of Virginia-grown N. Tabacum was sent to England, with double that amount following the next year. This marked the beginning of Virginia tobacco's widespread use and popularity across the world.
Virginia tobacco is the most widely used tobacco for pipe smoking today. Known for its mild taste, sweet aroma, and slow-burning properties, Virginia tobacco is a favorite among smokers of all levels. With its high sugar content, Virginia tobacco produces a natural sweetness that is hard to find in other types of tobacco.
One of the sub-varieties of Virginia tobacco is Brightleaf. Produced in the southern United States, Brightleaf Virginia tobacco is known for its gold and bright yellow color and is used mainly for cigarette production. However, it is still a popular choice for blending and is often used to add sweetness and mildness to other tobacco types.
In contrast, Old Belt Virginia tobacco is a darker variety of Virginia tobacco that has been aged for a longer time. The aging process gives the tobacco a deeper, richer flavor, making it perfect for blending with stronger tobacco types, such as Latakia.
Virginia tobacco has been referred to by various names over time, including Red Virginia, Golden Virginia, and Lemon Virginia. However, what remains consistent is its reputation as the pinnacle of high-quality pipe tobacco. Its versatility and mild, sweet flavor make it a favorite among smokers of all levels.
One popular blend that incorporates Virginia tobacco is the C&D Engine #99. This particular blend is a mixture of Virginia tobacco, Latakia, and Perique. Latakia is a strong, smoky tobacco type that gives the blend a bold flavor, while Perique is a rare type of tobacco that adds a spicy kick to the mix. The Virginia tobacco in the blend provides a mild sweetness and smoothness to balance out the stronger flavors.
In conclusion, Virginia tobacco has a rich history and a well-deserved reputation as one of the best tobacco types for pipe smoking. Its versatility and mild, sweet flavor make it a favorite among smokers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or just starting, Virginia tobacco is definitely worth a try, especially when blended with other premium tobacco types like Latakia and Perique.