As you can see there are lot of archetypes in peoples' opinion. Personally I would have chosen Escudo and Nightcap as the real archtypes of this parades. Not saying they are better than the others but they have lasted much longer.
Archetypical Blends?
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So the short and obvious answer to the OP's question, based on the following responses, is that there are no archetypal blends that define a genre. Everyone has their own view and there is little to no consensus.
There are blends that are better known, like the above mentioned Capstan. There are copycat blends cased in tins with very famous names, like Balkan Sobranie or Escudo, that would have been considered archetypes in their earlier incarnations, but are pretty mediocre now.
This leaves you free to explore freely and find your own archetypes.
There are blends that are better known, like the above mentioned Capstan. There are copycat blends cased in tins with very famous names, like Balkan Sobranie or Escudo, that would have been considered archetypes in their earlier incarnations, but are pretty mediocre now.
This leaves you free to explore freely and find your own archetypes.
People like to dog on Escudo, but I find it a fantastic VaPer and great starting point for the genre. Peterson Navy Rolls is a bit better for a bit more money. Orlik Golden Sliced is a benchmark for me in a very light (though flavorful) VaPer.
Above suggestions for English, Balkan, and Orientals are good suggestions.
Above suggestions for English, Balkan, and Orientals are good suggestions.
B&M LiesCrap, when I was last in The Briary, they told me that Cabbies and Bothy were being discontinued. So, I bought them all. Maybe they were just misinformed, or duping me into a larger purchase than I would ordinarily make.
Archetypal may be a little high flown for the question. It brings to mind the saying, what music do you dance to? Since no one has addressed burley blends, I'll offer these, favorites to some, cursed by others, but pretty well known. Granger is a very long-lived though sometimes changed by changing ownership, Kentucky rough cut, technically aromatic with molasses flavoring, though often sold as non-aromatic. Though relatively new on the market, but now widely known, Semois Tabac-Manil, is a Belgium grown burley variant that ships very dry and is somewhat polarizing, causing delight for some (like me) and throwing up by others. Old standards like Carter Hall, and its matches like Chatham Manor, and Prince Albert and its match Prince Andrew, are other standard burley blends. Amphora Burley is a recent addition, but a well blended burley non-aromatic. Cornell&Diehl is a master blender with burley, although that is not their only offering, but they have elevated burley to a base and constituent leaf in premium blends and have a remarkable number of burley inclusive blends on offer. Devoted Virginia smokers may not think much of them, but I consider them a standard bearer with Billy Budd, Old Joe Kranze, and dozens of others. That's my short take on burley.
Even better than Peterson navy rolls is McConnell Highgate
I bet for a lot of people these are the blends that got them into a particular genre. I feel like there are a lot of blends that I would say are good representatives to a genre. I'd for example recommend Edward G. Robinson blend for anyone who is curious about old school aromatic cross over blends (not as aromatic as others, but more aromatic then tobaccoish). I feel that would give a good example of that type of pipe tobacco.
All of the creations listed above are excellent in their own way and to their perspective smokers!
I wish you the best in your delicious or disastrous journey to discover the one that is best suited to you!!
Personally, I would buy 1or 2 or 12 tins of everything listed above, except for the lat blends. They are all quintessential blends!!
I wish you the best in your delicious or disastrous journey to discover the one that is best suited to you!!
Personally, I would buy 1or 2 or 12 tins of everything listed above, except for the lat blends. They are all quintessential blends!!
Should be the same as D/PNR. I believe cavendished perique core.
Yeah, we’ll all fight over them because that’s what a pipe forum is for, but I’ll give you what I consider for myself the archetypal blends.
VA: Full Virginia Flake, HHPure VA, Yorktown
VaPer: Escudo (not what is was, sure, but it’s still good imho), Luxury Navy Flake
Burley: Five Brothers
English: Nightcap, Westminster
Other categories that branch off of these? I don’t know what the archetypal VaKyPer is. Oh, wait. yes I do. Old Gowrie.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned 965.
It's not my favorite English blend but I would say it is an archtype.
For me, the English choice would be Squadron Leader and for Virginias I would go with Best Brown Flake or FVF.
It's not my favorite English blend but I would say it is an archtype.
For me, the English choice would be Squadron Leader and for Virginias I would go with Best Brown Flake or FVF.
Slightly off topic but how did I forget Squadron Leader? THAT’S the archetype.
It's so easy to be overwhelmed...
Warrior, Condor Plug, Grassmere, Mick McQ Plug anything made by S&G. Basically anything that appeals to my sh*t taste in tobacco.
Was not aware DNR had Cavendish. Matter of fact, pretty sure it doesn't? You thinking of Davidoff Flake Medallions?
Interesting no it doesn’t. Maybe that’s why I like Highgate so much more. Definitely thinking of another blend.
it’s not black cav like you think it would be... I enjoy it quite a bit more than even the Davidoff.
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