Favorite OTC?
- Thread starter seanv
- Start date
SmokingPipes.com Updates
Watch for Updates Twice a Week
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
- Status
It's in stock at Pipes and Tobaccos:
https://www.pipesandcigars.com/p/hearth-home-mid-town-chatham-manor-pipe-tobacco/1486438/
I'm gonna say that PA, CH, and SWR are all worthy.
You can also get a tuab of CH right now, according to what I saw on their website (Cigars International) yesterday, a TUB of CH for $26.something.
That's a good deal!
I suggest as well that you try Rowland from D&R.
You can also get a tuab of CH right now, according to what I saw on their website (Cigars International) yesterday, a TUB of CH for $26.something.
That's a good deal!
I suggest as well that you try Rowland from D&R.
I like all the OTC blends that are listed in this thread. One that isn't mentioned is Smokers Pride Rich Taste. It's one of those bag blends that is advertised as pipe tobacco. I don't consider it as RYO tobacco. The cut is more like a pipe tobacco cut. Great taste that smokes cool and has a mild to medium nic hit. It's great as an all day blend that will not bite and wear out your taste buds. Smokes best in a cob IMO.
If I was limited to only what was available OTC, then Captain Black White and Carter Hall would be my choices. But, IMO there are so many other great selections among the premium brands. I hope I am never forced to actually smoke OTCs.
My list for OTC:
1) Sir Walter Raleigh.
2) Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic
3) Mixture 79 - You gotta love an American "Lakeland."
4) Half & Half
5) Carter Hall
I really don't like Prince Albert. It's pure cigarette flavor for me and that's a show stopper.
Cheers,
Chili
1) Sir Walter Raleigh.
2) Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic
3) Mixture 79 - You gotta love an American "Lakeland."
4) Half & Half
5) Carter Hall
I really don't like Prince Albert. It's pure cigarette flavor for me and that's a show stopper.
Cheers,
Chili
Are these Sir Walter Raleigh blends even remotely related to the Raleigh cigarettes I remember from my infancy?
Many good ones. Right now my two favorites are Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic (burley, Virginia as a condiment, and flavored with three liqueurs), and Iwan Ries Three Star Blue. Some other really nice ones include John Bull Royal English, Erin Go Braugh, and the ever-popular Prince Albert. Pouch tobaccos are underrated, and many are as pleasing as premium blends. There is a reason so many OTC's have been around so long. Most have a really good burn, even and not too fast. Over-the-counter is a sort of misnomer these days, since groceries, drug stores, and convenience stores carry few if any pipe tobaccos, and even the smoke shop chains that cater to carton cigarettes carry only two or three blends, if those. I'd say, for today's purposes, anything sold in a pouch is OTC. Bag tobaccos and bulk are slightly different and have to be grouped differently, or that's my notion anyway.
JC, pipesandcigars' blender Russ O. has done a nice job capturing Walnut in their pouch and tub blend Chestnut. Try a pouch and see if it is enough like your memories of Walnut. I never tried Walnut, but I enjoy Chestnut a lot -- in their Home and Hearth Midtown series, at a friendly price.
Sir Walter Raleigh and Price Albert both have less topping than Half and Half and Carter Hall so I would go for those. Even though it's not on your list, Amphora Original is also worth trying.
One advantage of OTC blends is that you can sample a pouch at low cost, so you can take a chance. I haven't yet tried Capt. Black Grape, but the idea is novel enough that I might, for five or six bucks, or less. Likewise with Mixture 79, the subject of so many good jokes on Forums, and devotedly recommended by at least one member. On a more serious note, most of the blends recommended in earlier posts on this thread would be worth trying. You'd likely find several you really like. I would add to this current list that old Kentucky burley rough cut favorite Granger. Granger is definitely worth a try. It's a little stronger than most, but not abusive. Technically I think Granger is an aromatic, but not so that you think of a flavor as you smoke the first bowl. No vanilla, caramel, plum, anise, or whatever. Tobacco forward for sure. Also in the pouch tobacco league, and definitely on the full-strength side, is Five Brothers, a jolt by itself and a boost for milder blends.
Only one OTC available where I live, MacBaren Mixture Scottish blend. It is a good blend, but boring if smoked to much. I use it to bring myself down to earth once or twice a week.
- Status