Interesting subject, for me, anyway.
So how do you know which blends have a higher nicotine level? You can't know unless you smoke them for a while, judge your reactions, and then compare them to other blends. In other words....it's a crap shoot. All arbitrary, all anecdotal...no nic content numbers, no science involved, just opinions. Welcome to the world of pipe-smoking.
I think from what I've read: blends with large proportions of Burleys are probably higher in nicotine than blends with the Virginias as the main tobacco? Let's just say this is true. This is a problem for those trying to avoid nicotine because the PROPORTIONS of tobaccos that are used in a blend are never noted....it's a secret recipe/formula, after all. Yes tobaccos used in a blend are sometimes listed, but not the proportions. Super value tobaccos (packed in bags the size of pillows) are probably loaded with cheaper Burleys, e.g. "Virginia Gold"...."SmoKer's Pride"..."Admiral's Choice"..."Bugler"...Carter Hall"..."Prince Albert"..."Half & Half", etc. All Burley-loaded blends, and all heavily flavored. Expect the nic hit from these. And, that's fine. They are what they are, i.e. cheaper, economical, blends. At least you know, up front, that Burley is the main ingredient in these blends, as stated.
But with the higher priced blends...who knows? I love to browse around the "Tobacco Reviews" site. The comments I read about many of the blends amuse me, even making me laugh at times. Wish there was a section listing nicotine content of blends from high to low. Now, that kind of information would be very helpful. Does anyone really give a flyin' fig about "room note"?
Frank