In my current rotation, the
Robert McConnell Heritage line continues to hold strong, and
Shakespeare fits right in as a straightforward straight Virginia option.
Kohlhase & Kopp's blenders used the original
Dunhill Ye Olde Signerecipe from the
STG archives as their starting point—though for trademark reasons, it's been rebranded and refined since its discontinuation in 1983. This is a ribbon-cut blend of dark Virginia tobaccos (primarily from mature leaves sourced in regions like Carolina and Zimbabwe, based on the grassy-hay notes typical of those varietals in
McConnell's production). No added flavors or toppings, just pure Virginia character—medium body, nicotine around 2/5, with a tin note of hay, earth, and a touch of citrus from the fermentation process.
Burns evenly in a
Luciano Virgin Sandblast Chubby Dublin (GL Pease/Di Piazza Design 2014), no bite if packed loosely, and leaves a clean aftertaste. It's a solid all-day smoke for those who want simplicity without complexity. Reviews on TobaccoReviews average 3.1/4, with most praising the balanced sweetness and lack of harshness, though a few notes it fades slightly towards the bottom of the bowl. For a no-frills Virginia, it delivers consistently.
️ on the side
