Pipe tobacco is entirely about taste and among the various varieties of tobaccos, pipe tobacco possess the most typical and distinct flavors. With hundreds of blends available on market, it indeed takes a lot of time an effort to find the best suitable one. As the personal taste is subjective, many of the tobacco blends which are perfect for some smokers many not stand good for others. The options available are countless as even independent tobacconists tend to develop their own blends of tobacco.

There are two primary categories that all tobacco falls into – Aromatic and Non-Aromatic. Aromatic tobaccos have flavoring or scent imparted on them during manufacturing process whereas non-aromatic tobaccos do not. Many factors such as cut of tobacco and the pipe used to smoke it influences pipe smoking experience, but the major influencing factor is the mix of tobaccos. So, let’s go through some of the popular tobacco varieties used in pipe tobacco blends.

Burley Tobacco:
Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco and is in use primarily for cigarette production. In case of pipe tobacco, it is in use as a base layer or to enhance the burning of it. In US, Kentucky state produces almost 70 percent of Burley tobacco. This variety is exceptionally high in nicotine and offers little sweetness. This is a slow burn tobacco and almost hides it subtle flavour when used in blends.

Virginia Tobacco:
This bright-leaf tobacco’s primary use is as a base in pipe tobacco blends. This robust variety of leaf is either fire cured or air cured. The reason that makes this variety so special is that it possesses some of the finest flavor profiles of any tobacco. It is comparatively light when compared to other tobaccos, yet offers a more elegant smoke. Many tobacco blends are referred to as Virginian blends as they use this bright leaf variety as a base. You can also smoke this variety straight. There are cigarettes which uses 100% pure Virginia tobacco.

Oriental Tobacco:
Oriental tobacco is a sun-cured and small-leafed variety. Also Known as Turkish tobacco, these are spicy and prominently nutty with a sweet, yet sour flavor. Many of the early brands of cigarettes were made mostly of Oriental tobacco. These days, it is mainly in use in blends of pipe and especially cigarette tobacco. A typical American cigarette is usually a blend of bright Virginia, burley and Oriental. This variety is very fragrant.

Latakia Tobacco:
Latakia is an intense tobacco with smoky flavors and a spicy bite. It is a fire-cured tobacco variety; the leaves are cured and smoked over smoldering fires. This has a noticeable flavor and a distinctive smoky aroma. It is commonly in use for blends and predominantly find place in Balkan and classic English pipe tobacco blends.

Perique Tobacco:
Perique tobacco is fermented and cured together. Perhaps the strongest flavor of all tobacco, it is in use as a component of many pipe tobacco blends. Often found in Virginia blends, it has strong notes of dried fruit and black pepper. This variety is too strong to smoke pure. This is a conventional pipe tobacco and still very popular with pipe-smokers.

In all, taste is subjective as everyone’s preferences are unique. There are so many excellent blends available here at KC Smokz – the best smoke shop in Kansas City area. Drop by at our shop, smell and feel your tobacco before you buy it