SmokingDespite alarmist messages from the Nanny State to the contrary, it is an undisputable fact that smoking raises levels of self-esteem, panache and gung-ho. During these times of economic austerity,
such qualities are likely to put Blightly back on its feet - and if they don't, surely it is better to watch the ship go down with a heady Navy Shag swirling around one's nostrils?
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Straight Billiard Pipe
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A classic Billiard-style straight briar which would prove ideal for a first pipe. Suitable both for posturing at events such as Goodwood Revival and Henley Regatta, and for smoking while doing odd jobs around the house. |
Saddle-stemmed Billiard Pipe
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Similar to the above but with a bevelled stem, giving this pipe a more vintage feel. The sort of pipe one would have seen sticking cheerily out of the jaw of a soccer spectator circa 1947. |
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Straight Bulldog Pipe
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Sometimes a straight pipe is simply too straight. Those of us with creative tendencies crave a few more angles and a tad more perspective. In short, this is the pipe for an architect or an inventor of labour-saving devices. | |
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Bent Billiard Pipe
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Once we get into the bent pipes, we are entering an entirely new realm. The bent pipe symolises thoughtful reflection, relaxation and philosophical speculation. This pipe, while ideal for a post-prandial smoke in the library, would be throroughly impractical if laying floorboards. | |
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Bent Apple Pipe
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For some, the classic Bent Billiard is simply not curvy enough. Such smokers are usually disciples of the female form and are particularly drawn to the fuller-figured lady whose shape was fashionable in the 1950s. This pipe is ideal for smoking while engaged in the admiration of such delights. | |
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Oom Paul Pipe
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In Afrikaans, "Oom" means "Uncle" and in this case refers to "Oom" Paul Kruger (1825-1904), first president of the Transvaal region of South Africa. The Oom Paul's chief recommendation is that it stands upright without support on any level surface. | |
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Rattray's High Society
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This tobacco's name is completely apt. It is rich, succulent, sweet and aromatic on the nose and the leaves are a delightful rainbow of colours, within the autumnal range that tobacco enjoys. To smoke High Society is to live life to the fullest, and provide your neighbours with a rich, fruity smoke that will have them saying, "My, what's that delicious smell?" You can answer them confidently and clearly: "That, my friend, is the smell of Old England." | |
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Presbyterian
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The precise opposite to the above. While High Society is a cool evening smoke, Presbyterian is a fully charged morning smoke, its Latakia notes perfect for sharpening the mind before a hard day's graft. Originally created for Earl Baldwin, Presbyterian goes extremely well with a cup of oolong tea (some call this combination "Breakfast of Champions"). | |
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Rattray's Old Gowrie 100g
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Old Gowrie is pure Virginia tobacco, with a strong flavour of Georgian coffeehouses and damp frock coats. It is a dry, powerful smoke with a faint sweetness which matures as it is smoked into something approximating buttery toast. In short, a tobacco for considering the weightier problems of the world, such as whether baseball caps should be entirely outlawed. | |
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Danish Black Vanilla
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If you have never smoked a pipe in your life and are looking for your first tobacco purchase, you could not do better than Danish Black Vanilla. It's an instant classic, with darkly aromatic vanilla notes in a seriously black cavendish base. There is nothing to fear with this tobacco - it will not only encourage you to smoke your pipe and learn its mysterious ways, but it will also delight the nostrils of every passer-by. Thus you will be doing your bit for the promotion of pipe smoking in the world. | |
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Old Dublin
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Old Dublin belongs to the "natural" or "English" range of tobaccos, which usually contain large quantities of Virginia, Latakia and perique leaf. In the case of Old Dublin, the accent is on the Latakia, with some Greek Oriental thrown in as well. This tobacco has a slight saltiness and would complement an Islay malt very well. A word of warning: the room note it leaves behind is particularly ferocious and you may have to open a window if there are ladies present. | |