Abingdon is the fullest Balkan style blend in the range. It is rich and robust, powerful and forthright, yet still possessing subtlety and finesse. Dark flavors of wood and leather mingle with delicate undercurrents of sweetness, and deep earthy notes, while the Oriental tobaccos provide hints of their verdant, sometimes herbaceous character. A big Balkan blend, reminding us once more of what these blends used to be. Because of the high percentage of dark and oriental tobaccos, it’s recommended to pack Abingdon a little less firmly than you might a lighter blend.

50g tin.

Gaslight is a rich Latakia mixture, structured with layers of mature red Virginias and spiced with Orientals. It’s pressed and aged in cakes, then cut into one ounce bars of about 1″ x 1″ x 2″. I opted for the bars rather than “brownies” like JackKnife and Triple Play, as it makes it a bit easier to slice; Latakia can be tough stuff. The result is deep, satisfying, dynamic, and very slow-burning. Be careful not to pack the pipe too tightly, or it’ll be hard to keep lit and will last forever. It develops beautifully in the bowl from first puff to ash.

For G. L. Pease’s Jackknife Ready Rubbed, Dark-Fired Kentucky Leaf and ripe, Red Virginia tobaccos, with their deep, earthy flavors, are layered on a central core of golden flue-cured for a hint of bright sweetness, then pressed and matured in cakes, before being sliced and tumbled to a broken flake, ready for your smoking enjoyment.

50g tin.

Stylish, dark, and alluring. Generous quantities of Cyprian Latakia are blended with mature Red Virginias, exotic Orientals, and just a little bright flue-cured leaf to offer a deep, full-bodied yet silky smoke with an intriguing sweetness, enhanced by a discreet and mysterious spice. Maltese Falcon possesses an exquisite balance — a wonderful all-day English style mixture.

Penny Farthing is a shag-cut blend of Bright and Red Virginias, spiced with Louisiana Perique and a hint of fire-cured Dark Kentucky. It’s easy to pack, easy to smoke. Sipped gently, Penny Farthing opens with a sophisticated sweetness, evolving in depth and complexity throughout the bowl to a rich, satisfying finish.

2oz tin.