John Middleton, Inc Carter Hall

Carter Hall is one of the best-known American over-the-counter (OTC) classics. It's a ribbon-cut blend combining air-cured, cross-cut Burley with Virginia leaf, flavored just enough to stop short of being called an aromatic. The brand dates back to 1895; John Middleton has continued production since acquiring it from R.J. Reynolds in 1987. It packs and lights easily and burns cool. The start of the smoke gives a lightly sweet, fruity entry, with a nutty Burley taste emerging further in.