Aromatic Blends

Aromatic blends are the family of pipe tobaccos to which non-tobacco flavors and scents such as vanilla, cherry, caramel, rum, or coffee are added. Aromatics are considered by far the largest segment of world pipe tobacco sales.

What Makes a Blend Aromatic?

Flavoring is done with two distinct techniques: casing, applied to the leaf at the start of processing, and topping, sprayed on at the very end. Casing, whether or not a blend is aromatic, is applied to nearly all commercial pipe tobaccos and is meant to support the tobacco's natural flavor; what actually makes a blend "aromatic" in the true sense is the topping, whose scent is pronounced. The exact composition of the solutions used varies from producer to producer and is mostly a trade secret. Details of both techniques are covered in the entry on casing and flavoring.

The backbone of aromatic blends is formed by Cavendish — black Cavendish in particular — and Burley: these low-sugar, absorbent leaves hold the casing well. Some amount of Virginia is often added as well, to give the blend body and natural sweetness.