Pipe Smoking Tobacco

Fact: A lot of pipe smokers really miss the old Dunhill 965 tobacco mixture. It was made a long, long time ago in the early part of the 20th century in Dunhill's Duke Street store, developed not by Dunhill--but one of their customers, a Mr. E.A. Baxter, Esq.
I set out to define and study what really goes into the Dunhill 965 Mixture, and how it was made. Several things came immediately to mind:
Components: Easy--As described on each genuine can; Choice, small leaf Latakia, Macedonian Bright and Brown Cavendish. 3 simple ingredients that when blended and stoved--make up something far more grand than a single ingredient.
Characteristics: Cut, color, taste, body, sweetness, ash color and moisture level.
History--the key to unlock the mystery
Deductive reasoning and mathematics--additional tools to decode the mystery.
A knowledge of different Oriental tobaccos and their characteristics.
To what end? To arrive at a reasonable starting point to start test blending the component tobaccos, applying process, and comparing results to the real thing--by the way, What Is The "Real" thing? Some people believe the real 965 is what was originally blended many years ago--some believe it's what was blended by Murray's in Ireland, as specified by Dunhill. I believe we can come close to the original "spirit" of the tobacco by research and experimentation--and a lot of patience!
I pondered what it would be like to work as a young employee, at Dunhill's tobacco blending counter in Duke street--way back then, they were very busy. Thousands of customers put their blends into Dunhill's "MY Mixture" book, to be archived and later referenced. How many of these entries were honest efforts at arriving to an acceptable blend for a customer versus people just wanting the social status of having something recorded under their name in the famous book, I don't know. The fact does remain--that the book does indeed exist, and a hand full of tobacco formulae were so extraordinarily good that Dunhill adopted them and sold them worldwide: Examples: Dunhill 965, London Mixture, Nightcap, Standard mixture, Durbar, Royal Yacht, etc...
Most likely, the young lads who worked behind the counters could not possibly remember all of them! I theorized they might of thought of a simple clever system to help them blend the tobaccos and keep up with their work: To relate in some way the mixture number with the actual components and proportions necessary. First,I started with the Mixture number My Mixture 9 6 5. As was originally planned out by Mr. Alfred Dunhill, this would be referenced by his system in the My Mixture book as: Page number 9, entry number 65. As the worker's "system" was referenced for such a famous tobacco that they would be responsible for mixing daily--and committing to memory, when requested to mix more product for sale-- I look very closely at the number, and tried to correlate the two. Here's what I found:
9+6+5=20
9/20ths + 6/20ths + 5/20ths factored by the lowest common denominator would be 4.5/10 + 3/10 + 1/4
Commonly, the book would be noted 1/4 of this tobacco, etc.etc.etc., in ascending order of ingredients listed, the larger proportions listed before the smaller additions to the mixtures.
Thus I arrived at the "small choice leaf latakia" would be at 45% of the mixture.
"Macedonian Bright" would be 30% of the mixture.
"Brown Cavendish" would be at 25% of the mixture.
Components of the mixture 965: In early days of the 965 mixture, the Latakia tobacco most likely to be used would have been of Syrian origin, smaller leaved plants with different flavor compared to the larger Cyprian variety leaf--please reference Mr.Greg Pease's article "A TALE OF TWO LATAKIAS" on his website, at www.GLPEASE.com
As for the "Macedonian Bright" tobacco component, it was most likely a bright leafed variety of Greek Macedonian Dubec leaf, noted for it's sweet, pungent aroma and spicy taste.
Special note: The Dunhill 965 mixture as I recall it was not very sweet, overall, because I believe no Virginia tobacco was used, as traditionally used in "English" type mixtures--the richness of flavor and slight sweet effects were provided by the natural characteristics of the latakia and Macedonian.
Which brings us to the "Brown" cavendish---which provides a nutty flavor and a certain degree of medium body. Burley comes to mind. Back then a Burley cavendish was most likely stored under pressure in oak barrels, darkening it, and secondary fermentation giving it the nutty flavor and mellowness of body. No additional sweeteners were used with the Burley, because in those days, the practice that is common today, was NOT permitted by British Law, way back then. Thus we had an unflavored, aged, cavendish type of brown Burley that served it's purpose quite well with the MyMixture 965.
In the old days, I would like to remind you that Dunhill's first started in 1907 as a "Tobacco Specialist", not a simple pipe shop--but a specialized "bespoke" tobacconist--very similar in operation to a custom clothier tailor making clothes to individuals, or a pharmacist (chemist) formulating a medicine for a customer to achieve a positive result.
Traditionally, history tells us that British tobacconists, especially Dunhill's, went to great lengths and expense, to process and condition their tobaccos; pressing, stoving, storing and aging them. Time was money back then--still holds true, today. Dunhill finally reached the point where they needed outside help to craft the mixtures and blends of their tobaccos--so, they contracted and licensed out the work to blending houses, Murray's of Ireland being a famous one, also Lane Ltd. of North America.
The process: Steaming, a fine ribbon cut, mixing, compressing and aging the mixture does several wonderful things to mixtures. The essential oils in the microscopic glands on the leaf surface react to the heat, releasing the aromatic oils, esthers and flavors, to homogenize the whole mixture ("marrying"). Compression further this end, and additional aging imparts a secondary small fermentation and imparts mellowness and smoothness to the final product. This all takes time and money!
Fact: the supply of Syrian Latakia leaf is small. Cyprian leaf can substitute well. Burley is abundant around the world. The Macedonian Bright tobacco is readily available and precious.
The good news: Efforts have been made around the world on behalf of consumers, by some larger retailers of pipe tobacco, one large retailer in Chicago, (May the Good Lord Bless their Hearts), to the manufacturers and blending house and license holders to bring back Dunhill original tobaccos to the market, for consumers worldwide. Demand and money speak once again! Soon, we are promised, a supply will be made available again.
Some things never change. Dunhill 965 was a very simple mixture--the real mystery was why it disappeared recently.
It stands to reason, if you develop your own--you are not at the mercy of politics, law, unfair taxes and prices and to a certain degree, a short supply. Have fun in your quest to "blend your own".
You may find a good supply of blending tobacco from www.Outwesttobacco.com or www.cornellanddiehl.com

Please read the articles recently added to www.pipesmokersintelligencer.org to view what our ELECTED goverment officials are trying to dump on the citizens of America who use and enjoy pipe tobacco- You might just be surprised.
I challenge the pipesmoking citizens of our country-The Great United States of America--to review lessons learned in the history of our country, where tobacco was grown, sold AND TAXED--from the first English colonists, to the political/economic condition of modern times; today.
I propose this: Tobacco history tells us, that at the discovery of North America, the original Native peoples gave tobacco as a divine gift to the new explorers and colonists, for the benefit of goodwill and happiness and peace (and maybe a few religious benefits of "The Great Spirit", as well). Let's give the tobacco industry back to the original native peoples of this land we share--and the land upon which they live is indeed their sovereign land- they self-govern it. When the native Americans cultivate, manufacture and sell tobacco on their own land, that would make for more simple and direct benefits to them--and probably benefit pipesmokers--without unfair taxes and interferences from anti-tobacco elected politicians who can not dictate ANYTHING Native Americans can do on their land. I believe tobacco is a divine gift, it is grown and crafted to be enjoyed in moderation as one of my personal pursuits of happiness and liberty. I'm sure George Washington would have agreed with me. --Eric Whitaker

Thank a Native American person for the divine gift of tobacco--don't reward a corrupt politician with more tobacco tax money!

Recently, I was looking for a good value pipe (as I most always do)--and I discovered a new line from Savinelli called the "Venezia" pipe. It is made from good grade of briar, is naturally stained a plum/dark reddish color--and is finished in matte. The price is very reasonable, and my favorite so far is a shape 101 Billiard. The reason the pipe is one of my favs is that after handling and smoking the pipe for a few weeks(between resting and cleaning) the surface finish changed dramatically: It went from a matte to a rich, shiny patina finish--something you just can't get unless you get a really great and rare estate, that was not thrashed by someone. Note: it takes a very hard grade of briar to achieve the matte finish--the process by which it's done would not work well with really soft, green briar wood, but on the contrary--this pipe finish requires a hard briar burl from the start. My pipe has no "blank spots of the grain"--it has beautiful grain coverage around the entire pipe (no soft spots or sap wood)--so it will be easier to break in. The mouthpiece (vulcanite) was extremely well polished right out the box. If you compare the Savinelli Duca Carlo to the Venezia, the Venezia is made from a higher grade of wood. Personally, I believe the Venezia is made out of better wood than the Pisa. Experience tells me that usually a pipe with a light colored stain is made out of superior wood, as the pipe makers have a harder time hiding possible flaws, with a better visibility of the grain, that the lighter stains afford. Get yourself a Venezia, try it out and enjoy it, they are very reasonable in price--and see what you think. I bought mine from Gene, at
www.Outwesttobacco.com
Enjoy Fine Tobacco in a Great Pipe! -Eric

Ditch the cigs--buy a fine pipe!
For the price of a carton of cigarettes--YOU CAN be the owner of a fine Savinelli Natural Briar wood pipe--and smoke the finest tobacco in the world--at a fraction of the cost of smoking cigarettes!
Look at the Savinelli pipes available at www.Outwesttobacco.com The Savinelli natural pipes offered are one of the best values I've seen. The briar is a value because of slight imperfections-which is common in nature for the wood--and does NOT affect smoking quality--you can save big bucks. The pipes also feature beautiful lucite amber colored mouthpieces.
What's really nice is the pipe will develop a naturally beautiful patina, as you smoke and handle it. The natural oils from your skin will color the pipe nicely--and over time--that pipe will truly be part of you.
I get a kick out of looking at a few of these pipes--and sometimes finding a rare straight grain (with just a little imperfection)--and WOW--I got a beautiful pipe--without paying several hundred dollars!
-The simple things in life are best--and so it is with the Savinelli Natural pipes.
--Happy smoking,
-Eric

I recently was informed that certain credit card companies are dictating to overseas tobacco merchants not to sell tobacco products to American consumers, shipping tobacco to the consumer in America, specifically. The excuse is "Due to new laws...". I do not agree with this decision they made, -and I strongly wish to encourage the tobacco merchants who have to deal with these politically motivated banks what they may do and where they may insert those credit cards.

Mr. Bill Taylor of Ashton pipes is in the hospital, after a bad car crash, back in April. He is not home, yet, as he has to get to a better condition, before release. Please join me in wishing him all the best, and a speedy recovery.
Hats off to You, Bill, and Get Well Soon!
Sincerly, Eric Whitaker

Want to read about what the Federal Government wants to do with tobacco (that also means pipe tobacco and the whole industry)?
Are you informed yet on what legislation is pending that will affect great numbers of pipe smokers in the United States--it's call H.R.1256 "Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act". A good place to find about what's going on is:
http://pipesmokersintelligencer.org/journal

Suggestion: Please stock up on your favorites tobaccos--quickly--before the government screws up everything you enjoy about pipesmoking. I have.

Sorry for the bads news--We get enough of that everyday--but this is real!
--Eric

Balkan Tobaacos--A Treasure From The East
__________________________________________________________
GL Pease ---ABINGDON......A Real Treat.
If You've ever had the notion to compare Tobacco to things you love in life--I can tell you--with conviction, that if you like Balkan blends--the Abingdon mixture is superior. I can descibe this one as Dark, Rich, Cool, Spicy, Exotic and Sweet--if you EVER find a tobacco like this--hang on to it for life! Abingdon is a full Balkan style blend with a generous measure of Cyprian Latakia, seasoned with fine red and lemon yellow Virginia tobaccos,and enhanced with rich Oriental leaf. Abingdon is bold and assertive, while retaining a stylish finesse.
Come to think of it--those are the reasons I married my wife! I guess I'll Keep Her! (and the Abingdon!)

--Happy Smoking, Eric

Can't get a pipe cleaner to go in the pipe without it getting "hung-up"?
If your pipe is a Savinelli "convertible" pipe (it can be smoked with the 6mm balsa system filter--or sans filter--with the 6mm plastic filter adaptor--here's the solution: Using the adaptor--take a small sharp blade from a pocketknife, and gently chamfer cut a bevel in the inside diameter of the hole going thru the middle of it--on both ends--you will get a better airflow--and the pipe cleaner will slide right thru with ease.

Does your pipe have a loose tenon peg on the mouthpiece? Solution:
Remove mouthpiece from pipe and give it a good clean, inside and outside--including the tenon. Dry it--then brush on a little clear nail polish on the outside of the tenon. Let completely dry before re-assembling the pipe. The varnish will snug up the fit of the mouthpiece (sometimes all it's only 1/10000th of and inch!)

It Works for me..Best Wishes, Eric

At the little town of Borup, just a few miles from Copenhagen (Kobenhavn) the world's most efficient, modern and clean pipe factory stays busy producing about 300,000 pipes per year--with approximately 80 to 100 processes to finish each individual pipe--one by one, with quality controls and inspections including at each stage. Stanwell produces some of the best factory made pipes in the world--for a few reasons: Their pipes are crafted with style, beauty and technical innovations. Quite an accomplishment!
Some of the qualities I like about the Stanwell pipes are the fact that some of their shapes were commissioned from Mr. Sixten Ivarrsson, Mr. Tom Eltang and Mr. Jess Chonowitsch. Their works speak for themselves, as some of the world's finest. The technical innovations of Stanwell insure proper seasoning of the briar wood, a perfect fit of mouthpiece and shank of the pipe, and the use of a Delrin plastic tenon that can be replaced without being fitted--the connectors come in two standard sizes--that only the outside of the mouthpiece has to be fitted with minor work. The Delrin tenon is also engineered to be slightly flexible-not brittle, and makes it easier for removal of the stem for cleaning, without breakage. In 1942, Mr. Paul Nielsen started Stanwell pipes--out of neccessity for all pipe smokers in Denmark--because during WWII, the normal supply of fine briar pipe was cut off from England-the premier pipemakers of the world in those days. Stanwell even made functional pipes of beechwood, because he could not get briar during the war. Now, in modern times, pipesmokers all over the world benefit from Stanwell pipes because they are affordable, uniform, beautifully styled, and most of all they smoke great. Every Stanwell pipe that I have owned and smoked was and is an enjoyment, and a super value for every pipesmoker. If you happen upon an assortment of Stanwell pipes, and see or know the shape you like the most--what's fun is finding the uniform shape you like and suddenly discovering one with and exceptional, beautiful grained wood!
Stanwell pipes are on sale right now at www.OutwestTobacco.com
Here is an example of one of mine--it's a shape number 62 with a straight grain around the entire bowl, in the Stanwell Legend finish. When shopping for it, I looked through approximately 100 pipes before I found it! That was fun! What a VALUE!
Try a Stanwell pipe and let me know what your thoughts are! Best Wishes, Eric