What Is The Best Loose Leaf Tobacco?

We know pipe smoking is more than a hobby or a pastime, it is a way to unwind, a comforting ritual and an aromatic experience.   

Choosing what tobacco to pack in your pipe can be an overwhelming decision. Choosing the best loose-leaf tobacco is more of a job for a connoisseur than an amateur.

The decision is vital for the experience. Thankfully, we’re here to give you some pointers on the best on the market for your tobacco pouch, so you can relax, light up and enjoy the flavours. 

What is the difference between loose and pre-packed tobacco?

The difference between loose and pre-packed is in how they are delivered to you. 

Pre-packed tobacco comes sealed in plastic or a tin, which has the advantage of convenience. However, it is known to lose its freshness and flavour due to being stored for longer. 

Loose-leaf tobacco is the aficionado’s choice. Weighed out by an expert tobacconist from a storage jar into a pouch just for you, it retains the full spectrum of rich flavours. 

Its one disadvantage is that without sealed packaging it can be prone to drying out quicker, leaving you with a stale taste and less complexity of flavour. It can also make the flavouring more bitter as it burns hotter and quicker. 

The answer is, of course, to buy loose leaf, but don’t leave your pouch of tobacco too long before you enjoy it. That way, you get the full smoking experience without any loss of aroma and taste. 

Fully explore the sensory experience of loose-leaf pipe tobacco with our tips and recommendations below. 

What should you look for in loose-leaf tobacco?

When choosing a good loose leaf for your pipe, there are some important factors to consider:

Quality 

A cleaner, consistent cut will have fewer stems and less dust, both of which impact the enjoyment of the smoke. 

Moisture

Just enough moisture so it holds when pressed into a shape. Too much moisture and it won’t burn as it should. Too little and it will burn bitter and harsh on the palate. 

Flavour

Use your nose to guide your choice if you can. Take in the aroma of the tobacco and its smorgasbord of flavour notes.

Different blends have different flavour profiles; for example, Virginia blends have fruity, sweet notes and hay-like scents.

Cut type

Common cut types include ribbon, shag, ready rub and plug (a pressed block). Less common are cuts such as flake, cube cut, crumble cake, rope and coin-shaped cuts. 

What is the best flake tobacco?

Gawith Hoggarth’s wide range of products might cause you to miss out on the delight that is Bob’s Chocolate Flake. 

As the name suggests, it is aromatic and rich with chocolate, vanilla and whisky flavours, after being encased in cocoa. The blend is a mix of Virginia, Latakia and Burley, which makes up a smooth smoke with a chocolate finish. 

​Gawith Hoggarth Bob’s CH Flake (Bob’s Chocolate Flake) Loose Pipe Tobacco

What is the best ribbon cut tobacco?

Samuel Gawith, a UK manufacturer, has mastered the fine art of mixing a ribbon cut in a mellow blend that will satisfy the most fastidious of smokers. 

It is aptly called Perfection Mixture, and it is exactly what it says on the label. With notes of sweet vanilla, it gathers Latakia, Oriental, Turkish and Virginia together for an aromatic take on an English blend. 

Samuel Gawith Perfection Mixture Pipe Tobacco

Gawith Hoggarth Caribbean C (Formerly Caribbean Coconut) Pipe Tobacco

Another contender for the best ribbon cut is Gawith Hoggarth’s Caribbean C pipe tobacco. Bringing the tropical taste of coconut to Virginia and black Cavendish blends, it is sweet, creamy and nutty at the same time. 

The unique aromatic experience is tempered by its mellowness, making it a good choice for chilling out while lighting up. 

What is the best shag tobacco?

Kendal Gold sets the standard for plain shag tobacco. Plain, in this case, does not mean boring; it is simply clean and uncomplicated. 

Kendal produces a very clean blend with little to no stem and no additives, which makes for a better smoke. The light Virginia blend of Gold No. 37 delivers a sweet and mellow smoke that is easy to handle and perfect for frequent use. 

Kendal Gold No.37 Plain Shag Tobacco 

What is the best mixed cut tobacco?

Blending Black Cavendish and Virginia varieties, Thomas Radford’s Sunday’s Fantasy is a mild pipe tobacco designed for a day of rest. It is a refined but easy smoke to suit all-comers. 

The mixed cut aromatic has fruity notes and sweet flavours that make it a pleasurable pipe. The double fermenting process means any lingering harshness of ammonia is negligible, and the full natural and complex flavouring can be experienced. 

Thomas Radford’s Sunday’s Fantasy Pipe Tobacco