Cheap Pipe Tobacco

Just as there are infinite smoking pipe combinations, there are virtually endless ways to enjoy pipe tobacco. And smoking pipes can be enjoyed quite inexpensively. There are countless varieties of tobacco that can be used in pipes in different flavors and formats. A regular smoker can buy cheap tobacco in bulk, in pouches or in small or large tobacco tins. Quite often, pouch pipe tobacco can be found cheaper than bulk or tinned tobacco but sometimes the tinned tobacco or bulk tobacco is a better value. It is always great to try and save money when creating your own blends or buying specialized cheap pipe tobacco blends.

Tobacco Varieties

Tobacco is often classified by the region where it is grown. Much like other botanicals, the climate of each region determines the complexity and flavor of the tobacco plant that is grown there.

Virginia: Virginia tobacco or "bright" tobacco is grown primarily in the southeastern regions of the United States. From Florida up through Virginia (surprise!) and Maryland. It is by far the most popular pipe tobacco and most of the tobacco grown in the US is of this variety. It is a very mild tobacco but is also slightly sweet. It "burns" very well and is used in a majority of blends so it can be had relatively cheaply. It comes in a variety of colors, from deep brown, red to dusty yellow. Because of its popularity and the fact that it is an inexpensive pipe tobacco, Virginia is used as the base in most tobacco blends.

 

Burley: Burley tobacco is produced primarily in Kentucky (in the United States) but the tobacco variety is also grown in other states and countries including Brazil and Argentina. It "burns" slowly and has no sugar content so it has a relatively dry taste and full-bodied aroma. It is often paired with Virginia tobacco varieties and more aromatic blends because of its dry qualities. Because of its high production rate, it is a relatively cheap tobacco but is not as prevalent as Virginia.

 

Perique: Perique is a classic tobacco grown in Louisiana. It is NOT a cheap pipe tobacco because it is processed and produced in smaller quantities. The process to make perique is time-intensive and can take a year or more but it is a very potent tobacco and some would say "well worth the cost". Because Perique is so strong, it is used very sparingly in tobacco blends. A mild tobacco such as Virginia does well with a touch of Perique in many different blends.

Kentucky: Much like Perique, Kentucky tobacco is potent with a relatively strong aroma and is higher in nicotine. For this reason its use is limited in blends. It is grown in Kentucky which has a billion+ dollar tobacco trade.

 

 

 

Oriental or Asian: These tobacco varieties are grown in regions of Russia, areas of Greece, Turkey and some Baltic states. They exhibit a very dry character and smoke very well. If a tobacco can be "smokey", these fit the bill. Because of their somewhat exotic nature, these can be on the more expensive side.

Cavendish: Cavendish is actually a process for curing tobacco rather than a variety but the term is used commonly for both. It is made up of different tobacco varieties as a blend along with alcohol and other adjuncts (sugary or sweet or aromatic ingredients). The alcohol is left to ferment and other sweeteners may be added for the tobacco is cut.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

America is only the 4th largest tobacco producer in the world! Behind India (3rd), Brazil (2nd) and China (1st). China produces over 2 and a half million metric tons of tobacco each year!