Introducing Charatan Pipe Tobaccos!

Charatan has a long, rich history in the world of pipes and tobacco. Frederick Charatan began carving Meerschaum pipes in mid-1800s London, and in the following decades would turn briar pipes garnering international prestige from the pipe world. Frederick’s son Reuben took the reins in 1910. The Charatan’s would keep things going until 1960 but the lights went out until the 1990s when British American Tobacco introduced a Charatan cigar range in the UK.

The brand would ultimately end up in the hands of Tor Imports Ltd, and in the wake of Dunhill’s withdrawal from the pipe and cigar industry, Kohlhase & Kopp, Tor’s manufacturing partner (responsible for the manufacture of favorite brands such as Astley's, Rattray's, Solani, some Cobblestone, etc.)  took to concocting recipes that would fill the gap left in Dunhill’s absence. The line was released in to the UK in 2018, and now thanks to a partnership between Kohlhase and Sutliff Tobacco, Charatan tobacco is being distributed in the United States. Let’s take a look at these odes to the mixtures that created the tobacco pipe archetypes still integral to the craft today. 

Charatan Rolls

These Virginia Perique coins with Black Cavendish bullseye are a delicious smoke for any lover of a smooth, malty VaPer that is refined and well balanced with a spice that gracefully sits between mild and bold. The Virginias are wonderfully bready with a bit of dried fruit and hay. The profile is softened by the Black Cavendish which offers a creaminess and molasses note. The sweetness has a caramelized quality that, in tandem with the warm bready Virginia, elates like a freshly baked cinnamon roll.

Charatan Flake

Pristine flakes easily rub out to preferred consistency. Starting more on the grassy side, a malty undertone develops gratifying the broader palate. When sipped, it beautifully showcases the diversity of the Virginia leaf, from bright grass and citrus to the bready, plumy reds, with just enough earth to give body to the dynamic flavor profile.

The room note offers a subtle, alluring warm bread aroma. Definitely deserving a try for any appreciator of the Virginia Flake format and the subtleties to be appreciated from one blend to the next.

Charatan First Bowl

Just as the name implies, this is a great blend for easing into the day. Concocted in the absence of Dunhill Morning Pipe, Charatan First Bowl offers a wonderful light English blend for getting the day started, but can easily be an all day blend.

With tart, forward Orientals; grassy, bready Virginias; and light accent of smoky Latakia, subtleties are in perfect harmony in this blend. A little woodiness, a little sweetness, a little smokiness—coming together for an undemanding smoke. Paired with that morning coffee or tea, you can't go wrong. 

Charatan No. 10 Mixture

The original London mixture, a classic trio of Oriental, Latakia, and Virginia in a balanced chord, no one attribute eclipsing another. This medium strength English bridges the gap of the gentle morning and hardy evening mixtures. 

Herbal, tart Orientals perfectly complemented by the smoky, leathery Latakia. Virginias complete the mix with a gentle zest and subtle sweetness. Straightforward and consistent, Charatan’s No. 10 Mixture is a classic recipe that just may scratch that itch for Dunhill London Mixture—unfortunately not one of those continued by Peterson Tobacco. 

Charatan Eventide

A take on the quintessential heavy-to-bed style Latakia blend first popularized with Dunhill Nightcap, Charatan Eventide sees the traditional English trio of Latakia, Oriental, and Virginia joined by a bit of Perique to complete the full-flavored splendor. Perfect for winding down.

A medium to full body, Eventide is a great option for a stout English that’s a step down in strength from Nightcap. Grass and hay Virgnias and floral, herbal Orientals offer a pleasant base, distinct enough to appreciate but neutral enough to not over complicate the blend in a competition with the bold Latakia and Perique.