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W.D. & H.O. Wills was founded in 1786 by Henry Overton Wills. Partnering with Samuel Watkins, they would open up a shop in Bristol, England, and soon established themselves as some of the top innovators in the world of tobacco. Early on, they underwent a number of name changes before settling on their final name in 1830.
W.D. & H.O Wills would continue to lead the way, creating multiple blends and helping develop cigarettes up to the 1900s. In 1901, they joined with notable companies such as John Player and Sons, along with 11 other family businesses to form Imperial Tobacco.
While that was the end of the W.D. & H.O. Wills name, it was not the end of their tobacco. Their top line, Capstan, which was originally created during the late 1800s, stayed with Imperial Tobacco.
Incredibly popular, the brand is said to have been a favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien and other Oxford luminaries.
Tolkien, in particular, was such a fan of tobacco pipes that he incorporated them into much of his writing, including his most famous, "The Lord of the Rings" and its prequel, "The Hobbit." He would frequently spend time describing the smoking habits of the various characters, and it would not be surprising to discover Capstan being the inspiration behind one of the fictional smokers' favorite blends.
Eventually, the production of Capstan made its way to Mac Baren, where these blends have stood the test of time and continue to be favorites of pipe smokers the world over.
We offer two different Capstan varieties, both with two distinct cuts.
There's the Original Navy in the sky blue tin. Coming in both ready rubbed and flake cuts, this is a combination of select Virginias, where you will get a citrusy, natural aroma.
You can also get the Gold Navy, also cut in both ready rubbed and flake. The Gold has a lighter body and is lighter colored than the sky blue Original, something you can readily enjoy.
Tobacco smoking is a pastime handed down the generations. From Native Americans to European explorers, we appreciate where this hobby has been and where it can go. Both the classic Original and newer Gold Navy offer you a taste of that history.