Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by Robert Beadle. Disclosure: You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase tobacco products in the United States, both online and in-store. We don’t promote smoking. However, if you are of legal age, please make informed choices. Our products are intended for adults who understand the associated risks.
For the longest time, I thought pipe smoking was strictly an old man thing, something my grandpa would do while reading the paper on a Sunday morning. But then one day, I caught a warm, pleasant feeling after smelling the aroma of Sir Walter Raleigh burning in the distance, and that was the day I decided to give it a try. After that, the rest was history. Now, just to be clear, I was already a smoker and have been smoking tobacco since ’93, which isn’t anything to brag about, but I’m grown! That said, if you don’t smoke, please don’t start. But for those over 21 who already burn it down, well, this one is for you!
My goal here isn’t to tell you which pipe tobacco brands you should buy or avoid, but to share the ones I’ve tried and enjoy. I also haven’t tried every pipe tobacco brand ever made, but I’ve had enough to know which ones I like, as for now anyway. These rankings are based solely on my personal experience over the past couple of years. It’s also worth mentioning that I’m talking about real pipe tobacco for actual pipe smokers here, not RYO blends or anything like that. Therefore, I won’t be mentioning anything like Bugler or Gambler, but the real stuff only.
I’m also interested in trying more brands, so if you’re a professional smoker and want to recommend something I didn’t mention, please don’t hold back and drop a comment below. Not only will I try it, but we have thousands of monthly readers, so I won’t be the only one you reach.
Sir Walter Raleigh Tobacco
Produced by Lane Limited, Sir Walter Raleigh is a historic brand that uses honest burley tobacco. The original flavor is a cross-cut style, while the aromatic variety features a loose-cut. This tobacco is famous for its mellow, comfortable smoke and rich aroma. Most smokers recognize it as one of the most popular American pipe tobacco brands on the market today, and I couldn’t agree more. You can find this pipe tobacco in 1.5oz resealable pouches or larger 7oz cans, depending on what works best for you. I smoke from home, so I prefer the can, but to each their own. Other than that, I give this brand 5 stars, and rightfully so.
Captain Black Pipe Tobacco
Captain Black is one of the most sought-after loose-cut pipe tobacco brands in the United States, known for its diverse aromatic blends. At the time of these rankings, Captain Black comes in Platinum (Virginia & Burley), Original (Black Cavendish & Burley), Cherry (Cavendish & Cherry Flavor), Gold (Golden Cavendish), Royal (Black & Golden Cavendish), and Dark (100% Black Cavendish). All options come in 1.5oz pouches or 7oz resealable cans to keep the tobacco fresh. I haven’t tried all the options yet, but I did try Platinum and liked it a lot. As for a ranking, I would give it a safe 4.8 stars and will try it again soon.
Prince Albert Pipe Tobacco
John Middleton produces this iconic crimp-cut tobacco using a blend of burley and Cavendish. You’ll find it delivers a clean-tasting and even-burning experience every time you light up. It’s widely known for its pleasant notes and remains one of the most recognized brands in the country. Many veterans suggest using a quality Missouri Meerschaum corncob pipe to fully enjoy this specific blend. You can find it in large 14oz cans, which provide a significant amount of product for regular smokers.
Carter Hall Pipe Tobacco
This ribbon-cut blend has been a staple in the United States since 1895. John Middleton creates this product using a mix of burley and Virginia tobacco. You’ll notice distinguished notes of vanilla and whiskey throughout your smoke. Reviewers often mention that this tobacco tastes natural and is very affordable for the quality it delivers. It burns evenly in the bowl and stays lit without much effort. You can purchase this classic American blend in large 14oz cans for long-term use.
Borkum Riff Pipe Tobacco
You’ll discover unique international flavors in these blends, which use tobaccos from Africa, Europe, and Asia. The Bourbon Whiskey variety features 35% Black Cavendish mixed with 65% Virginia for a genuine Kentucky bourbon taste. If you like fruity profiles, the Original blend offers notes of chocolate, prune, and fruit using a 60/40 split of Cavendish and Virginia. The Cherry Liqueur option offers a mild, sweet experience. These loose-cut tobaccos come in 1.5oz pouches and 7oz cans for your convenience.
Half and Half Pipe Tobacco
This brand uses an improved cut style made with burley and bright Virginia tobacco. You’ll experience very distinctive flavor notes, including cardamom, coriander, and maze. It remains one of the most distinctive and recognizable brands for American pipe enthusiasts. The mixture provides a spicy edge that sets it apart from standard burley blends. You can find this product in 7oz cans or bundles of five 1.5oz resealable pouches. It’s a great choice if you want something different from your usual routine.
Five Brothers Pipe Tobacco
This brand offers a much different experience than your average aromatic blend. You’ll find a shag-cut tobacco made from 100% stout burley with no added flavorings. It’s famous for its strong, earthy, full-bodied flavor and high nicotine content. This isn’t a soft or subtle product, and it caters to those who want a robust smoke. You can pick up these 1.25oz resealable pouches in five-count bundles. It’s truly a unique staple for smokers who prefer raw tobacco strength.
Paladin Black Cherry Pipe Tobacco
Lane Limited produces this coarse-cut blend using a combination of burley and Virginia tobacco. You’ll enjoy very distinctive black cherry notes that provide an expensive-tasting experience at an affordable price point. It’s designed for fans of fruit-forward aromatics who want a consistent and flavorful smoke. The brand has maintained its reputation for decades as a top cherry-flavored choice in the United States. You can choose between 1.5oz resealable pouches or 7oz cans, depending on how much you plan to smoke.
Where to Buy Pipe Tobacco Online
If you’re looking to buy pipe tobacco online, there are a few options you can choose from in the United States. However, if you seek fresh tobacco at an affordable price, then I can only recommend Bluegrass Tobacco. Now, I’m not saying other companies aren’t worthy, but I never purchased from any other online smoke shop, so I can say for sure. As for Bluegrass, all of its tobacco products are stored in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced temperature and humidity-controlled systems, ensuring freshness. Plus, they’re a real smoke shop, so if you live in the Cincinnati area, you can swing by their shop and order your tobacco in person. They carry all pipe tobacco brands ranked above, plus many more! So, if you’re looking for a little more than what I listed, then make sure to check them out.
