Tobacco Selections: Black Cavendish

Black Cavendish is a true chameleon among pipe tobacco blending components and corresponds to a method of processing rather than a specific varietal of leaf. Through a combination of heat and steam, Cavendish actually can be created from a range of components, including Burley, Virginias, or even cigar leaf. And while often falsely associated solely with Aromatics, Cavendish is often used in a variety of mixtures as a "thickener." Like flour in a roux, the dark leaf can enhance the mouthfeel of the smoke and help bind the nuanced flavors from other components for a more cohesive, consistent flavor. On this episode of Tobacco Selections, our head blender Jeremy Reeves puts some of these myths to bed with a detailed discussion of some of the main types of Cavendish we use in our blends, along with some great recommendations for expanding your own palate. Enjoy!

What did you think of the video? Do you have any favorite Cavendish blends? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.