Paul's Pipe Shop Arrowhead

This is a very interesting and pleasing blend. The latakia is not noticeable; it just adds a subtle smokiness. The vanilla is smooth. Top notch tobacco quality, too. I bought a Cristiano signature pipe at the Columbus pipe show, and got a 2 ounce bag of Arrowhead from the vendor (Dan Spaniola of Paul's Pipe Shop) thrown in as part of the deal. I thought this blend would be a ho-hum vanilla but I was pleasantly surprised that it is a unique aromatic with a certain presence and the more I smoke it, the more I want to smoke it. Yes, it is another vanilla, but there is an interesting hint of spice that shows up throughout the bowl at times.

Govern Yourself Accordingly!

I found this to be a pleasant, easy smoke with very little tongue bite. The initial smell of it and the taste were similar to Lane 1Q to me. I would definitely recommend this blend. Dan S (Owner) and son run a great shop there in Flint, Mi

This is a very pleasant blend that is mild and yet, complex. The tobaccos play very well together, with a tough of mystery from the light brushing of latakia and Perique the blend has. The topping is a mild vanilla based, with a light touch of burbon and other floor notes. Well received when smoked around others, the delightful flavor and richness of flavor makes this an all day blend. Highly recommended.

This is the first tobacco I ever purchased that wasn't OTC. It is also one of the few blends that is an all day smoker for me. I absolutely love it. Very easy to see why this is one of the shop's signature, popular blends.

The tobacco in the pouch smells very strongly and nicely of vanilla, no different than many other vanilla aromatics. It has always packed well and easily for me, lighted relatively easily, and tends to stay lit for me no problem. It tastes delicious, the vanilla is not chemical tasting nor overpowering, blending well with the natural flavors of the tobacco. I do detect a slight smokey, nutty flavor while smoking as well. Room note is perfect. My roommate has regularly stated how he loves the smell of that blend, and doesn't mind being around me while smoking, nor that I smoke occasionally inside. Friends and family I've had over while smoking have likewise complimented the aroma. If you are a fan of aromatics, and particularly vanilla aromatics, this is a must get.

Unfortunately, it does appear that Paul's Pipe Shop doesn't do online ordering of tobacco, however they may do mail order, I'm not sure. If you are in the Flint, MI area, for sure worth stopping in to pick some up.

Look alive as the longbow has been fired along a smoking trajectory. From the northern plains located in Flint, Michigan comes a straight flying projectile heading this way. Prepare yourself for the impact of Paul’s Pipe Shop’s legendary Arrowhead blend. And I do hope to convince you of the sharpness of its chiseled features, ha!

First and foremost, Arrowhead is technically categorized as a standard aromatic. In all fairness, however, I think much more consideration should be undertaken concerning its broader and extended smoking merits. Could it be dubbed worthy of being labeled as a functional crossover type offering? There is absolutely no question about that supposition in my mind.

Essentially what you have is fairly balanced synergy between the added flavorings and the cast of assorted native tobacco strains within that achieves a tasteful concentration in both regards. The blend’s complexity flows not only in regard to the actual recipe itself but also to the lively fullness of flavor one experiences with its smoking. Subsequent, Arrowhead is Paul’s highest selling tobacco and the all-time favorite of many dedicated enthusiasts.

What is so special about that recipe you may be wondering? Crafted especially for the Arrowhead Pipe Club, this reputed Paul’s mild-medium strength original brings together a fully vested entourage of toasty Burley, select Virginians, Green River Black Cavendish, Cavendish, Acadian Perique, and finally a modest pinch of aged Latakia. Upon blending completion, this flavorsome ensemble is further enhanced by a special glazing of stealthy “vanilla” top-coating.

Now if you know anything about Paul’s, you understand that rarely is the applied dressing a simple one trick pony. Generally, one dependable attribute that applies to their blends is the celebration of intricate taste. And so, this mixture, being no different, carries more than what has been disclosed. Trust me on that one. With that, Arrowhead’s savor presents a stimulating yet relaxed experience on the whole.

Upon opening the pouch, a superbly dark arrangement of tobaccos greets you, effectually quite generous in demeanor. As a healthy crafted mixture, Arrowhead is comprised of elongated cut ribbons, delicate shards, and thick beefy wedges. Casting a spray of autumnal colors reaching from weathered tans, red-golden, rich variegated browns, and imposing jet black, the tobacco is characteristically virile and weighty in structure. In addition, the prevailing moisture level is fittingly optimal and by touch the tobaccos render a dense, plush, and supple accommodation within the fingers.

As one samples the resident pouch nose the initial air surfacing is filled by a decorative merger of complimenting scents; more than plain vanilla as you would have it. Namely, a leading soft pacifying vanilla is garnished with footings of dark honey, chocolate-nougat, some citrous tanginess, a subtly sweet play dough essence, and finally the sharpened spice of whiskey much like that wrought by a malty bourbon. Registering on the natural bottom, the amalgam brings a lower sourness/earthy tart, a bit of stylish native zest, and a wholesome sugary nutwood aroma. Whoa what an invigorating essence it is!

Concerning the featured taste profile, Arrowhead brings a fascinated meld of the comprising top coatings and casings as they fuse perfectly in unison with flavorsome character. Namely, a polite vanilla joins with distinct elements of sugary chocolate, caramel-honey, darker karo, sweetened tang, and a regulated whispering of warmer/sweeter whiskey spice. The combined presentation is not only smooth but considerably well-tailored in an envelope of delicious colorfulness.

But yet there’s more! The blend lends equal voice to the selection of native varietals as previously stated. Mainly Arrowhead is an impressively Burley man-handled excursion. The strain provides the structural pillar for the overall taste profile in general. It rides fat, wide, and dominant, commanding the bulk of middle band flavor. Standardly the leaf steadily projects a considerate, brown-sugared pecan nuttiness with charming and embellished nuances of dark cocoa highlights, strapping bottom-focused molasses, and a quality of sensible herbal seasoning on the finish. Yummy to all Burley aficionados.

Just behind the shadow of the masterful Burley circulating with consistency, is the Acadian. The Perique extends a course of dark fruity must and a bit of spicy wood. Respectfully, you do get a tad of tingling effect on the retro-hale as a felt promise of its influence. Its contribution, in my opinion, differentiates this aromatic within the broader class as entirely superior.

Coming in as an additional contender of complimenting wealth is the Green River/Cavendish. Being of mixed variety its notation is fairly constant and impactful all the same. Entering with these assorted strains is a facet of natural wooded spice and a minty zest, which brings further saturation of fashionable depth to the already heady native registration.

As to the Latakia, it is very elusive at best, requiring considerable focus to record its minimalized influence. The Cyprian does however carry a degree of noteworthy leather, woodiness, and a tinge of soured earthiness. Primarily its most significant function is to moderate the coolness as the mixture does tend to burn steadily at a lower temperature.

Finally, lying somewhat passively on the base is the confluence of the tasty Virginia elements. Their power tends to wane in magnitude throughout the bowl, being marginally suppressed by the Burley-Cav-Perique trifecta. Generally, the Virginians’ character leans to color the bottom registration with a resounding tangy grass. Although you can catch fleeting nodes of the darker wood of Red leaf on occasion. When combined with the molasses/brown sugar elements coming from the Burley, the modified darker VA pulls forward with a projection that is more maple pancake-like in ambience, at least that’s how I would best describe it.

As you continue to smoke Arrowhead, the flavorings tend to slide off just a degree leaving a more muted version of their originality but still succulent altogether. At that point the blend’s tone takes on a deeper and more robust character, endowing heightened earthy woodiness as the darker Burley and natural Cavendish move further centered. On that note, the supportive Perique and Virginia both tend to float thinly in a more controlled accenting manner but remain savory to the end.

Finding that it smokes ideally within a simple hardwood cob, Arrowhead burns superbly cool while holding a reliable flame. Of note, it can be a touch rough if you become ambitious with the drawl. The vapors produced by its extinguishing are fairly hardy as the tobaccos project a smoky fragrance that is both sweetly spiced and meaty in natural leaf essence. No bite and tame of nicotine jitters, this mixture is a wonderful piping retreat for the greater population of smokers in my opinion. Absolutely love it. Arrowhead’s tip has smartly pierced my pipe smoking heart. Clearly a 3.6 Pipe rating!

Arrowhead has become my go-to blend when I want a neutrally-delicious smoke, not a heavy English or Balkan or fruity Va/VaPer or deep chocolate/vanilla or intense Burley. It has all the components in a carefully-composed concoction. It's tasty and comforting, no mind-bending 300% nic-hit. Perfect blend to accompany a workday. Did I mention that I quite like it?

Very tasty. Nice and sweet, the vanilla comes through the entire bowl but doesn't give a chemical taste at all. It felt a little wet, but smokes great. No bite, no gurgle. Hints of spice pop in here and there, along with some grassy/earthy tones. A little brightness too...there is a lot going on here. Needs some relights, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Just a really solid tobacco from a pretty cool place. If you are ever in Flint, MI, Paul's Pipe Shop is definitely worth a stop.