Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) Sir Walter Raleigh

This tobacco is the elephant in the room. Everyone looks over it because it's a drugstore blend but most who deride it have never actually tried it. I know, because I was one of them.

Sir Walter was the ONLY tobacco smoked by a dear friend for over 25 years. I always liked the room note but never tried a bowl from his ever present tin in his office. I spent those 25 years smoking 1 tin after another in the quest for the next great tobacco. He just continued to savor his pipe day after day after year and always seemed content.

SWR Smells like a rich chocolate liqueur from the pouch or tin. It seems a little too dry, but it packs and smokes really well. Further, if it is a bit dry verses other drug store blends, then you just get more tobacco and less water per pound so that's another plus.

The taste is very smooth. The chocolate is present with a sort of raisen back flavor. Smokes nicely down with rarely a relight and so far, never a bite. I quit whenever it goes out after I'm past 1/2 bowl. Usually about 1/8th bowl left unsmoked dottle. It just keeps smoking nicely with a rich cloud of smoke and a very pleasant aroma. I wish I had tried this many years ago. I have wasted a lot of time and effort on higher cost, lesser flavor tobaccos. I certainly endores SWR Regular.

When I first started smoking a pipe in my late teens, I smoked a lot of awful whiskey- and cherry-flavored abominations but somehow skipped all the classic "codger" blends (Carter Hall, Prince Albert, Granger, Half and Half, Five Brothers, Sir Walter Raleigh). I decided 2022 was the year to rectify that omission, and so I started with Carter Hall. I was relatively disappointed with Carter Hall (see my review on this site) and was afraid all of the codger blends on my list would similarly disappoint. I was wrong. Sir Walter Raleigh is simply an amazing pipe tobacco.

First, the name itself is a tribute to a Renaissance man and adventurer who, if he didn't introduce tobacco to England, at the very least popularized it. I discovered by browsing the Wikipedia entry on Sir Walter that after his execution a tobacco pouch was found in his jail cell that was engraved with the Latin words: "Comes meus fuit in illo miserrimo tempore" ("It was my companion at that most miserable time"). Who among us hasn't thought that of their pipe and tobacco??? So, yes, smoking a tobacco with Sir Walter Raleigh's name adds to the experience.

Next, the packaging is just exquisite. The font, the engraving of Sir Walter smoking a pipe, the colors. It solidly feels like it came out of the 1920's and your grandfather's (or perhaps great-grandfather's) piping days, but also has a timeless quality that could just as easily fit in the Victorian Age or today. I just love it.

The tin note is of wonderful classic burley tobacco with hints of cocoa and coffee. It will bring you back to the memories of the first time you walked into a tobacco shop. And the cut just "feels right" and packs wonderfully.

Now, onto the smoke itself: it is simply divine. It lights instantly and welcomes you with a rich burley flavor with strong chocolate notes. It is the classic pipe tobacco taste that you may have never realized you've been searching for, and you just want to keep smoking it. It produces a luxuriant, thick smoke that you can feel in your mouth and nostrils. It burns extraordinarily cool and leaves just a bit of moisture in the bowl. It has a light nic-hit (which I like; I'm a lightweight when it comes to Vitamin N) and leaves pleasant room note. It can easily be returned to throughout the day. And, added bonus, the aftertaste it leaves in your mouth is rich, chocolatey and pleasant.

I was really blown away by this tobacco, and spent a full week comparing it to Carter Hall and some other pipe tobaccos to see if maybe I was being too generous with my initial impressions because I had set the bar so low. But in the end I have come to the conclusion that this is a top-notch pipe tobacco. If I was told Sir Walter Raleigh was the only pipe tobacco I could smoke for the rest of my days, I would not be disheartened.

This is a great tobacco at any price. The fact that it is so inexpensive is just one extra plus.

Sir Walter, this is the El Dorado you were searching for all along.

Hello guys so todays review is an american classic sir walter raleigh

Opening the pouch the cut reminded me of another classic otc available in england..condor and the aromas make me think it is laced with alcohol particularly mulled wine Fed into my cob it packs very well And smoking it tastes not to dissimilar to carter hall a good nutty chocolately burley that i could smoke all day long It is a beautiful smoke and just a good honest bowl of tobacco which leads me to wonder why it isnt imported to england but ce la vie

Highly recommended for anyone looking for something straight foreward and simple I can see why it has such a loyal following

"Comes meus fuit illo miserrimo tempo"... Or in my native English "It was my companion at that most miserable time." This is what my tobacco was to me.

'Twas many years after my escapades in the Americas, what I hath considered to be the prime of mine own life, that I was sitting in my prison tower, awaiting execution. It wasn't the first time I had been in prison. My first imprisonment came shortly after I broke off my relations with Queen Elizabeth for one of her hand maidens. This enraged the Queen, my backing out of our love affair. I wanted someone new, young and fresh. In the end, I spent the fair Queen for all she was worth in the Bedroom; the woman was experienced, I shall commend her to that. Quite naughty was our affair; many times she wouldsts pleasure me in most the inopportune of places, such as at the royal Banquets. Often during those banquets she would commence to pleasure me beneath the dinner table by giving to me a handeth jobbeth amidst the meal and conversation. The Queen's methods were quite clever in nature, often she would take a pat of butter or grease from a turkey leg in place of lubricant in order to "do her Majesty's work". I would maintain my composure through out, not a one at the dinner parties wouldst be aware of what was occurring beneath the tablecloth, for even at my moment of climax, my face was as solemn as a sailor. She took thrill in the possibility of being caught. Many times I wouldst receive a reacheth aroundeth, or she wouldst ride me as if I were a noble steed. But however pleasurable she may have been, nothing could make up for that foul face which she bore. And her hand maiden was privy to all the same tricks as the Queen, and more refined and well developed tricks of a younger generation. I shouldst mention also that the youth of the bonny lass contributed to the dexterity of her hands and fingers. She was also able to rolleth her tongue. Consequently the Queen, in a Jealous rage, threw us into prison. We stayed there until the Queen needed me to embark on expeditions to the Americas. This only gave me more free time to explore the maiden's "Golden City."

That 'twas the first time. On this second occasion I am accused of espionage, which may or may not be truth. As I sat there I sought back in mine own mind to the prime days. Days when I explored for the city of Gold, and found only jungle and women whom wouldst pleasure me to the extent of which I felt as if I had turned to gold! I think back to the disaster days of Roanoke, that glorious debacle. I lighteth my pipe of tobacco one last time, to enjoy my old friend before death is dealt my way.

I take my last puff of smoke as the guards come take me away to have my head severed. No matter, I hath shared a bed with more women that one couldst count; my life 'tis complete. I am guided to the city square where many hath gathered to watch the Great Sir Walter Raleigh be executed. I look into the executioners eyes as I kneel down before the chopping block. I request to see the blade that will take my life. 'Twas a good blade, indeed. To the executioner I say "Let us dispatch, At this hour my ague comes upon me. I would not have my enemies think I quaked from fear" I lay my head on the block, ready for the death dealing blow of the ax, as I cry out "STRIKE MAN, STRIKE, as I did to thine mother last night!" In blind rage, executioner swings his axe. Darkness.

I really like this tobacco. When I picked it up I expected this to be another chapter in the book of Uncle Sam's, good old american pie hard workin' blue collar tobacco blends. Blends like Carter Hall, Velvet, and Prince Albert are all blends in this category. In the end they are good no nonsense blends but nothing to really get excited about.

Surprisingly Sir Walter Raleigh got me excited. There is a topping here, I think it is licorice/Anise. Whatever it is it is very subtle on the smoke. Its almost like the pipe you are using has been used to smoke licorice blends for years. Its just in the background, and has just enough presence to keep me interested. I find myself chasing that taste, and every once in a while it will really come through and scratch that proverbial itch, then it is gone again.

This is a usual burley blend. It has a nice nutty taste and it pairs beautifully with coffee.

The cut of this tobacco perplexes me. It reminds me of mulch, or that gunpowder green tea, or those rocks you put in the bottom of a fish tank. There are some small tobacco "pellets" that are hard to break up and kinda make this blend an annoying one to pack. I think this may affect the burn too as sometimes this stuff needs the gentle reminder of a lit match.

If you really want this blend to shine devote a pipe to it, even just a cob. The flavors develop when the tobacco has its own natural habitat.

Good stuff, highly recommended.

I have smoked it as part of my tobacco rotation for the last six months, but I'm going to look for something different. It's not bad, but it's not great either.

Basics: Sir Walter Raleigh is a burley blend of pipe tobacco. It's an OTC (over the counter) blend which is widely available in the US. It has been around for a long time. Also, it's inexpensive. A 1.5 ounce sack costs about $3.50 - $5. A 14 ounce tub costs about $25-$30. The cut is a mix of cube cut and coarse cut, that resembles granola. It loads easily into a pipe by scooping it with the bowl. It sometimes needs a relight, but not often. The nicotine content is mild to medium.

Good: The taste. The basic flavor is tobacco. There is also a light nuttiness, a light sweetness, and a light toasted flavor. The casing is light and sometimes undetectable. The taste is consistent throughout the bowl.

Better: It makes a good mixer. Because it's burley, it has a mild flavor and it can take on the flavor of whatever else that it's mixed with. I have used it to stretch some of my more expensive tobaccos. I have also used it to give body to cheaper tobaccos (like Smoker's Pride blends, when my sweet tooth craves an aromatic). I have blended it in 1:1 or 1:2 and 1:3 ratios.

Bad: The humectant in it sometimes leaves a soapy or slimy aftertaste in my mouth. Also, it is a simple blend; and I find that I'm getting bored with it.

Conclusion: I give Sir Walter Raleigh 2 stars out 4. Again, it's not bad, and it can be useful as a mixer, but it's not great either.

I think we have been misjudging what the Ole Sir Walter has to offer us pipers. As seems to be the case with most drugstore blends over the years. To really enjoy this blend's full potential, spread some on a baking sheet and let air out until.crisp or dry to the touch. Next, rub about a bowlful between your fingers letting it turn into a powdery mix (not as fine as sawdust though). Proceed to fill the bowl using the gravity method gradually and stop about three quarters of the way. Tamper down then give a false light. Tamper again gently then relight. Brother, the experience is like night and day. At first the taste is salty, slightly sour, followed by.a nutty and milk chocolatey note. Midway down a hint of sweetness and floral lurking underneath. Being a fan of Velvet this took me by surprise. For the aroma, think of brownies baking. This can be one's go to, morning delight or after dinner treat. Trust me you won't be disappointed.

45 years ago when I ventured into smoking a pipe I found that most drugstore tobacco burned my tongue. I settled for Middleton cherry as it had the most complimentary aroma. I gave up pipes for a long while. 20 years later I revived my interest in pipes. I was persuaded into being a tobacco snob. Specialty store tobacco only. Then, hoity toity no smoking laws erupted thus making it difficult to take the time to enjoy a pipe away from home. I once again gave up my pipes, choosing cigarettes instead. (Never fear I'm getting to my point. Slowly, I know, but I am getting there.) I am now back to my favorite use of tobacco, yeh, my pipes. I have, previously, steadfastly avoided drugstore tobacco but have since delved into this "forbidden trove of tobacco trash". I have tried Prince Albert, Half and Half, Carter Hall, Velvet and Sir Walter Raleigh. I really enjoy the SWR and Velvet. I am not dissatisfied with Carter Hall and while P.A. was a good smoke it was a little heavy on my palette. The more SWR I smoke the more I enjoy it (same with Velvet). They are both pleasing to my palette. No undesirable aftertaste. They burn very well for me. I still have some tobacco shop tobacco left, which I will smoke, eventually. I have access to SWR without having to wait for it to be shipped to me. (Odd how society waited for years to get away from mail order just to end up returning to that format). For me it will be SWR, Velvet or a certain tobacco shop in Billings, Mo. that has the cherry tobacco that I like so very much. I have not hoped to persuade or dissuade anyone for or against any type or brand of tobacco. I like SWR and will continue to smoke it. Everyone's palette is different otherwise there would be no need for different types or blends of tobacco. Smoke what you enjoy because I will. Have a nice day while you have a nice smoke.

As a young boy I remember the ever-present tub of Sir Walter Raleigh pipe tobacco sitting beside my grandfather’s favorite armchair. Along with a simple 1940’s style Dr. Grabow briar, the recognizable orange and blue can was always nicely positioned for comfortable access on his treasured Sears Silvertone Depression era wooden cabinet radio.

The chair, the radio, the pipe, and the pen and ink rendering of Sir Walter looking pleasantly satisfied with clay pipe smartly clenched, and all are images of Old Joe that I will forever cherish and remember. Here it is some 40 plus years later and the tradition of partaking this darn near century old blend continues.

Sir Walter Raleigh Burley has stood the test of time as one of the classic OTC blends that has delighted generations of enthusiast pipers world around. Rightly so, as if it were not for Walter Raleigh and his foundational efforts to bring tobacco smoking to the civilized world in the late 1500’s, who knows what you and I would be doing to amuse ourselves at the present.

The stewardship of the blend has changed hands multiple times over the past century and now is continued by the Scandinavian Tobacco Company. History has it, up to very end, when he was tragically put before the guillotine at Westminster, Raleigh was an avid promoter of the benefit of pipe smoking. A lonely pouch of his last tobacco was found on the jail cell floor upon his execution. It was inscribed with the words “It was my companion at the most miserable of times”, how befitting.

Sir Walter Raleigh, generally speaking, is pretty much a straight Burley concoction, although the packaging advertises it has an aromatic. As opposed to Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic proper, which is another tasty mix, the original is characteristically mild in the added flavoring profile. Principally, the base tobacco is laced with spicy anisette and gentle sugars. The registration on these agents is extremely gentle at best.

Visually Sir Walter Raleigh carries the common distinction of being a unique cut of tobaccos. Comprised by a hoary russet textured mass of cube-cut, rough jagged chards, larger strips of ribbon and dainty flecks, one is presented with an enticing invitation for the partaking of a classic mixture. Straight from the pouch, one is easily able to pinch a pillow or two of white and dark Kentucky Burley for the immediate smoking as the moisture levels are ideal for pleasurable consumption.

As the pouch note is generally unassuming and subdued, one must really sniff deep and long to form a meaningful sense of the blend’s essence. Sir Walter conveys predominately a subtle perfume of sweet base woodiness with light whiffs of fleeting sugar, cocoa, and licorice-like spice. Very discreet compared to other codger type blends.

With respect to the taste of this time-aged recipe, the main flavoring is characterized by a toasty-nuttiness and earthly dark wood spirit. Soft chocolate and spicy anise accents are embedded in the sweet-tart base surrounded by brown sugar/molasses support. The native and superbly poignant sour notes of the Kentucky burley surface periodically adding a nice, tasty twist to the overall charm of this blend. I feel the true lure of Sir Walter comes to live about half-way down the burning bowl.

For a codger blend, Sir Walter is essentially smooth and somewhat creamy in texture. It burns cool, slowly, and dry. Smoking this mix, one experiences neither harshness nor bite. By no means complex, this aromatic Burley offers the smoker a consistently mellow and appeasing piping experience. Having smoked it many times myself, I get why my grandfather loved this creation. Furthermore, it can also be mixed straight in with some other varietals for an added Burley boost treat.

The room note upon its burning is very delicate and transient as compared to typical Burley based blends. Sir Walter leaves its mark as a warm toasty sweet wood fragrance. The nic kick in minimal and this blend pairs with any type of beverage, especially morning coffees.

Easily an all-day favorite to countless Burley enthusiast. One cannot honestly state that they are a standard Burley-smoker if in fact Sir Walter Raleigh as never graced the inners of their pipe. Notwithstanding, one should give this blend a try if nothing else because of its historic significance. Many of our luxury blends sold today found their genus in this and other existing codger mixture; respect it!

Forty years from the present, I will be long gone and just a memory to those left to carry on the family namesake. Perhaps one of my own grandsons will have a similar recollection of Pappa Jim. Assuming that this blend is still in circulation, I would like to think that they themselves follow the family tradition and light a bowl in my memory.

Sir Walter Raleigh Burley a classic for generations to come hopefully.