Exclusiv No. 1 (Royal)

An often overlooked gem... no wonder since Exclusiv is known for cheap, (imho) artificial aromatics with no tobacco flavors whatsoever... but with this (literally) royal mixture, they pulled off a most delicious stunt! Wonderful tin-note dominated by the tobaccos spiciness, followed by a mellow sweetness and the exceptionally mild topping, which reminds me of ripe, juicy oranges. But it may also have a slight alcoholic undertone or something else maybe, not quite sure of that, yet either way its a natural smelling and tasting topping!

In the smoke the tobaccos are up front - all the time, and by far! The Burleys, Orientals and VAs melt excellently, with the Burley and Orientals taking a weighty-, if not a lead-role. Very nutty and pleasantly spicy, with ethereal, woodsy and earthy notes to be found.. just rich, honest, codger tobacco flavor! Underscored by the Virginias smoothness and wondefully mellow sweetness, and topped with the very mild flavoring that reminds me of ripe, juice-dripping oranges and maybe a hint of some kind of liquor in the back. Hard to put the finger on the flavoring is very characteristic and unique to me!

If you have to mind the room-note, but also want some natural, spicy tobacco aroma in you pipe Exclusiv Royal is THE weed to burn! Sweet n spicy, charming room note. Somewhat manly in its scent, yet very friendly to the fine noses of just as fine ladys; spreading that "oh, (grand)pa used to smoke pipe tobacco just like that!"-feeling 😉 One I'll always keep at hand.. a traditional blend, well known round here and beloved by many old codgers!

When I purchased my first pouch of this about 6 months ago, I didn’t know what to think. Although I experienced heavy tongue bite at first, after 5 or 6 bowls it seemed to disappear. In the beginning it was the after taste that kept brining me back for more but soon the taste of this tobacco really began to grow on me. I think the key is to smoke it at just the right moisture level to bring out its true flavor. Don’t make up your mind on this one too quickly either; give it a chance, it may grow on you as well. Exclusiv Royal is currently my go to smoke and I’m now buying up as much of it as I can get as it will no longer be sold here in Mexico. With all the stellar brands now available in the US I can see how this old German OTC can be overlooked. I highly recommend it, not because it’s inexpensive, but because it’s a true living German classic. In agreement with pipey duck, it would be a shame if this blend were to disappear.

This tobacco blend reminded me a little of P.S. cube-cut. Slightly milder and much easier to light due to the "granular" cut. It comes in thin small flakes, somewhat larger than a cube-cut tobacco. The flavor is more interesting also due to the inclusion of Oriental(Turkish) leaf. The tin just says "Royal" then in smaller letters below it says "mild granulated". It is mild in the sense that Dunhills' Light Flake is mild. A very easy product to fill your bowl also. Just loosen the tobacco some and sweep your pipe bowl through it and you are about 80% filled. Don't pack it too firmly. Perfect moisture content as recieved and smokes slow and steady all the way down. Well recommended for those who are tired of all the mixtures that include Latakia or Perique.