Like many pipe smokers, I enjoy vintage tobaccos, especially those storied blends like Balkan Sobranie, John Cotton, G.L.Pease Stonehenge, Renaissance or Raven’s Wing, and Sullivan’s Gentleman’s Mixture. Thanks to Fred Hanna, I’ve added Marcovitch Black and White to this list, though I admit I’d never heard of the blend before Fred told me about it and let me experience some of his tin.

Of course, there are many blends that I could write about here. A discussion of Dunhill’s wonderful vintage blends could go on for pages. I am convinced that age ramps up the character of tobacco while it smooths it and endows it with more nuances. Tobacco is not unlike a person of strength, character, and intelligence in that age can transform the effects of these traits. There is truly something magical about how good tobacco becomes great with aging.

My vintage tobacco collection is quite modest, really. Unlike some people who acquired cases of these tobaccos and then cellared them, I bought only what I thought I might smoke. I have only started to cellar tobacco with some intent over the last five years or so.

As a result, I rarely open vintage tins. In fact, I only open them at shows or at gatherings where I can share them with my friends. I believe that sharing enhances the experience of a fine tobacco. I feel so much joy watching my friends revel in the experience. Sharing endows these moments with grist for comparison, conversation, and reflection.