- Tobacco Name: Astley’s No. 1 Mixture
- Manufacturer: Astley’s
- Original Manufacturer: N/A
- Blend Type: English
- Cut Type: Ribbon
- Strength Level: Medium
- Overall Rating: 4.0
- Primary Tobaccos: Virginia, Latakia, Oriental
- Similar Blends: Dunhill Standard Mixture, Peterson Old Dublin
- Recommended Pairings: Black coffee, single malt whisky, dark chocolate
- Recommended For: English blend enthusiasts, those seeking a balanced Latakia experience without being overwhelmed.
- Avoid If: You dislike Latakia or prefer heavily cased aromatics.
- Tin Note/Aroma: 4
- Flavor Development: 4
- Burn Quality: 4
- Smoothness: 4
- Recommend: 4
- Pipe Smoked: Peterson Sherlock Holmes Original
- Availability: Discontinued
Essential Information
TL;DR
Astley’s No. 1 Mixture is a classic English blend that offers a harmonious and satisfying smoking experience. This ribbon cut blend delivers a medium-bodied smoke with a nuanced interplay of Latakia, Virginia, and Oriental tobaccos. Its balanced character and smooth performance make it a beloved choice for those who appreciate traditional English mixtures. Now produced by Kohlhase & Kopp, this blend maintains its legacy as a refined and approachable mixture, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers to English blends and seasoned enthusiasts. A truly elegant and highly recommended blend for contemplative smoking sessions.
The Experience: A Deep Dive into Astley’s No. 1 Mixture by Kohlhase & Kopp
First Impressions
Tin Note: Upon opening a tin of Astley’s No. 1 Mixture, a comforting and familiar aroma immediately greets the senses. The distinctive smoky, almost campfire-like scent of Latakia is present, but it’s not aggressive; rather, it’s mellowed by the sweet, hay-like notes of Virginia and a delicate, almost floral spiciness from the Orientals. It’s a complex and inviting bouquet that speaks of quality components and thoughtful blending, promising a sophisticated and well-integrated smoke. This tin note is a classic invitation to the world of English pipe tobacco, evoking memories of traditional tobacco shops and cozy smoking rooms.
Appearance: The blend presents as a beautifully uniform ribbon cut, a tapestry of dark browns and blacks from the Latakia and Orientals, interwoven with lighter golden and reddish strands of Virginia. The ribbons are consistent in their cut, neither too fine nor too coarse, ensuring an easy and even pack. The moisture content is typically spot-on right out of the tin, making it ready to load into the pipe without any additional drying time. Its visual appeal is a prelude to the balanced and refined smoking experience it offers, with each strand promising to contribute its unique character to the overall blend.
The Smoke: Journey Through the Bowl
Packing and Lighting: Preparing Astley’s No. 1 Mixture for smoking is a straightforward affair, thanks to its perfect ribbon cut. It packs effortlessly into my Peterson Sherlock Holmes Original, allowing for a consistent draw without any resistance. The charring light takes easily, producing a thick, fragrant smoke, and a single true light is usually sufficient to get the bowl burning evenly. This blend is remarkably well-behaved, requiring minimal relights and maintaining a cool, consistent burn throughout the entire smoke. It allows the smoker to focus entirely on the evolving flavors without the distraction of constant maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both contemplative smoking and social occasions.
Initial Flavor: The first few puffs immediately establish the blend’s English character with remarkable finesse. The Latakia introduces a gentle, woody smokiness that’s reminiscent of a distant campfire, which is quickly complemented by the natural sweetness of the Virginias, providing a bready, slightly tangy foundation. The Orientals emerge with a subtle, dry spice and a hint of sourness that adds complexity without being sharp or overwhelming. The initial impression is one of remarkable balance, with no single component dominating the palate. The smoke is smooth and cool from the outset, with no hint of tongue bite, even when eagerly puffed by an enthusiastic smoker.
Mid-Bowl: As the smoke progresses into the mid-bowl, Astley’s No. 1 Mixture truly comes into its own, revealing the masterful blending that has made it a classic. The various components begin to interweave more intricately, creating a symphony of flavors. The Latakia deepens, becoming richer and more incense-like, while the Virginias develop a more pronounced sweetness, often with notes of dried fruit and honey. The Orientals become more assertive, contributing a delightful sour-sweetness and a nuanced spiciness that keeps the palate engaged and curious. The balance is exquisite, with no single tobacco dominating, creating a complex yet harmonious flavor profile that evolves gently with each puff. The smoke remains cool and dry, a testament to the blend’s quality and careful preparation.
Finish: The final third of the bowl sees a subtle intensification of the core English flavors, bringing the smoking experience to a satisfying crescendo. The smokiness of the Latakia becomes a touch more prominent, providing a satisfying, lingering presence that speaks to the blend’s English heritage. The Virginias and Orientals continue to offer their sweet and spicy counterpoints, ensuring the blend remains engaging and flavorful to the very end. It burns down to a fine, powdery grey ash, leaving the pipe remarkably clean and dry. There is no bitterness or harshness, just a profound sense of satisfaction and a pleasant, lingering aftertaste that invites another bowl. It’s a testament to the blend’s construction that it maintains its character and smoothness right to the very end.
Room Note: The room note of Astley’s No. 1 Mixture is characteristic of a classic English blend: smoky, savory, and distinctly tobacco-forward. While it may not be universally adored by non-smokers, it is generally considered tolerable and even pleasant by those accustomed to pipe tobacco aromas. It carries a comforting, traditional scent that evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and scholarly pursuits. The aroma dissipates relatively quickly, leaving a faint, pleasant tobacco fragrance that doesn’t linger oppressively in the room.
Strength: Astley’s No. 1 Mixture sits squarely in the medium strength category, making it accessible to a wide range of smokers. It provides a satisfying nicotine presence that is noticeable but never overwhelming, making it suitable for an all-day smoke for many experienced smokers. It’s a well-balanced blend that delivers rich flavor and body without a heavy nicotine kick, allowing for prolonged enjoyment without feeling overstimulated or uncomfortable. New smokers will find it approachable, while veterans will appreciate its refined character.
Final Thoughts: Verdict on Astley’s No. 1 Mixture
Overall Assessment
Overall Impression: Astley’s No. 1 Mixture is a superb example of a classic English blend, striking a perfect balance between its constituent tobaccos. It offers a complex yet approachable smoking experience, where the Latakia provides depth and character without overpowering the natural sweetness of the Virginias or the exotic spice of the Orientals. This blend is a testament to the art of traditional blending, consistently delivering a refined and satisfying smoke that rewards both casual enjoyment and careful contemplation. It’s a blend that invites reflection and rewards the smoker with a nuanced flavor journey that unfolds beautifully from first light to final puff.
Smoking Experience: The technical performance of Astley’s No. 1 Mixture is exemplary in every regard. Its ribbon cut ensures effortless packing and a consistent, cool burn that requires minimal attention. It lights easily and stays lit with minimal fuss, producing a fine, dry ash that speaks to its quality preparation. Tongue bite is virtually non-existent, even when pushed, making it an incredibly forgiving and enjoyable blend for smokers of all experience levels. The moisture content out of the tin is ideal, contributing to its superb burn characteristics and overall smoking pleasure. This blend offers a reliable and trouble-free smoking experience, allowing the smoker to fully immerse themselves in its rich flavors and aromas.
Recommendations
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5 Stars) Astley’s No. 1 Mixture earns a solid 4.0 stars for its exceptional balance, classic English character, and consistent, smooth performance. It’s a highly recommended blend for any English tobacco aficionado and represents excellent value for its quality and complexity.
Who Should Try It: This blend is a must-try for anyone who appreciates classic English mixtures but prefers a more restrained Latakia presence. If you enjoy the interplay of Latakia, Virginia, and Oriental without any single component dominating, Astley’s No. 1 Mixture will be a welcome addition to your rotation. It’s also an excellent choice for those looking to explore English blends, offering a refined and balanced introduction to the category. Fans of Dunhill Standard Mixture or Peterson Old Dublin will find much to love here, as will anyone seeking a reliable, all-day English blend.
Who Should Avoid It: If you are new to pipe smoking and particularly sensitive to Latakia, or if you exclusively prefer heavily cased aromatic blends, this might not be the best starting point. While balanced, the Latakia presence is undeniable and characteristic of English blends. Those seeking a very strong nicotine hit might also find it a bit mild for their preferences, though most smokers will find its strength level perfectly satisfying.
Additional Notes: Astley’s No. 1 Mixture benefits from a little age, allowing the flavors to marry and deepen further over time. While it smokes beautifully fresh from the tin, cellaring a few tins will undoubtedly enhance its already impressive complexity and smoothness. Its timeless appeal and consistent quality make it a staple for any serious pipe smoker’s collection, a blend to return to again and again. Originally produced by Astley’s, this blend is now manufactured by Kohlhase & Kopp, who have maintained the original character and quality that made it a classic. The transition has been seamless, preserving the blend’s reputation and ensuring its continued availability for future generations of pipe smokers.
