- Tobacco Name: Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan
- Manufacturer: Kohlhase & Kopp
- Original Manufacturer: Astley’s
- Blend Type: Virginia
- Cut Type: Ribbon
- Strength Level: Mild
- Overall Rating: 3.5
- Primary Tobaccos: Bright Virginia, Red Virginia
- Similar Blends: Esoterica Dorchester, Peterson Early Morning Pipe, Dunhill Flake
- Recommended Pairings: Earl Grey tea, light coffee, white wine, mild cheese
- Recommended For: Beginners, Virginia enthusiasts seeking mild blends, all-day smokers
- Avoid If: You prefer strong tobaccos, complex flavor evolution, or fast smoking
- Tin Note/Aroma: 4
- Flavor Development: 3
- Burn Quality: 4
- Smoothness: 3
- Recommend: 3
- Pipe Smoked: Peterson System Standard 303
- Availability: Currently Available
Essential Information
TL;DR
Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of straightforward Virginia tobacco. Originally crafted in England and now expertly maintained by Kohlhase & Kopp, this mild ribbon cut delivers exactly what it promises: clean, uncomplicated Virginia character without pretense or complexity. The blend showcases grassy, hay-like notes with subtle citrus undertones and a gentle buttery sweetness that never overwhelms. While some may find its mildness limiting, this very quality makes it an exceptional choice for beginners and an excellent all-day smoke for experienced pipers seeking respite from stronger blends. The tobacco burns consistently and evenly, though it demands patience—rush it, and you’ll face the sharp reminder of tongue bite. At 3.5 stars, it earns solid recommendation for its reliability, approachability, and honest Virginia character, even if it won’t challenge your palate or provide the complexity that advanced smokers often crave.
The Experience: A Deep Dive into Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan by Kohlhase & Kopp
First Impressions
Tin Note: Opening the distinctive gold tin of Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan releases an immediately recognizable Virginia aroma that speaks to tradition and simplicity. The scent carries the classic hay-field sweetness that defines quality Virginia tobacco, accompanied by subtle notes of dried grass and a whisper of citrus zest. There’s a clean, almost pastoral quality to the aroma—imagine walking through sun-dried meadows after harvest, with hints of honey and light earth dancing beneath the primary grassy notes. The tin note promises exactly what this blend delivers: honest, uncomplicated Virginia character without artifice or surprise. It’s neither bold nor assertive, but rather inviting in its gentle familiarity, setting expectations for a refined yet accessible smoking experience.
Appearance: The ribbon cut presents beautifully in the tin, displaying the golden-brown hues characteristic of well-processed Virginia leaf. The cut is fine and consistent, almost approaching shag territory, which explains both its easy packing properties and its tendency to burn quickly when not properly managed. The tobacco appears well-balanced in moisture content—neither too dry nor overly moist—with individual strands maintaining their integrity while remaining pliable. The color ranges from light golden yellow to deeper amber tones, suggesting a blend of different Virginia grades that contribute to the overall flavor profile. Occasional darker flecks hint at more mature leaf, while the predominant lighter tones speak to the blend’s mild character. The presentation is clean and professional, reflecting the careful attention Kohlhase & Kopp brings to maintaining this classic English recipe.
The Smoke: Journey Through the Bowl
Packing and Lighting: Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan demonstrates exceptional cooperation during the packing process, settling naturally into my Peterson System Standard 303 with minimal effort. The fine ribbon cut requires a gentle touch—too firm a pack and you’ll restrict airflow, too loose and it burns like tinder. I find the sweet spot lies in a slightly looser pack than I might use with flakes or coarser cuts, allowing the tobacco to breathe while maintaining structural integrity. The initial light takes readily, with the tobacco accepting flame eagerly and establishing an even burn across the surface. The char light burns clean and bright, while the true light settles into a steady, manageable ember that promises good things ahead. This blend rewards patience from the very beginning, establishing the rhythm that will define the entire smoking experience.
Initial Flavor: The opening third of the bowl introduces the smoker to Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan’s fundamental character with gentle authority. The first draws reveal the classic Virginia profile in its purest form—grassy sweetness dominates, accompanied by subtle hay-like notes that evoke summer meadows and traditional English countryside. There’s a delicate citrus brightness that adds dimension without overwhelming the primary Virginia character, reminiscent of lemon zest rather than bold orange. The tobacco’s natural sugars begin to caramelize almost immediately, creating a light buttery undertone that softens any potential sharpness. The nicotine presence remains firmly in mild territory, making this an approachable introduction for newcomers while providing seasoned smokers with a gentle, contemplative experience. The smoke texture feels clean and light on the palate, with no harsh edges or aggressive notes to disturb the peaceful progression.
Mid-Bowl: As the bowl progresses into its middle third, Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan reveals its consistent nature—what you taste initially is largely what you’ll experience throughout. The grassy Virginia notes deepen slightly, taking on more pronounced hay-like qualities while maintaining their fundamental sweetness. Subtle earth tones begin to emerge, adding a gentle grounding element that prevents the blend from becoming one-dimensional. The citrus notes persist but integrate more fully with the overall profile, creating a harmonious balance rather than distinct flavor layers. This consistency, while perhaps lacking the dramatic evolution that some smokers crave, provides a reliable and meditative smoking experience. The tobacco continues to burn evenly with proper attention, though it will remind you quickly if your puffing cadence becomes too aggressive. The room note remains pleasant and unobtrusive, earning approval from nearby non-smokers.
Finish: The final third of Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan maintains the blend’s characteristic reliability while introducing subtle variations that reward attentive smoking. The Virginia sweetness becomes more concentrated as moisture evaporates, intensifying the natural sugars without crossing into cloying territory. Earth tones become more pronounced, adding depth and complexity to what began as a straightforward profile. The citrus notes fade gracefully, leaving behind a clean, slightly tangy finish that cleanses the palate. The tobacco burns completely with minimal dottle, leaving behind fine white ash that speaks to quality leaf and proper processing. The aftertaste lingers pleasantly but briefly, providing a satisfying conclusion without overwhelming the senses. This gentle fade makes it an excellent choice for situations where you need to return to normal activities without carrying strong tobacco flavors.
Room Note: The ambient aroma of Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan earns consistent praise from both smokers and non-smokers alike. The room note carries the same gentle, grassy sweetness that defines the smoking experience, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of autumn leaves and countryside walks. Unlike more assertive blends that can dominate a space, this tobacco provides a subtle, pleasant background fragrance that enhances rather than overwhelms the environment. The scent dissipates relatively quickly, making it suitable for indoor smoking where consideration for others is paramount. There’s nothing offensive or intrusive about the aroma—it simply adds a touch of traditional tobacco ambiance without demanding attention or causing complaints.
Strength: The nicotine content of Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan firmly establishes itself in mild territory, making it accessible to smokers of all experience levels. Veterans accustomed to stronger blends will find this a gentle respite that allows for extended smoking sessions without overwhelming the system. Beginners will appreciate the forgiving nature that permits learning proper technique without fear of nicotine overload. The strength remains consistent throughout the bowl, never building to uncomfortable levels or surprising the smoker with unexpected intensity. This predictability makes it an excellent choice for all-day smoking or situations where you need to maintain alertness and composure. The mild strength also allows the tobacco’s natural flavors to shine without being masked by nicotine harshness.
Final Thoughts: Verdict on Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan
Overall Assessment
Overall Impression: Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan succeeds brilliantly at being exactly what it claims to be—a pure, mild Virginia blend that prioritizes accessibility and consistency over complexity and challenge. Originally crafted by the legendary Astley’s of London and now faithfully maintained by Kohlhase & Kopp, this tobacco represents the best of traditional English blending philosophy: quality leaf, careful processing, and respect for the tobacco’s natural character. While it may not provide the flavor fireworks that some modern smokers seek, it offers something equally valuable—reliability, approachability, and the kind of honest tobacco experience that has satisfied pipe smokers for generations. The blend’s greatest strength lies in its ability to serve multiple roles: introduction for beginners, palate cleanser for experienced smokers, and dependable all-day companion for those who appreciate subtlety over intensity.
Smoking Experience: From a technical standpoint, Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan performs admirably across all measures that matter to practical pipe smoking. The tobacco packs easily and consistently, lights readily, and burns evenly when treated with appropriate respect. The fine ribbon cut requires attention to puffing cadence—rush it and you’ll face tongue bite, but maintain proper rhythm and you’ll be rewarded with a smooth, satisfying experience. The blend produces minimal moisture, burns completely to fine ash, and requires only occasional relights when smoked attentively. These technical virtues make it an excellent choice for situations where you want to focus on the smoking experience itself rather than constantly managing problematic tobacco. The consistency of performance builds confidence and allows smokers to develop proper technique without fighting against the blend’s characteristics.
Recommendations
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5 Stars) – Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan earns solid recommendation for its reliability, approachability, and honest Virginia character. While it lacks the complexity that would elevate it to exceptional status, it excels within its intended parameters. The half-star deduction reflects its limited flavor development and potential for monotony during extended smoking, but these limitations are offset by its technical excellence and broad appeal. This rating acknowledges both the blend’s strengths and its limitations, positioning it as a valuable addition to any cellar without overstating its capabilities.
Who Should Try It: Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan deserves serious consideration from several distinct groups of pipe smokers. Beginners will find it an ideal introduction to Virginia tobacco, offering classic characteristics without intimidating strength or complexity. Experienced smokers seeking a reliable all-day blend will appreciate its consistency and mild nature, particularly during busy periods when attention to smoking technique may be limited. Virginia enthusiasts looking to explore the milder end of the spectrum will discover a well-crafted example of restrained blending. Office smokers and those in social situations will value its pleasant room note and quick dissipation. Finally, anyone building a rotation that includes both strong and mild options will find this an excellent representative of the gentle end of the spectrum.
Who Should Avoid It: Certain smokers will likely find Astley’s No.55 Elizabethan insufficient for their preferences and smoking style. Those who prefer strong, full-bodied tobaccos will find the mild strength and gentle flavors underwhelming and potentially boring. Smokers who enjoy complex flavor evolution and dramatic changes throughout the bowl will be disappointed by the blend’s consistent, unchanging character. Fast smokers who prefer to puff aggressively will struggle with the tongue bite that results from improper technique with this fine-cut tobacco. Adventure seekers looking for unique or challenging smoking experiences should look elsewhere, as this blend prioritizes familiarity over innovation. Finally, those who smoke primarily for nicotine satisfaction will find the mild strength inadequate for their needs.
Additional Notes: The transition from original Astley’s production to Kohlhase & Kopp manufacturing represents one of the more successful heritage blend preservations in recent pipe tobacco history. The German company has maintained the essential character that made this blend popular while ensuring consistent quality and availability. Originally produced by Astley’s of London, this blend carries forward the English tradition of straightforward Virginia blending that prioritized tobacco quality over gimmickry. The current 50-gram tin format provides adequate quantity for proper evaluation while remaining accessible to casual purchasers. Aging potential exists but isn’t necessary—this tobacco smokes well immediately and improves modestly with time rather than transforming dramatically. The blend’s availability makes it an excellent candidate for bulk purchasing by those who appreciate its character, and its stability ensures consistent performance across different production runs. For collectors of English heritage blends, this represents an important link to traditional London tobacco craftsmanship, now preserved and continued by skilled German blenders who understand and respect the original vision
