- Manufacturer: Hampton House
- Blend Type: Virginia
- Cut Type: Ribbon
- Strength Level: medium
- Overall Rating: 4
- Primary Tobaccos: Red Virginia, burley, perique
- Similar Blends: Escudo Navy De Luxe, Mac Baren Navy Flake, Peter Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake
- Recommended Pairings: dark roast coffee, aged rum, almond biscotti
- Recommended For: intermediate smokers seeking a navy-style blend with complexity and ease of use
- Avoid If: you dislike Perique spice or prefer heavy aromatics
- Tin Note/Aroma: 4
- Flavor Development: 4
- Burn Quality: 4
- Smoothness: 4
- Recommendability: 4
TL;DR
Hampton House Old Salt Navy Blend is a modern, accessible interpretation of a time-honored tradition. Featuring Virginia-Red, dark burley, Perique, and a whisper of white Caribbean rum, this ribbon-cut tobacco delivers a smoke that’s nuanced yet easygoing. It starts with citrusy brightness and subtle sweetness, then deepens into a woodsy, spicy middle before concluding with dark cocoa and dried fruit. The rum infusion is present but never artificial—lending aroma rather than dominating the flavor. The ribbon cut makes for effortless packing and a clean, consistent burn, making this blend ideal for pipe smokers looking for a navy-style tobacco without the prep and patience of flake. With a medium strength and broad appeal, Old Salt is a comfortable companion for evening musings or weekend rituals. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polishes it just right. This is a tobacco that respects tradition but makes room for modern ease.
The Experience
First Impressions
Tin Note:
Pry open the tin and you’re greeted by a layered and quietly intriguing aroma. A subtle wave of sweet rum greets the nose—clean, light, and estery—more akin to a white daiquiri than a spiced holiday toddy. Beneath that, the Virginias offer up a bouquet of stewed figs and bready tang, while the dark burley anchors the scent with a mellow earthiness reminiscent of cocoa husk and damp walnut shells. The Perique lurks at the edges—a soft pepperiness and a faint echo of dried plum skin.
Appearance:
The presentation is tidy and consistent: a ribbon cut of medium width, slightly springy but not overly moist. Colors range from auburn Virginia strands to deep umber burley flecks and the occasional darker strand from the Perique. There’s a subtle sheen suggesting proper casing and curing—no stickiness, no artificial gloss. This is a working man’s navy blend, thoughtfully prepared.
The Smoke
Packing and Lighting:
Effortless. The ribbon cut slips into the bowl with cooperative compression, packing evenly and leaving no air pockets. A single charring light brings it to life with minimal fuss. After the true light, it stays lit with minor tamping. No need for relights unless you neglect it for long—this is tobacco that behaves well in the pipe, no matter the bowl size.
Initial Flavor:
The bowl opens with a gently sweet overture—bready, citrus-tinged Virginia lifted just enough by the light rum topping. The rum doesn’t scream; it sighs. Earthy burley hums a base note in the background, delivering a woody bitterness that frames the sweetness. Perique keeps its distance at first, adding a vague tingle on the retrohale but mostly waiting its turn.
Mid-Bowl:
Now the blend comes into its own. The Virginias darken—more raisin bread than bright citrus. The burley thickens, becoming nuttier, with faint dry cocoa and a touch of char. Perique steps forward, bringing a rhythmic tickle of black pepper and the unmistakable flavor of dried figs and old leather. The rum fades to a whisper, allowing the natural tobacco complexity to shine. This is where Old Salt earns its keep.
Finish:
The final third of the bowl deepens without bitterness. Burley and Perique take the lead—cocoa, earth, and pepper weaving into a sturdy close. The Virginias still peek through with baked sweetness. There’s a faint, almost ghostly echo of the rum’s ester high note, a reminder of where the journey began. The bowl smokes dry and clean to the heel, leaving no gurgle or residue.
Room Note:
Pleasantly traditional. Those nearby detect a soft cocoa sweetness and subtle spice—earthy but not pungent. The rum doesn’t dominate here either. This is the smell of a gentleman’s den, not a bakery or beach bar. Tolerable even to non-smokers, especially if paired with coffee.
Strength:
Squarely medium. There’s enough nicotine to satisfy, especially mid-bowl onward, but never to overwhelm. It’s the kind of strength that comforts without commanding. Suitable for an afternoon pause or an evening unwind.
Final Thoughts
Overall Assessment
Overall Impression:
Hampton House Old Salt Navy Blend doesn’t reinvent the navy blend, but it offers one of the most well-balanced and inviting interpretations available in ribbon form. Every component has its say—nothing shouts, nothing hides. The rum is elegant, not cloying. The Perique is expressive, not explosive. The burley and Virginia form a classic tandem, supporting the overall structure with tradition and taste.
Smoking Experience:
From preparation to ash, this blend performs beautifully. It lights easily, stays lit, and burns evenly. The ribbon cut allows for consistent flavor delivery across the bowl. It’s dry-burning and surprisingly refined in texture—no bite, no smoldering chaos, just measured evolution of flavor. If you’ve ever wished your navy flake were a little more convenient, this one might be your solution.
Recommendations
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 Stars)
Who Should Try It:
Intermediate smokers who appreciate complexity without drama. Those seeking a traditional flavor profile with modern accessibility will find this an excellent companion. A great introduction to Perique-laced navy blends.
Who Should Avoid It:
If you dislike Perique’s peppery character or want heavy casing and overt sweetness, look elsewhere. Aromatic fans may find this too restrained, and flake purists might miss the slow, meditative burn of pressed formats.
Additional Notes:
Old Salt Navy Blend would likely benefit from six months to a year in the jar, allowing its components to meld further. It’s a strong candidate for aging, given its red Virginia base and burley structure. Always available from Joe Hampton at Hampton House. A clean and satisfying smoke that respects tradition but wears it lightly.
