Hampton House Sunrise Pipe Tobacco

Essential Information

Tobacco Specifications

Tobacco Name: Hampton House Sunrise
Manufacturer: Hampton House
Blend Type: Mild English Blend
Cut: Ribbon

The Experience

First Impressions

Tin Note

The moment the tin is opened, a gentle, inviting aroma emerges—subtly sweet with a hint of aged wood and a soft, smoky presence. The bright and red Virginias introduce a natural honeyed quality with traces of citrus, while a restrained portion of Latakia adds a delicate wisp of smoldering leather. Unlike robust English mixtures, Hampton House Sunrise approaches with elegance, evoking the soft refinement once found in Savoy’s Baby’s Bottom before Dunhill’s reformulation.

Appearance

Visually, the blend is a harmonious composition of golden, red, and bronze Virginia ribbons interspersed with darker flecks of Latakia. The cut is fine and uniform, with an optimal moisture level that suggests it will pack easily and burn evenly. The bright strands shimmer slightly, promising a natural sweetness that will unfold gradually as the smoke progresses.

The Smoke

Packing and Lighting

The ribbon cut allows for effortless packing. A gentle fill and light tamp create an even draw, and the charring light ignites quickly. A few measured puffs establish a steady ember, and the tobacco settles into a cool, consistent burn with minimal relights.

Initial Flavor

From the first puff, Hampton House Sunrise unveils its measured balance. The Virginias provide a smooth, buttery sweetness reminiscent of warm toast with a drizzle of golden honey. A touch of citrus zest lingers at the edges, bright and refreshing, while the Latakia remains a subtle undercurrent, lending a whisper of aged leather and delicate campfire smoke. Unlike heavier English blends, where the Latakia dominates, this blend recalls the refined smoothness of Savoy’s Baby’s Bottom, before Dunhill’s transition from Syrian to Cypriot Latakia.

Mid-Bowl

As the ember deepens, the flavors begin to mature. The Virginias darken slightly, shifting from bright citrus to a warm, caramelized breadiness. There’s an airy, toasted grain quality—akin to Dunhill’s Early Morning Pipe—but with a silkier texture. The Latakia remains gentle and measured, offering structure without eclipsing the Virginias. Hints of dry earth and autumn leaves add complexity, enhancing the blend’s depth without becoming overwhelming.

The smoke itself is creamy and smooth, never harsh or biting. A relaxed cadence rewards the smoker with a steady, flavorful experience, while the burn remains even, requiring little more than an occasional tamp.

Finish

As the bowl nears its conclusion, Hampton House Sunrise fades with grace. The Virginias settle into a mellow, nutty sweetness, and the Latakia drifts into the background like the last embers of a fire. The final puffs are dry and satisfying, leaving a clean aftertaste that lingers just long enough to invite another bowl.

Room Note

The aroma left behind is light and pleasant—hints of warm earth and a faint trace of smoke, without the deep, lingering presence of heavier English blends. A perfect choice for those who prefer a more subdued room note.

Strength

Mild to medium in strength, Hampton House Sunrise is designed for effortless enjoyment. It provides enough body to engage experienced smokers while remaining approachable for those new to English blends. Nicotine levels are moderate, making it an excellent choice for a morning or mid-day smoke.

Final Thoughts

Overall Assessment

Overall Impression

Hampton House Sunrise successfully bridges the gap between two classic blends—Savoy’s Baby’s Bottom and Dunhill’s Early Morning Pipe—while maintaining a distinct identity. It captures the velvety smoothness of the original Baby’s Bottom before Dunhill reworked the blend, while also offering the refined, bright characteristics of Early Morning Pipe. The result is a nuanced, beautifully balanced tobacco that is both complex and accessible.

Smoking Experience

From the tin note to the final draw, Hampton House Sunrise delivers a consistent and rewarding smoke. The ease of packing, lighting, and burning makes it a hassle-free companion, while the well-rounded flavors ensure an engaging yet mild experience. This is a blend that rewards slow, mindful smoking but is forgiving enough for casual enjoyment.

Pairings

Coffee – A lightly roasted coffee or a smooth latte enhances the blend’s natural sweetness.
Tea – A mild Darjeeling or an Earl Grey with a hint of bergamot complements the Virginia brightness.
Whiskey – A soft, honeyed Highland single malt pairs beautifully with the blend’s creamy, balanced profile.

Similar Blends

Dunhill Early Morning Pipe (now Peterson) – A natural comparison, given the similar mild, balanced approach.
G.L. Pease Chelsea Morning – A refined morning-friendly English blend with nuanced Virginia sweetness.
Dunhill My Mixture BB1938 (formerly Baby’s Bottom) – The inspiration behind this blend, known for its velvety smoothness.

Recommendations

Rating: ★★★★★ (5 Stars)

Hampton House Sunrise earns a full 5-star rating for its balance, smoothness, and refined character. It stands as a testament to the best qualities of classic mild English blends, reinterpreted for modern smokers.

Who Should Try It

Fans of Dunhill Early Morning Pipe looking for a slightly smoother, more refined variation.
Smokers who enjoyed the old Savoy’s Baby’s Bottom before Dunhill’s reformulation.
Those who appreciate a mild English blend with a subtle but present Latakia influence.
Beginners looking for an approachable introduction to English blends.

Who Should Avoid It

Fans of bold, Latakia-heavy English blends like Nightcap or Balkan Sobranie.
Those who prefer full-bodied, high-nicotine tobaccos.
Smokers looking for bright, citrus-dominant Virginia blends without Latakia.

Additional Notes

Hampton House Sunrise is a contemplative blend—one that rewards slow sipping and relaxed enjoyment. It performs exceptionally well in small to medium-sized pipes, where its nuances can fully develop. Given its balance and aging potential, this is a tobacco worth cellaring; the Virginias are likely to deepen in sweetness over time, making it an excellent long-term investment.

In the world of mild English blends, Hampton House Sunrise is a standout—a smoke that pays homage to the past while offering something new and undeniably enjoyable.