- Tobacco Name: Paw Paw’s Blend
- Manufacturer: Who Dat Pipe Works
- Blend Type: Burley
- Cut Type: Ribbon
- Strength Level: Strong
- Overall Rating: 4
- Primary Tobaccos: White Burley, Rustica, Perique, Red Cavendish
- Similar Blends: C&D Big ‘n’ Burley, G.L. Pease Triple Play, Peterson Irish Flake
- Recommended Pairings: Peaty Scotch, black coffee, dark chocolate
- Recommended For: Experienced smokers seeking strength, complexity, and craft blending
- Avoid If: You’re sensitive to nicotine or prefer mild, sweet aromatics
- Tin Note/Aroma: 4
- Flavor Development: 4
- Burn Quality: 4
- Smoothness: 3.5
- Recommend: 4
- Pipe Smoked: Savinelli 320 KS Trevi
Essential Information
TL;DR
Paw Paw’s Blend by Who Dat Pipe Works is a burly, brawny homebrew made for seasoned pipe smokers with a taste for raw power and layered depth. White Burley forms the earthy backbone, matured against a Scotch-soaked oak stave for added warmth and subtle sweetness. Rustica is the unmistakable muscle here—bold, primal, and intensely satisfying for nicotine veterans. Perique weaves in with raisiny spice, while a dash of red Cavendish lends just enough softness to smooth the ride. A final misting of 16-year Scotch ties it all together with whispers of charred wood and vanilla. Burn quality is solid, flavor progression is impressive, and the retrohale is nothing short of decadent. But be warned: this isn’t a casual puff—it’s a full-bodied commitment. A powerful, complex, and rewarding blend, ideal for quiet evenings and contemplative sessions. Not for beginners. Recommended with strong coffee or peated whisky.
The Experience: A Deep Dive into Paw Paw’s Blend by Who Dat Pipe Works
First Impressions
Tin Note:
Lifting the lid (or, in this case, the vacuum-sealed pouch), I’m greeted by a dark, dense aroma that evokes a gentleman’s study at twilight. Deeply earthy Burley laced with toasted oak, whisky-soaked wood, and the signature tang of fermented Perique. A ghost of peaty Scotch emerges—vanilla, charred barrel, a trace of dried figs. It’s warm, rich, masculine. You smell strength. Not the kind that shouts—but one that lingers and warns.
Appearance:
The cut is a rustic ribbon with visible variance—chunky Burley leaves marbled with dark Rustica shreds and the occasional glint of Cavendish red. Slightly sticky from the final Scotch misting, yet not wet. No casing sheen, no artificial gloss. Just honest, handmade tobacco, aged with care. It packs dense and springy.
The Smoke: Journey Through the Bowl
Packing and Lighting:
Packed effortlessly into my Savinelli 320 KS Trevi, the stout bowl a perfect match for this heavyweight blend. Initial charring light brings a plume of nutty, woody smoke—dense and full-bodied. One relight and it’s off to the races. No fuss, no tantrums. The blend behaves like a gentleman brawler—disciplined but intense.
Initial Flavor:
The first third opens with a surge of white Burley—roasted nuts, hardwood, and an almost leathery dryness. Rustica asserts itself early, punching through with a meaty, earthy force that warms the chest like a stiff drink. The Perique is there in whispers—dark fruit and a tickle of pepper on the retrohale. There’s a quiet complexity already. The Scotch influence shows in undertones—vanilla, char, oak—never dominating, but always present.
Mid-Bowl:
Here, the blend stretches out and deepens. The Perique ripens into plum and clove, playing foil to the Rustica’s ferocity. The red Cavendish begins to pull its weight—smoothing the edges, sweetening the smoke subtly like brown sugar over firewood. There’s a noticeable creaminess now in the texture, despite the boldness. Each puff is a story: toasted bread, barrel wood, distant campfires. Still potent, still commanding—but increasingly refined.
Finish:
The final third is a dusk-lit crescendo. Rustica reclaims dominance, pushing the nicotine toward crescendo territory. Smoke cools slightly, becoming thicker and darker. The Burley toasts deeper, the Cavendish fades gracefully, and the Perique—ah, the Perique—lingers like dried cherries soaked in peppered whisky. There’s no ashy collapse, just a steady march into twilight. Dottle is minimal. This blend burns to a clean, dark gray.
Room Note:
Not for the faint of heart or the sensitive of nose. The aroma is heavy, musky, and laden with oak, spice, and earthy richness. Think grandfather’s den, pipe smoldering, Scotch swirling in a cut-crystal glass. Non-smokers may find it intense—but for those who appreciate masculinity in aroma, it’s intoxicating.
Strength:
Very High. This is not your morning companion. It demands food in your belly, time on your hands, and respect in your cadence. Smoke it slowly—or pay the price. But oh, is it satisfying.
Final Thoughts: Verdict on Paw Paw’s Blend
Overall Assessment
Overall Impression:
Paw Paw’s Blend is a bold experiment in home blending from Who Dat Pipe Works that punches above its class. It’s deeply textured, admirably balanced, and fearless in its strength. Each leaf earns its place—Burley lays the foundation, Rustica sets the pace, Perique adds soul, and the red Cavendish whispers civility into the brawl. The Scotch influence isn’t gimmicky—it’s foundational, woven into the character, not sprayed on as an afterthought.
Smoking Experience:
The technicals are strong. Packs easily, burns evenly, and rewards patient cadence. A blend that rewards intentional puffing—no rushing allowed. Little to no moisture buildup. Rare relights. The finish is clean, the pipe doesn’t gurgle, and the flavor stays consistent even as the strength mounts.
Recommendations
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 Stars)
A potent, richly layered blend from Who Dat Pipe Works that balances craftsmanship with raw power. Not quite perfect—but intentionally so. It earns its four stars through character and courage.
Who Should Try It:
Veteran smokers seeking a bold, nicotine-forward blend with deep flavor. Those who love Burley and Perique but want something darker, bolder, richer. Fans of blends like Irish Flake or Big ‘n’ Burley will feel at home.
Who Should Avoid It:
Beginners, aromatic lovers, or anyone wary of strong blends. If you’ve ever turned green from a Peterson plug, steer clear.
Additional Notes:
This is a blend that could age brilliantly. The Scotch-matured Burley already shows signs of mellowing depth. Cellaring a few ounces could yield magic in six months. Also—bravo for restraint with the flavoring. The whisky touch is elegant, not loud. A fine example of how craft blending can produce something genuinely satisfying.
