Uncharted Territory: Exploring the Allure of Exotic Woods
I’m a city boy through and through – I’d always thought of plants as either the green background of the generalized concept of nature or specifically the products we extract from them, like lumber, food, and of course, fine boutique tobaccos. Until recently, that is. A red oak acorn gathered from a place of some significance to me took root this winter, and with it grew a sudden appreciation and fascination with the world of botany. It gives me real joy to learn how to listen to plants, understand how to nurture them, and contemplate how growth is a reflection of their struggle through life.
In my horticultural endeavor, I find the same peaceful zen practice that I also seek while enjoying a pipe. My houseplants have been thriving in the early heat, and practicing some “planty chores” while taste testing a variety of recent releases helps maintain some balance and equanimity in an otherwise chaotic world. Sutliff has been churning out new concoctions left and right lately, so let’s take a brief look at two of them.
Blending the Unexpected: Sutliff’s Pipe Force Episode I
The first piqued my interest as it delves into the past, resurrecting a blend from Sutliff’s estimable vault – 175th Anniversary Blend: The Old Boss. It’s very much a blend for a clencher – one can imagine the eponymous gentleman pictured steadily puffing like a steam locomotive while reviewing quarterly budgets, then stalking through the factory floor with a stern vigilance on his face.
175th Anniversary Blend: The Old Boss
Latakia-heavy is a diplomatic way to phrase it, as the first rush from the tin attests that ol’ Henry is either about to give you a promotion or a pink slip. Notes of waxy leather, a hint of graham cracker, salty driftwood, and old ledgers dominate the bouquet, as if this blend was formed by invoking the ghost of Mister Sutliff and importing it directly into the tin. Despite the vintage heaviness implied by the aroma, it’s a surprisingly gentle smoke. Presented in thick and loosely-pressed crumble-cake slices, it requires some drying time to prepare. Once packed, it tends to stay lit easily and smoke down to dregs without too much tending, even in a capacious bowl.
The balance of the tobaccos is spot-on, leaning into the woody and leathery end of the spectrum through to the heel. The Turkish leaf steers the experience, the Perique is more an impression than a top spice, and there at the end, a hint of roasted chestnut from the burley – a lightly floral vanilla that lingers on the palate between puffs. All in all, it’s a very sturdy and enjoyable blend that delivers on its claims.
Expanding the Boundaries: Gentleman’s Rum & Vanilla
Shifting gears, the latest limited edition from the Seattle Pipe Club marque, Gentleman’s Rum & Vanilla, also caught my eye. The tin aroma is indeed refined in a gentlemanly sort of way, with rich sweet rum and vanilla wrapped in dark woody overtones. Notably, the tin contains a full two ounces of tobacco, described as:
“This exclusive blend features loose cut rare Brazilian and domestic Virginias, luxury Burley, and sweet black Cavendish, meticulously slow aged for a full 30 days in oak rum barrels.”
Preferring to lounge in my club chair with a notebook and smoking jacket for this tasting, it’s easily crumbled and well-suited to a Brigham patent-era bulldog. Still rather moist in the tin, I prefer giving it enough drying time that it won’t stick together when pinched, but not so dry that it will crush.
Sutliff has certainly dialed in on making a rich and redolent Cavendish with exquisite top dressing and real depth from being barrel-aged. The smoke was consistent top to heel, never biting, though best sipped to keep it from turning toward sour. I found it paired best with unflavored seltzer to wash the palate and give a hint of salty counterpoint.
Digging toward the bottom of both Sutliff tins also led to a bit of heresy – namely, mixing the vanilla in with the English in equal portion. And I dare say they each improved the other. The Old Gentleman’s Rum Bossilla could be a thing…maybe I’m sure Joe would approve.
Geometry and Artistry: Penny Farthing by GL Pease
Finding the time to also sample a GL Pease blend that had flown under my radar, Penny Farthing, ended up in my basket on a recent stop at Barclay-Rex. Something from Greg’s laboratory is generally a safe bet – I haven’t found any that I hate yet, at least. There are many that I love and cellar deeply, like Cairo, the JackKnives, and Triple Play. Tons of Haddo’s Delight, natch. Now in Penny Farthing, I’ve found one to add to the “when I feel like smoking it, nothing else will do” list.
Slotted into the brand’s Old London series, Penny Farthing is a diametric departure from plug tobaccos, a style that many of the GLP offerings re-energized in the US market. A shag-cut blend of bright and red Virginias spiced with Louisiana Perique and a hint of fire-cured dark Kentucky, it’s easy to pack and easy to smoke. Sipped gently, Penny Farthing opens with a sophisticated, well-integrated flavor profile that’s a far cry from the heavy, monolithic plugs of old.
Extraordinary from the Ordinary: Harmonizing Rare Woods in Furniture
While my botanical explorations have opened my eyes to the wonder of the natural world, my passion for pipes and tobacco has also led me to appreciate the art and craftsmanship that goes into these everyday objects. Just as I’ve discovered unexpected delights in the world of plants, I’m continually amazed by the creativity and innovation happening in the world of furniture design.
One area that fascinates me is the use of rare and unconventional wood species. Sure, the classic standbys like oak, maple, and cherry will always have their place. But some of the most compelling and unique pieces I’ve seen lately have incorporated woods that most people have never even heard of.
Take Unfinished Furniture, for example. Their showrooms are like a veritable botanical garden of timber, with everything from the deep, rich hues of bocote to the striking grain patterns of camphor burl. And the way their designers blend these unexpected elements into cohesive, harmonious pieces is truly inspirational.
It’s not just about showcasing the woods in their raw, natural state, either. The true artistry comes in finding ways to highlight the unique characteristics of each species and blending them in unexpected ways. I’ve seen tables where the stark, almost architectural lines of fumed eucalyptus are softened by the warm, undulating curves of claro walnut. Cabinets where the ethereal, translucent beauty of maple burl is punctuated by the earthy, almost steampunk vibe of ancient kauri.
The possibilities are endless, really. And it’s not just about aesthetics – these rare woods often have remarkable functional properties as well. Some are incredibly dense and durable, others are naturally resistant to insects or decay. Integrating them into furniture design opens up a whole new world of possibilities in terms of both form and function.
Embracing the Unexpected
What I love most about this trend is the way it encourages us to think outside the box. It’s easy to get stuck in our comfort zones, to default to the same old reliable materials we’re familiar with. But by embracing the unexpected, by blending the rare and the unconventional, these furniture makers are creating pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind.
And I think that’s something we can all learn from, whether it’s in our homes, our careers, or our personal lives. It’s about being open to new experiences, to exploring the unfamiliar. It’s about trusting our instincts and letting our creativity guide us, even if it means venturing into uncharted territory.
So the next time you’re browsing for a new piece of furniture, or even just a new pipe, I’d encourage you to keep an open mind. Seek out the unusual, the unexpected. You never know what hidden gems you might discover…and what new joys and delights might await.
