Erik Stokkebye’s 4th Generation

The Beginning

The Erik Stokkebyes brand has a long history dating back to the 1880’s. In Odense, Denmark, a young man named Erik Stokkebye first opened his tobacco factory and shop after years in the trade. This sparked one family’s multi-generational journey into the world of tobacco and pipes. In 1897 his son Erik Paul was born and he would go on to continue his father’s legacy, being the second generation to run the family business. The next heir to the business, in 1931, Erik Peter was born.

The third generation to take reigns had a great eye for blending tobaccos. This knack for blending perfect roll your own tobacco mixtures and pipe blends propelled them to greater success. By the time of Erik Michael’s birth in 1957 the company was supplying the United States market as well as Europe. He would go on to move there, to be a family ambassador for the brand. This family’s care for the industry and clever strategic planning has helped them remain a competitive force in the industry.

The 4th Generation Tobacco Range

Recently, a new range hit shelves in the U.K. The aptly named ‘4th Generation’ pipe tobacco range is a celebration of the family lineage behind the Stokkebye’s brand. With the names being substituted with landmark dates in the company history, each blend has been tailored to represent a specific family member. For instance the ‘1855’ blend is in honour of the original patriarch Mr. Erik Peters.

1855 Erik Peter’s Blend

To create this tobacco the master blenders went to great lengths, procuring special Burley tobacco from the African continent as well as from certain Latin American countries. Rich, golden Virginia tobaccos are also sourced from Africa, along with the traditional U.S.A variety. Next these are expertly blended and topped in a palatable subtle essence of honey and vanilla. The end result is a muted aromatic that allows one to appreciate the delightful tobaccos contained within, and without the risk of tongue bite or flavour fatigue.

1882 Founders Blend

A homage to the founding of the Erik Stokkebye’s company. This tobacco focuses on providing an experience similar to that of the original customers whom purchased Erik Peter’s tobacco, back in the 1880’s. A full bodied, unapologetically traditional English that shines a spotlight on the high quality tobaccos that comprise this blend. The familiar smoky aroma and cool draw are as appealing as a warm hearth to a wet traveller. A sensational splash of Latakia is mixed through a congenial concoction of Virginia, Oriental and bold Kentucky tobaccos. For the fan of traditional English blends, this is a must try.

1897 Erik Paul’s Blend

The 1897 Erik Paul’s blend is where things start to spice up, literally! This aromatic is more in the line of contemporary aromatics, sweet, fragrant and friendly to the non initiated’s nose. A carefully selected blend of U.S.A and Latin American Virginias are blended with Philipino and African Burleys. This combination works magnificently, burning just right and providing a sufficient relaxing effect. The crowning achievement of this blend has to be stated is the intriguing sweet and spicy chocolate topping. This is complemented also with a minute amount of vanilla and honey, only as a subtle non distracting accompaniment to the chocolate flavouring.

1957 Erik Michael’s Blend

This blend utilises a mixture of unique cuts of tobacco. This consists of sweet Latin American and African Virginias intertwined with choice Mexican Burley and U.S.A Black Cavendish. The result is a medium bodied mixture that then has the addition of a lovely vanilla and toffee flavouring that conjures childhood memories. A great tobacco for newcomers to pipe smoking as its even burning and easy going profile makes it a joy to smoke, never a chore.

1982 Erik Founder’s Blend

For the 1982 Founder’s Blend the master blenders have procured Virginia tobaccos from India as well as Latin American. The Indian Virginia definitely adds a new dimension to this blend and it is appropriately complimented with Mexican and African Burley and a dash of Black Cavendish. The mixture is finally cased in a delectable assortment of selected nuts, almonds and nougat. By far this is the most protrusive aromatic in the range, uncompromising in its quest to be noticed. If you are looking for something with the flavour to match the aroma, this is the one for you!

1931 Erik Peter’s Blend

The final tobacco in the 4th Generation range is a Navy Flake of almost unparalleled quality. This celebration of Erik Peter’s passion for pipes contains a perfect balance of superior Burleys, matured Virginias and controlled measure of Black Cavendish. To finish the tobacco it is cased in a sweet, decadent rum. For those concerned about the flavouring, it is not a centre of focus here but simply an addition that aids the tobaccos in showing their true colours.