A Match for Capstan Blue?

[DesertDan]

Greetings all,
Having finally tried Capstan Blue (and Gold) and becoming highly enamored of it, I wonder if there is another blend that is a good, close match of it.

I have been going through the forum looking for a prior thread on the subject but have been unsuccessful.
I appreciate any suggestions.

 

[VDL_Piper]

Well it's a navy blend so you could use Tobacco Reviews | Search Tobaccos - https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/search/ and type in Navy and be over whelmed for reading. Also https://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/tinned/ has a tobacco search function that would serve you well.

 

[Medy]

I did a search for Navy and most of the ones I have found have a rum flavor to them. Does the Capstan have that? I haven’t tried Capstan yet?

 

[autumnfog]

I did a search for Navy and most of the ones I have found have a rum flavor to them. Does the Capstan have that? I haven’t tried Capstan yet?

No, just virginia.

 

[fireground_piper]

You could give HH Pure Virginia a go. Same manufacture house, similar flake cuts, pretty middle road pure Virginia.

I like both, but had stocked up on the latter because it could be bought in pound boxes so that what I did.

 

[Peter Turbo]

@fireground_piper has a solid suggestion there, you can also do what many forum members have done and grab a ton from estervals pipe shop when they have a sale, which happens to be now.

 

[kcghost]

I don't understand why you aren't looking for Capstan Blue instead of something that is "a good, close match".

 

[fireground_piper]

I don't understand why you aren't looking for Capstan Blue instead of something that is "a good, close match".

Probably the current $20.40 per tin online price tag for 50g.

 

[kcghost]

I figured that was your answer but wanted to be sure. Pipe smokers are a frugal lot.

 

[AJL67]

Been smoking a lot of Blue the last few days, I'll have to break out some HH Pure and see how close it is.

 

[sablebrush52]

Greetings all,
Having finally tried Capstan Blue (and Gold) and becoming highly enamored of it, I wonder if there is another blend that is a good, close match of it.

I have been going through the forum looking for a prior thread on the subject but have been unsuccessful.
I appreciate any suggestions.

The short answer is, no. Capstan's topping is what makes it distinctive, not the tobaccos. Find someone who has cracked Capstan's century + old topping and you'll find a match. It's available in 450G bulk packages at Esterval's, though currently sold out, however, the 50G tins are available for a LOT less than $20. The only risk is the occasional misfire with their shipping companies, DHL, or UPS. If that happens, you're going to get cornholed. Otherwise everything will be smooth sailing

 

[AJL67]

Just for fun capstan blue on the left and some 2022 Pure Virginia Flake on the right.

There is def a difference the cap blue is a bit milder and has more of that lite bread note where the PVF is a stronger and slightly less nuanced smoke. YMMV

 

[Medy]

Probably the current $20.40 per tin online price tag for 50g.

Pretty much the reason it’s 22$ locally. Just wanted find an alternative in case I did like it…lol

 

[fireground_piper]

Been smoking a lot of Blue the last few days, I'll have to break out some HH Pure and see how close it is.

I mean, it’s not a match. But if I’m looking for something in the same ballpark from the same tobacco house for a much cheaper price, that’s what I’d point out to try as an alternative.

 

[AJL67]

I mean, it’s not a match. But if I’m looking for something in the same ballpark from the same tobacco house for a much cheaper price, that’s what I’d point out to try as an alternative.

Agreed, just figured since i had the Blue going for a few days t was a good time to try the HH as it would easier to compare. I have a feeling in a few years the HH will be a lot closer to the Blue but there is a def difference. Now i have to start stalking Esterval's for the 450 boxes. I wish more people sold those.

 

[AJL67]

Interesting article while we are on the subject.

Oh Capstan, my Capstan | Dutch Pipe Smoker

dutchpipesmoker.com

 

[JimInks]

I suggest Ken Byron Ventures Brown Flek. It won't remind you of Capstan Blue, but it may be the closest thing to it strength wise. It's not quite as sweet and has a little more dark Va. depth, and is a touch more floral.

 

[DesertDan]

Thank you to everyone for their replies.
I will try the various suggestions and keep an eye on Esterval's.

 

[AJL67]

I'd still buy a tin of the blue and just smoke it sparingly while you search momscigars has it for under 17 a tin

 

[AcesAndEights]

Country Squire’s Faulkner Flake is rumored to be close.