Kendal Sliced Black RM Twist Pipe Tobacco (Loose)

It all started in Kendal, England in 1792. Thomas Harrison was a successful snuff maker. Jane Harrison Thomas’s daughter, eloped in 1838 to a young man of Kendal, Samuel Gawith. When Mr. Harrison died in 1841, he left the business to his daughter and son-in-law, and over the years Samuel Gawith continued to prosper.

In 1865, Samuel Gawith died prematurely at the age of 48. His eldest son, also called Samuel, was only 22 and his father had wisely left the firm in the hands of three trustees, one of whom was this son. The elder trustee was Henry Hoggarth, a boyhood friend and neighbour in Lowther Street who had founded a Kendal firm of land agents and surveyors.

In 1878, Samuel and his younger brother, John Edward Gawith decided amicably to go their separate ways and so the two Gawith firms came into being. Samuel took over the snuff mill and business at Mealbank, and John stayed on in Lowther Street.

The firm in Lowther Street went through some troubled times but, in 1887, a new partnership was founded between Samuel’s youngest brother, William Henry, and Henry Hoggarth junior, to be known as Gawith Hoggarth Company.

Gawith Hoggarth Company continued to manufacture tobacco products and snuff at the Lowther Street works until 2009, when they moved to new business premises.

And now, in 2015, the two companies will be back together under one roof.

Gawith Hoggarth’s Sliced Black RM Rum
Crafted using the traditional method of hand-spinning tobacco leaves into long ropes (also known as twists), Gawith Hoggarth’s Sliced Black RM Rum is a classic rope tobacco that has been pre-sliced for convenience. The slices only require a gentle rub before being packed into your pipe.

Historically, twist tobacco served a dual purpose—smoked in pipes with small bowls or used as chewing tobacco. It was especially popular among coal miners, who chewed the rope underground where open flames were hazardous. Once above ground, they would slice and rub out the tobacco for smoking.

This particular blend is cooked longer than Brown Twist, resulting in a milder, smoother smoke with a richer, deeper aroma. Made from pure Virginia tobacco—predominantly dark-fired with a smaller portion of dark air-cured leaf—it is subtly enhanced with a touch of rum. This light flavouring complements the blend's naturally toasted, nutty character and faintly cigar-like undertones.

In the mixture, dark slices from the original twist are clearly visible among the black ribbons, evidence of coils that have unraveled. The tobacco rubs out easily, packs well, and delivers an even, steady burn. It produces ample smoke and leaves behind a clean, dry grey ash.

Due to its high nicotine strength, this tobacco is best suited to experienced smokers and is ideally enjoyed in a pipe with a smaller bowl. When smoked slowly, it rewards with a smooth, creamy experience that avoids tongue bite, though it may impart a subtle peppery sensation.

If this is your first order on this particular product you will need to email a scan of your passport at the photo page or provide proof of age as we legally need to ensure that we are not selling this product to under 18's. Your order will not be dispatched until this proof has been provided. Thanks you for your understanding

Tasting Notes...
Strength: 5/5
Aromatic Taste: 3/5
Room Note: 4/5