Kendal S-Type AN (Formerly Aniseed) 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.

Although called Aniseed the base twist is Brown Irish, which has been enhanced with an Aniseed top dressing. The Brown twists comes straight from the spinning machine without going through the further cooking process. This arguably leaves the brown twists stronger as the curing process would remove some of the stronger Tar and Nicotine elements. However it is generally found by most smokers that the brown is less harsh smoke than the black. Which ever way this tobacco is viewed it is still a very strong tobacco which we would only recommend for the experienced smoker.

Irish twist is the thickest twist which is generally preferred by pipe smokers but can and is often chewed

Kendal Aniseed, also known as Kendal S-Type Twist, delivers a distinctive and robust smoking experience centered around a bold, sweet aniseed flavor. Crafted from dark-fired and air-cured leaf, the tobacco is infused with a generous dose of aniseed, creating a profile that's both intense and aromatic.

Some smokers describe the aniseed note as slightly medicinal or evocative of a strong Perique blend, while others appreciate its smooth character and underlying natural sweetness. The result is a richly flavored twist tobacco that stands out for its unique balance of strength and complexity.

Loose packaged to order: we buy our Black Irish Twist tobacco on large rolls. This means we hand cut and package your tobacco and inspect every piece before it reaches you. Your order may contain small pieces to obtain the exact weight ordered.

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 – Kendal Aniseed

Dominant Flavor:
Aniseed takes center stage—intense, sweet, and long-lasting. Its character can sometimes lean slightly medicinal or evoke the spicy richness of Perique.

Additional Nuances:
Supporting notes include gentle hints of spice, raw sugar, and fresh-baked bread, along with occasional floral or citrus undertones that add depth and interest.

Tobacco Base:
Built on a robust blend of dark-fired and air-cured Virginias, the base offers earthy, woody, and subtly peaty flavors that anchor the aromatic topping with natural complexity.

Strength:
Kendal Aniseed is known for its full strength—especially in rope or twist form. It's best suited to experienced smokers, as its potency may be overwhelming for beginners.

Smoking Characteristics:
This tobacco benefits from a slow, mindful cadence. Puffing too hard may cause it to burn hot or produce tongue bite. Gentle smoking rewards with a cooler, richer experience.

Room Note:
Often described as tolerable to pleasant, the room note carries a noticeable aniseed aroma. While some enjoy its bold presence, others may find it a bit strong.

Retrohale:
A slow retrohale brings forward the blend’s spicier elements, revealing peppery notes and the darker nuances of the Kentucky leaf.