John Cotton's Number 1 Mild (re-release)

John Cotton's No. 1 is a light English blend built from matured bright Virginias, small-leaved Orientals, and a small amount of Cyprian Latakia. The original line was withdrawn from the market years ago; the blend was recreated by Russ Ouellette based on examination of old tins and the remembered character of the 1970s version.

Here Latakia isn't dominant — it's kept at a woody, lightly smoky seasoning level, letting Virginia's sweetness and the Oriental's dry spice come forward. Strength is low and the smoke is moderate. A middle-ground profile for those looking for something between bright Virginia flake and a Latakia-heavy English blend, and suited to a morning pipe or all-day smoking.