John Cotton's Mellow Virginia

The John Cotton name traces back to a tobacconist's shop opened in Edinburgh in the late 18th century; the company was registered in 1905 and, changing hands over the following decades, moved its production off the islands. A 1972 company document records a 'Rich Mellow Virginia' produced in Denmark among the tobaccos sold under the John Cotton name; the line was later associated with Orlik Tobacco Company A/S.

As its name indicates, this is a single-leaf Virginia preparation: unflavored, offered as a ready-rubbed cut, made of light- and medium-toned Virginia leaves. The same product was later continued in the UK market under the name 'Special Virginia'. With its mild sweetness and low nicotine load, it is regarded as a record aimed at smokers wanting an unflavored Virginia suitable for all-day smoking.