Dutch Heerenbaai-Tabak

Heerenbaai is one of the names in the Netherlands' classic pipe tobacco tradition. The term "baai tabak" describes North American leaf shipped to the Netherlands via Chesapeake Bay starting in the 17th century; Groningen-based Theodorus Niemeijer was among the makers who carried on this tradition. The blend has a finely cut, freely burning structure and, per records, is composed mainly of air-cured Maryland-type leaf with some flue-cured tobacco.

Its character is unflavored and dry: with no sugar casing or flavoring added, the leaf's own tangy, grassy taste comes forward. Nicotine load stays below medium, while the fine cut means the flavor opens quickly, so it needs to be smoked slowly. A historical example for smokers curious about the old Continental European pipe tobacco style and who enjoy plain, unflavored blends. The brand today sits under Imperial Tobacco, and production under this name has not continued.