St. Bruno: A tobacco with history and tradition
St. Bruno is a pipe tobacco brand that is firmly rooted in British tobacco tradition. The brand found its way onto the German market in 2018 with the launch of St. Bruno Flake, and two years later St. Bruno Ready Rubbed was added - initially in a limited edition of 3000 packets. Unfortunately, the distribution of St. Bruno Ready Rubbed in Germany was discontinued. But you can still find sufficient remaining stock here.
From Ogden's to Mac Baren: The chequered history of St. Bruno
The origins of St. Bruno go back to 1896 at ‘Ogden's of Liverpool’. Ogden's was originally a small retail shop in Liverpool, which developed into the largest tobacco manufacturer in the country in just a few decades. In 1902, Ogden's became part of Imperial Tobacco, but remained independent. When Imperial Tobacco closed its last pipe tobacco factory in 2006, Mac Baren took over the production of St. Bruno and bought the trademark rights to the brand in 2015.
Unique manufacturing process at Mac Baren
For the production of St. Bruno Flake, Mac Baren adapted the flake presses to reintroduce the ‘hot pressing’ technique that was already standard at Ogden's. This process, which is achieved using heated presses, produces a special flavour and improves the consistency of the flake - a process that is also used today for other Mac Baren products.
The blend: Virginias and Kentucky tobaccos in harmony
St. Bruno consists of a blend of different Virginias and Kentucky tobaccos. This combination gives it a full-bodied flavour that presents itself in dark flakes with a characteristic, slightly spicy note. The high quality of the tobaccos used and the subtle flavouring with natural essences ensure the unmistakable St. Bruno taste.
A history in flavours and advertising
St. Bruno was the most popular pipe tobacco for many decades, particularly in the UK. As early as the 1920s, Ogden's invested heavily in advertising, and St. Bruno became the epitome of traditional tobacco for the working classes. The slogan ‘The Tobacco That Won't Be Hurried’ reflected the time-consuming processing and unadulterated flavour.
Changes to the recipe and flavouring
The blend of St. Bruno has changed slightly over the decades, as certain types of tobacco and flavours are no longer available. In the 1960s in particular, there were changes due to an embargo on tobacco from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and alternatives had to be found from Malawi. In addition, coumarin, a natural plant substance used in the past, was banned for health reasons. Today, St. Bruno contains a modern, mildly spicy blend that retains its traditional character.
The British tradition in flavour
The special, natural flavouring of St. Bruno also reflects the strict guidelines that applied to tobacco flavourings in Great Britain: Only natural essences and spices were allowed to be used. Unlike in the USA or Europe, there was no place for artificial flavourings such as cherry or vanilla in traditional English blends.
St. Bruno - a tobacco for connoisseurs and aficionados
St. Bruno remains a pipe tobacco for connoisseurs who value tradition, quality and authenticity. The combination of deep-rooted history and carefully balanced recipe makes it a special treat for experienced smokers and those who want to experience a touch of British tobacco tradition.
