Another Bob Runowski creation for Cornell & Diehl, Old Joe Krantz uses the nuttiness of cubed Burley, the earthy spice of dark Burley, the toasty sweetness of red Virginia and the musty/sweet spice of Perique to create a heady, rich smoke.
Not much to be said that hasn’t been covered already. I was never really a big burley fan until I tried OJK. It’s a powerhouse of a blend. Excellent flavor profile. It can handle hard puffing while I’m at work, but if you have the time to slow down and sip on it, you’ll definitely be rewarded. If you’re brand new to pipe/tobacco smoking, just take it easy. This definitely has a higher nic hit than your average blend. Don’t let that steer you away. Just be mindful of it. This is a daily smoke for me and I can’t recommend it enough. Nothing fancy, no frills, just a solid burley blend. I can’t stay away from it.
Enjoy!
4 out of 5
Good late night smoke
Jul 07, 2022
This is what I'd call a good old fashioned smoke. Not to be taken lightly but satisfying in a deep, rich way. Nutty and earthy. Not pretensious. You need to be prepared for this one. I would say this is not for the novice smoker. Enjoy at night after a long, hard day. Appreciate the after taste. Smoke slowly to bring out the best of this one.
4 out of 5
I really like this blend.
Apr 20, 2022
I really like this blend. This is a very strong smoke that I have to be in the right mood for. When I am in the right mood the I haven't found anything else that will do.
3 out of 5
OK
Apr 02, 2022
I really liked the tin note. Fresh hay and memories of long ago. The room note, however, is harsh. Think stale cigarettes. I think I will smoke this outside
3 out of 5
Medium at best nicotine full
Mar 30, 2022
Medium at best nicotine full body smoke, currently my taste buds are off but earthy and pleasant
5 out of 5
This and an extra large cup of Joe makes for one good morning.
Mar 25, 2022
This made a quick jump into the favorites list. An absolutely great coffee companion in the morning. Being predominately a VA or VaPer smoker I wasn't sure about this after trying another, similar blend. But, it offer's what I didn't get out of Haunted Bookshop. A little rough around the edges when fresh, but not horribly so. I also got a chance to try some with age and really enjoyed it.
4 out of 5
Smoked
Jan 17, 2022
This tobacco brings me back to when I first tried smoking a pipe. A very unique blend without casing and has the character of a traditional tobacco blend without the fancy stuff. Reasonable amount of nicotine but not a lot. Is a little rough in the beginning but if smoked too fast comes off more like a cigarette.
5 out of 5
C&D Old Joe Krantz
Dec 23, 2021
First puff knocked my socks off! Strong burly and perique. After I settled down began to like the burly and enjoyed the smoke all the way through. Also bought 2 Oz of C&D Haunted Bookshop. Seems to be a much milder version of OJK. But I do love the old codger taste of OJK.
5 out of 5
This is a perfect blend
Nov 15, 2021
Old Joe Krantz is a perfect blend.
5 out of 5
Nutty
Nov 04, 2021
A manly, lovely smoking tobacco not for the feint of heart. This tobacco starts over aggressive from the first puff and mellows in flavor as the bowl is smoked down to a nutty, dark chocolate and woody finish. If your new to this tobacco don’t be put off by its initial flavor. A pipe of this is an story that unfolds as you smoke it. Highly recommended.
5 out of 5
I tried latakia andcavandish blends
Jul 23, 2021
I tried latakia andcavandish blends but it didn't do it for me. I like old Joe krands except for the perique in it. It's difficult to get a burly and Virginia blend without perique.i am struggling with it but I'll find something from Cornell and dheil hopefully soon..
5 out of 5
Great taste, great value
Jul 15, 2021
My all day smoke, nice and strong flavor, very affordable
3 out of 5
Good flavor, but needs more punch
Jun 26, 2021
C&D Old Joe Krantz has a pleasant enough flavor as a smoke, but for some reason, has a oddly unpleasant smell in the pouch. I originally tried OJK as a replacement for the now discontinued (and sorely missed) D&R Picayune tobacco which was an irreplaceable favorite for many years. On a scale of 1 to 10, OJK is a 5 to 6 in terms of strength and richness. For those who insist on a strong, full-bodied smoke, it will certainly do, but still somewhat lacking in flavor.
5 out of 5
Excellent Blend
Jun 09, 2021
Excellent blend. I was never a fan of burley blends. I always stuck with latakia heavy blends. I decided to try and expand my horizons and gave this a try. I am glad I did. I love it. Smooth, cool and tasty. Its now part of my regular rotation.
5 out of 5
Smoke it.
Jun 04, 2021
Smoked Haunted Bookshop for about a year. Old joe is better If you like perique.
5 out of 5
Hard to beat
May 28, 2021
Old joe krantz has become the standard of which I judge all other tobaccos. Time and time again it proves to be my favorite evening smoke.
5 out of 5
Everyday smoke
May 21, 2021
Love it, strong flavor, burns great, everyday all day smoke.
3 out of 5
Won’t end up in my
May 08, 2021
Won’t end up in my rotation but I will keep it around and likely give it taway
5 out of 5
Very recommended
Apr 15, 2021
I like this a lot. Well balaneed and with adequate strength, it's a daily smoke for me.
1 out of 5
Not for Me!
Apr 08, 2021
I know guys that love this stuff, but for me it's instant tongue bite. Like smoking dry stale tobacco. It's better for blending however.
5 out of 5
Powerful good burley blend
Apr 04, 2021
Powerful good burley blend
5 out of 5
Old Joe Krantz is a
Apr 01, 2021
Old Joe Krantz is a classic Burley blend with a nice nutty character and decent Nicotine strength.
5 out of 5
Old Joe is a tough two-fisted S.O.B.
Mar 22, 2021
Ive come to realize that I don’t have a refined enough palate to pick out the subtleties of tobacco blends. What I can tell you is OJK is absolutely great if you like strong burleys. Pairs well with anything I’ve had with it, scotch, rum, bourbon and coffee. Noticeable nicotine even for the “experienced” but not overwhelming at all. It’s probably not the best beginner smoke.
4 out of 5
Heady, strong, full blend heaped
Feb 25, 2021
Heady, strong, full blend heaped with plenty of flavorful Burley and bold Perique. Virginia plays a minor role in smoothing out the rough spots. Cigar-like in the smoke texture. Enjoyable as a slow sipper. OJK not for the weak at heart.
5 out of 5
Nice strong flavor that is
Jan 28, 2021
Nice strong flavor that is stiff enough that even I got a little nicotine hit.
5 out of 5
Found it
Dec 12, 2020
YES!!
5 out of 5
Top Tier Burley Blend
Nov 17, 2020
I have Tried many pipe tobacco's at this point and have accepted the fact that I am partial to burley blends. Of all the burley blends I have tried, Old Joe is king. I have smoked quite a bit of the stuff and never seem to get tired of it. This is the only blend I can say that about. Yes, it is way up there in nicotine content, but that very much works for me. Old Joe is my morning, afternoon and evening smoke. If you like burley and perique you will likely call this your favorite.
5 out of 5
Love It!
Oct 27, 2020
This one was a game changer for me. Until I met Old Joe Krantz every blend I had tried was good, bad, or unsmokeable. There was always just a little bit missing in even the "good" blends for me. It turns out that I just had not come to realize I was a "burley lover". One of the annoying little nuances that I have noticed about myself is that I tend to have to get used to a blend. The blends I like right off get boring quickly and the blends I am not quite sure of at first often become favorites. OJK was loved at first bowl and is now my absolute favorite. The only justification I have for the presence of other blends is to keep from tiring of Old Joe. Yes, he is at the higher end of the nicotine scale, but 21 years of coppenhagen addiction has prepared me for that. OJK is my all day smoke.
5 out of 5
Love it !
Sep 15, 2020
Love it !
5 out of 5
Good, potent, flavorful.
Dec 04, 2019
If you like strong tobacco, and you like to feel nicotine. This is for you. Tastes good, satisfies.
5 out of 5
Old joe krantz
Nov 17, 2019
I love this tabaco because I like burley blends
5 out of 5
One of my favorites
Jul 28, 2019
One of my favorites
5 out of 5
Quality
Jul 11, 2019
Wonderful tobacco
5 out of 5
The best
May 05, 2019
This is about the only thing I smoke anymore. High nicotine content. Perfect with your favorite bourbon.
5 out of 5
Great Blend
Mar 31, 2018
I wasn't sure if I would be a fan of Burley blends, so I started off with C&D Haunted Bookshop. I really enjoyed that blend. I love the Perique spice in things like Elizabethan Mixture, so when I saw that OJK was a really popular Burely blend that also had a good helping of Perique, I had to try it. I am glad that I did as I really enjoy OJK. I think both Haunted Bookshop and OJK will be regulars in my rotation from now on. OJK when I want that extra kick in flavor from the Perique and HBS when I don't. The fact that both are available in bulk is a bonus!
5 out of 5
Try it you will not be disappointed
Feb 01, 2018
I agree with others reviews, a fantastic smoke. Smooth and enjoyable with your favorite beverage of choice. Today it was coffee tomorrow maybe something stronger 😋
4 out of 5
Odd Tin Note
Dec 28, 2017
It just may have been my nose but when I first popped open the tin and took a whiff the tobacco had a vinegar like smell to it. After a bit it just had a tobacco smell. The moisture content of the tobacco was excellent and it packed well in my pipe. It smoked with great tobacco flavor with no bite but a bit of tang from what I guess is the Perique. It produced plenty of smoke and smoked dry all the way down to the bottom of the bowl. Got a moderate nick hit about three quarters of the way down the bowl. I wanted to see how this blend compared to Haunted Bookshop and I have to say that HB has an edge over OJK. Would I try it again? Probably not as long as Haunted Bookshop is available.
5 out of 5
Great smoke
Nov 30, 2017
Even as I write this review I am enjoying a pipe full of this smoke. This reminds me of when you could still buy unfiltered cigarettes, Camel,Pall all, etc. I enjoy the nicotine content and the spiciness of the perique. Good job P&C. Will buy more.
5 out of 5
OJK AOK
Sep 26, 2017
I'm a neophyte piper, and decided to skip the aros and head straight for the hard stuff, so take it with a grain of salt, but I liked this. Very consistent flavor, mostly burley, but perique shines too, I think. I took the advice of seasoned smokers and let this sit in a mason jar for a few weeks, and the difference was noticeable. Flavors seemed to marry better. My first bowl (straight from the tin) had more peaks and valleys.
2 out of 5
Strong
Jul 06, 2017
Don't know what you folks experienced. everyone is different and batches differ. This was like atomic fuel. I am trying to finish but it is harsh. I smoked eadchworth for fifty years until the change and this burly is tough. No more, reminds me of the five brothers from my youth
5 out of 5
Strong manly smoke perfect for Autumn/Winter
Mar 24, 2017
I always add a little 1Q or black Cavendish to sweeten it up a bit and take some of the Smoky aroma away. It's quite strong in both taste and nicotine levels. I smoked two packs a day and OJK got me to quit cigs!! Great by itself but again a pinch of something sweet really brings OJK to another level.
5 out of 5
My absolute favorite
Oct 14, 2016
With its hearty flavor and quickening punch to the senses, Old Joe Krantz has become my favorite blend of pipe tobacco. I highly recommend picking some up and giving it a try, but be warned it's not for the faint of heart!
4 out of 5
Old Joe Krantz
Sep 01, 2016
I really like VaPer blends, and this one is no exception. The added burley sets it apart from others and is really very nice in my opinion.
4 out of 5
A Strong & Intense, Yet Very Flavorful Tobacco
Jul 06, 2016
Like Dunhill Nightcap, I have found that this is a tobacco one may not particularly enjoy with the first bowlful. Like Nightcap, it is quite strong and intense, yet very very flavorful. Whereas Nightcap has the Latakia punch, Old Joe Kranz, a Perique one. 25% Perique I hear. As I came to really love the deep, full, heady flavor of Nightcap, I have come to rather enjoy OJK. Ya have to live with it a while.
My experience with OJK is that it has an effect like a decongestant/ antihistamine. It definitely will clear the sinuses! But once it has cleared the sinuses, the flavors from the nutty Burley, sweet Virginia, and yes, the Perique, too, can be really savored. As with a lot of the good rich tobaccos, slow going may bring out the best. So be careful not to chug to hard, or it will overwhelm and slam you pretty hard.
Depending on your climate, OJK, like Nightcap, may not be as well enjoyed during very hot weather, but more savored in cooler seasons, and or climates. Aside from all these things, I feel it is a well constructed/ blended tobacco, and as is the case with most of C&D's blends, it does not require much if any drying time before filling the pipe. Lots of delightfully large pieces of Virginia & Perique leaf gifted to you in the blend as well.
5 out of 5
Old Joe Krantz
Jan 09, 2016
Being a lover of burly tobaccos and a daily smoker of Haunted BookShop, I felt I would try this blend.
On opening the bag the smell was that of that earthy tones and pepper.
Smoking OJK was very rich with perique and burly. The red Virginia's flavor was more to the back but still sweet as I smoked on through the bowl. The taste was consistent with all the different tobaccos coming through. Sipping this blend was an experience and is at its best smoked slowly. This blend smokes well all the way down to ash. For burly lovers and Va/Per lovers this is a great blend as a must try. If Va/Per is your type of blend then with the cube cut and dark burly it's fantastic.
5 out of 5
Outstanding Tobacco
Dec 12, 2015
Very good tobacco test. All day Blend, going to the top of my next order!
5 out of 5
WOW! This pipe tobacco was love at first light! I read the background information on how Bob Runowski developed the blend in honor of his grandfather. I did a little research on Bob Runowski and sadly learned of his passing. I have the utmost respect
Dec 01, 2015
WOW! This pipe tobacco was love at first light! I read the background information on how Bob Runowski developed the blend in honor of his grandfather. I did a little research on Bob Runowski and sadly learned of his passing. I have the utmost respect for his blending skills after smoking this delightful blend. I tried big and burley, but became a little bored with it and (maybe it was the batch I got) but the big pieces of burley and burley flavor seemed to dicipate near the last third of the bag. I was a little apprehensive about Old Joe Krantz because of the reviews mentioning the heavy perique content. I'm glad I gave it a try. The burley is most noticeable, but the Virginias and perique are a great complement to a nice, rich, heady smoke. I love this tobacco and can smoke it all day, however, I also like 5 brothers which I will review shortly. I only like to smoke Old Joe Krantz when I have the proper amount of time and enjoyment this great smoke deserves. Bob Runowski, you have my respect and admiration. Also, thanks to P and C for providing such a wonderfully krafted and flavored blend!
5 out of 5
Good Old Joe!
Aug 08, 2015
Old Joe Krantz is one of the first blends I had tried from C&D. Became a regular smoke and haven't looked back sense. It has a great full flavor, that is reminiscent of a good cigar. The perique comes in and gives it a bit of spice, but not overbearing. The Red Virginia gives it a bit of sweetness. All together a very full earthy smoke. Exactly what I was looking for and very glad this blend is still around.
Customer Testimonials
Old Joe
I have to say this is a "big boy" smoke, not for the faint of heart.
I had posted a question on the pipe magazine forum asking people to recommend an American Blend, and another post asking for Burley, Virginia suggestions. Both post found Old Joe to be suggest. I reviewed the comments here at Tobacco Reviews and found that not only did it get a good score, but it had lots of reviews and several people suggesting it was a favorite (as have I.) So with that, I placed my order.
Opening the bag and taking a whiff is uneventful, I really would not say it has a good or bad smell, just a smell. After smoking my first bowl, my head was spinning. I don't think it was a nicotine rush, but something hit me. however, the smoke was easy (not a lot of relights) and it burned clean to the bottom of the bowl. A plus also,there was no tongue bite.
If I smoke this easy, it is one fine blend to have on hand. And since my wife likes earthly smelling baccy and nothing sweet, this was immediately approved by her.
I would say if you enjoy a good medium English blend, you might like this just fine. If you like Drew Estates: Meat Pie or Hearth & Home Larry's Blend, Old Joe should at least make an appearance in your cellar. I bet he will be invited back time and time again.
On a funny side, one night I poured myself a double scotch and water, loaded up my pipe, and headed for the back porch with a book to read. When I came in, my wife asked me if I had seen a ghost as I was as white as a sheet. I told her no, Ol' Joe just kicked my ass. I will say, however It was the deepest sleep I've had in a long time.
HT of Melbourne, FL
Other burley blends are a dingy, Old Joe is a battleship. If Pee Wee Herman is the leading man, Old Joe is Arnold Schwarzenegger. All other Burley blends are a screen door, Old Joe -gates of Iron.
Old Joe Krantz is a strong, strong blend without a hint of sweetness. It may have VA listed among the ingredients but the sweetness is as far as a pig from the moon. I describe Old Joe as Harsh with a deep dryness. It went great with my coffee but I had to add more sweet cream in my mug to balance out the smoke in my pipe. This blend packs a WALLUP in every area. If this is an old school smoke it left me the impression of a tough leather neck marine smoking gun powder and leather. You know how there are different levels of burley for blending? Well this one is the hard nicotine full body version. Now add a good deal of Perique. That's Old Joe Krantz.
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