Amphora is among the most traditional and renowned pipe tobacco brands in Germany. The brand originated in the Netherlands, where it was developed by the esteemed company Douwe Egberts.
Amphora: A Brand with Centuries of Tradition
Douwe Egberts is also well-known as a distinguished coffee brand. Founded in 1753 in Joure, Friesland, the company initially traded in tobacco, tea, and coffee. It soon achieved great success and established its own tobacco production facility.
From Friesland to the World
Through savvy marketing, Amphora gained recognition beyond national borders. As early as 1956, the brand experimented with innovative cutting techniques such as Flake and Rubbed Cut Flake, which sparked interest among Dutch pipe smokers. Today, classics like Amphora Burley and Amphora Virginia are reminders of this pioneering work.
In 1953, on the occasion of its 200th anniversary, Douwe Egberts was awarded the title “koninklijke” (royal) by the Dutch Crown. In addition to Amphora, the company’s portfolio included well-known brands like Van Nelle and Drum. While the brand grew in Europe, the United States became its largest market. Documents from the 1960s show substantial exports to the U.S.
New Tobacco Variants and Advertising
In the 1980s, Douwe Egberts expanded its range with milder and sweeter tobacco blends, tailored to the preferences of pipe smokers at the time. Terms like “Cavendish” were strategically marketed, emphasizing maturation time as a key quality feature.
From Tobacco to Pipes
Pipes themselves also became a focus: In the 1970s, Amphora introduced pipes with a regulatable airflow system. These products gained worldwide popularity, particularly in Japan, where they were exported via the U.S.
A New Beginning with Mac Baren
After Douwe Egberts ceased its tobacco business in 1998, Imperial Tobacco initially took over the brand. From 2006, Amphora was produced by Mac Baren in Denmark. In 2015, Mac Baren fully acquired the brand, enabling a return to the American market.
Amphora Today: A Classic Redefined
With the introduction of Amphora Virginia, Mac Baren relied on the proven hot-press technique, which had already been used for St. Bruno Flake. This technique allows for faster maturation and a well-balanced aroma. The range is complemented by variants like Amphora Burley and Amphora Kentucky.
Amphora in Germany: A Limited Selection
While Amphora offers varieties such as Rich Aroma, Mellow Blend, or Black Cavendish in other countries, its selection in Germany remains limited. The expansion of the portfolio remains uncertain due to Mac Baren's acquisition by the Scandinavian Tobacco Group.
An Invitation to Connoisseurs
With Amphora, pipe smokers discover a brand that combines tradition and quality. Its history and the variety of tobacco blends ensure an unparalleled smoking experience.
