Colonel Turner:
Hero of the front line The front line at Yser, 1917. While British solders hide in fear of yet another barrage of fire there are sounds of laughter and an applause in a trench. Hooray, chaps! It is the battalion led by Colonel Turner welcoming their hero. Not because he brings ammunition or victory, but because he is armed with a fresh load of fragrant tobacco. For himself and his men. This was not the first stunt pulled by Colonel Turner. The Turner Tobacco spread like wildfire amidst the mud, craters and gas attacks. This British colonel knew like no other the art of keeping his men happy and ready to fight. Indeed, there were times when the colonel disappeared from the front line for hours, but he always returned. Armed with new supplies of tobacco and renewed courage. The respect he earned from his troops knew no bounds and the camaraderie was legendary. In the final offensive in WW I not a single soldier in Turner’s battalion lost his life. A wonder some say, but not if you ask Turner: for him it was the ultimate demonstration that ‘Tommys’ will do anything for each other and surpass themselves when they need to. The name and fame of The Turner Tobacco goes beyond the front line. Turner’s unique achievement in leading an entire battalion through the war without loss earned him many medals. However, he did not care for the silver on his chest. What made him happiest was to see his comrades again. Legend has it that the annual reunions in the British countryside were as illustrious as the time in the trenches. For decades the Smoking Soldiers shared stories of bravery and deprivation, but most of all the cigarette and tobacco that united them. In 1983 Frans Stubbe launched a new brand of loose tobacco. When searching for a name for this outstanding tobacco he came across the unique tale of Colonel Turner. He was so moved by the colonel’s heroic deeds and by the mental impact of “The Turner Tobacco”, that he decided to name the tobacco after him. This is how the brand “The Turner” was born and the legend shall always live on...

The art of blending

It takes an experienced master blender to produce a harmonious blend while ensuring a constant taste and quality. After all, blending is a true art. The color, texture, smell and flavor of tobacco leaves are the determining factors for the final product. Smelling, feeling, and tasting are thus part of the daily routine of a master blender.

VIRGINIA A mellow blend, pairing the smoothness of blonde Virginia leaves and their pleasing hint of honey with an aromatic Burley body, topped off with a touch of Orient. Virginia Green is very similar to Golden Virginia.