Butera Kingfisher – Sealed Vintage 2oz Tin – Legendary Late 1990s Germain Era – Discontinued VaBurPer Crumble Cake

There are certain blends that take on a life of their own once they disappear, and Butera’s Kingfisher is firmly in that category.

Kingfisher was introduced in the mid-1990s as the very first blend released under the Butera Pipe Company, produced in the British Isles by J.F. Germain & Son of Jersey. From the beginning, it stood apart. Quietly complex, deeply traditional, and never intended to chase trends. This was a blend built for slow evenings, careful packing, and reflective smoking.

Based on documented production history, known packaging variations, and Germain manufacturing timelines, the tin offered here dates to the late 1990s original Germain production era, following the initial launch but well before Kingfisher’s eventual discontinuation in the early 2000s. This places it squarely in the period most collectors associate with mature, fully realized Kingfisher production.

The blend itself is a classic Virginia, Burley, and Perique composition, pressed and cut into a distinctive double cut crumble cake. Bright Virginias offer gentle citrus and hay sweetness at the light, Burley provides body and earthy depth through the middle of the bowl, and Perique introduces restrained spice and dark fruit as the smoke develops. Kingfisher is particularly well known for evolving as it burns, becoming richer, woodier, and more contemplative toward the finish.

Production was always limited and reportedly difficult, and over time Kingfisher quietly vanished from regular availability. It has since become one of those blends spoken about with nostalgia and respect, rarely seen and even more rarely encountered sealed.

This tin is an exceptional example. It appears factory sealed with no shake, suggesting the crumble cake inside remains intact and undisturbed. The tin itself is in fantastic condition, with clean edges, intact labeling, and excellent overall presentation. This is exactly the sort of tin that was cellared early and forgotten rather than opened.

Whether you are a collector looking to add a cornerstone piece from the late-1990s Germain era to your cellar, or a smoker who has long wanted to experience Kingfisher as it was originally intended, this is an increasingly rare opportunity.

A beautiful and honest piece of modern pipe tobacco history.

Details:

-Blend: Virginia, Burley, Perique
-Cut: Double cut crumble cake
-Manufacturer: J.F. Germain & Son for Butera Pipe Company
-Origin: Made in the British Isles
-Tin Size: 2 oz
-Estimated Production Era: Late 1990s original Germain production
-Production Status: Discontinued
-Condition: Factory sealed, no shake, fantastic overall condition

This auction contains tobacco.  If you live in certain states, you will be unable to purchase this product.