1913 advertisement for Prince Albert tobacco.

Prince Albert is an American brand of pipe tobacco, introduced by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1907.[1] It has been owned since 1987 by John Middleton Inc.[2]

History [ edit ]

Prince Albert is one of the more popular independent brands of pipe tobacco in the United States; in the 1930s, it was the "second largest money-maker" for Reynolds.[3] More recently, it has also become available in the form of pipe-tobacco cigars. (A 1960s experiment with filtered cigarettes was deemed a failure.[4]) The blend is burley-based and remains one of America's top-selling pipe tobaccos.

The tobacco was personally named by R. J. Reynolds after Edward VII, who was known as Prince Albert before being crowned King.[5] The portrait of Prince Albert was based on one acquired by Reynolds at a tea party with Mark Twain.[5]

Prince Albert's cigars are available in packs of 5. Prince Albert's pipe tobacco is available in 1.5 ounce pouches and 14 ounce tins.

Varieties [ edit ]

Classic Prince Albert Crimp Cut Tobacco

Cigars [ edit ]

Prince Albert's Soft Cherry Vanilla

Prince Albert's Soft & Sweet Vanilla

Pipe tobacco [ edit ]

Prince Albert

Prince Albert Choice Blend

Prince Albert Cherry Vanilla

Prince Albert Soft Vanilla Cavendish

Prince Albert Mellow

"Prince Albert in a can" [ edit ]

The brand is the basis of a practical joke, usually made in the form of a prank call. The prankster typically calls a store and asks if they have "Prince Albert in a can." When the unsuspecting clerk responds "yes" (because the tobacco is typically packaged in a can, though other forms of packaging also existed), the caller follows up with, "Well, you'd better let him out!" or "Then why don't you let him out before he suffocates!?"[6][7]