American blends are created by blending different ratios of Flue-Cured (Virginia), Burley, and Oriental Tobaccos. The blend mixture varies according to the customers’ specifications and is determined by the experience of the blender.

More frequently these days, American blends use Recon (reconstituted tobacco) and CRES (expanded stems). The use of these materials help to control costs, influence filling power and tar and nicotine levels. They can additionally be considered for burning rate considerations, and once incorporated into a blend are deemed as important as raw tobacco in achieving a prescribed blending result.