Drum Bleu Clair (Bright Blue / Mild) Tobacco

Drum Bleu Clair, often referred to as Drum Bright Blue or Mild, is a world-renowned brand of fine-cut hand-rolling tobacco. The brand has its roots in the Netherlands, where it was first introduced in 1952 by the Douwe Egberts corporation. It is famous for its 'Halfzware' blends, which typically combine aromatic dark Kentucky tobacco with bright Virginia leaves.

Ownership of the brand transitioned through several hands over the decades, moving from Douwe Egberts to the Sara Lee Corporation, before being acquired by the British multinational Imperial Brands (formerly Imperial Tobacco) in 1998.

Manufacturing locations vary significantly based on the market. The original European version is primarily produced in the Netherlands (historically in Drachten and Joure, and currently in integrated facilities) and is barrel-cured using traditional Dutch methods. However, in the United States, the rights to the Drum brand are owned by Republic Tobacco, which manufactures a distinct version of the product at the Top Tobacco factory in North Carolina. Consequently, depending on where the product is purchased, it may be produced in Western Europe or North America.