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Mac Baren - HH Rustica Ready Rubbed
Patience Is A Virtue
This ready-rubbed came on the moist side, but after a little rubbing and 20 minutes of drying time was good to go. I used a vintage 624KS, which I consider a medium bowl. I'd recommend a medium sized bowl of your choice for the experienced smoker. It is strong as advertised, but maybe not overwhelmingly so for those who are seasoned. I believe a less experienced smoker can enjoy this as well, but this tobacco would require proper cadence and pace. Take your time! Otherwise, the potency of this tobacco could floor you. "Patience Is A Virtue" Right? This was an enjoyable smoke for me, and I'd recommend this to someone who wants to actually sit down and devote their time just to this with no other distractions. Rustic cut that provides some smokey/earthy complexity. I bought 6 oz. of this, some to smoke straight up now... the other to put back for a bit for some blending experiments later. Certainly if available, will buy more later.. backed off a star portion just for the moisture content, perhaps not fair.

Cornell & Diehl - Three Friars 2oz
Cheesesque!
I particularly like this tobacco, has arguably the right amount of perique for someone not wanting to just get perique bombed per se. However, I find this tin note VERY cheesy! I'm very surprised that no one (that I can see) has made mention of it. ?? Even without lighting, the tin note becomes the room note... Powerful in that regard. This tobacco is heavy with aged cheese with a prominent note of fermented fruit as well. My tin came with heavy moisture, but dried quickly for an enjoyable smoke. I'll say that the cheesiness is not overbearing though after lighting and is complimented well with the taste of overly ripe stone fruit.

Sillem's - Councilor 1695 50g
Just the right amount
This is an outstanding Vaper, I’m in agreement that this blend is certainly underrated. Definitely under the radar and is deserving of more accolades! This is a zesty offering with the perfect amount of perique. Gauge your own tin, mine needed little if any drying time. Amazing burn, zero relights.

Stands & Pouches - Savinelli Velvet Pouch Blue
Classy & Great Value
Excellent way to carry and protect your pipes from scuffing and damage. Attractive appearance, and priced affordably. I've seen priced much higher elsewhere.

Peterson - Elizabethan Mixture 50g
I Didn't Think I Was
Peterson makes quality affordable pipes and their tobacco is no exception as well. This is a fabulous blend, I've stated for awhile now that I'm not a perique guy.. I may becoming one! This doesn't have a ton of perique, but more than enough to make itself known. Excellent job here in conjunction with the Virginia's IMO. The perique is subtle during the first third, but shows up a little more towards the middle and end of the bowl. Just the right amount of that "nose tingle". So, if you're not a perique guy/gal I'd give my endorsement to give this a go! 100% will buy this one again. Update 02/07/24: This tobacco is more than amazing, I gave it the other half star. In short, should have had it from the beginning.

Cornell & Diehl - Bright Virginia Ribbon
Personal Preference
When blending at home, I almost always pair a percentage of this in when a blend calls for a Red Virginia. For me, that is almost always. Recently, among other components I tried blending this in with some chopped cigar. Although allowing to age a bit now, it's initial smoke produced some nice results. IMO the chopped cigar (although tasty) is a little "rough around the edges" and needs some more time.

Cornell & Diehl - Burley Ribbon Cut
Versatile Blender
Bought as a blending component of course to add some complexity to some home blends, it's versatility provided a boost to some aromatics as well that were too moist and dull in flavor and potency also. As stated above, does pair well with both red and bright Virginia. DFK in small doses could be an ally too. Not for certain, but I'd guess this has some Dark Burley in this burley combo.

Cornell & Diehl - Dark Fired Kentucky
My Sidekick
I love this DFK, it's my go-to on almost all of my home blends. Most of the prior assessments here in respect to it's smokiness are accurate to a degree, it'll vary from person to person of course. Personally, I like to add 10-15% into my blends. If you have some aromatics etc that need waking up as well, try a pinch or two. Intense bag note!.. No joke, before even opening my mailbox I could smell it's goodness radiating out of the package! Curious now, on what the delivery guy must have been thinking. ;)

Cornell & Diehl - Chopped Cigar Leaf 2oz
Pleasantly Surprised
Over 30+ years into both cigars and pipes, I'd never really "co-mingled" their paths.. it was one or the other. I smoke both my pipes and cigars weekly, just never cigar tobacco in my pipe. I wanted to add some variety to my personal blends, and decided to change some things up a bit. The bag note had almost a soured (in a good way) barnyard quality in a powerful fashion, smoked cool however and has brought a component to my blends that hasn't been there. IMO this does need some age, I can't agree with others here though of the association to a premium cigar. This is a good tobacco "in the rough" if you will, but definitely isn't equivocal to a high-end cigar.

Erinmore - Erinmore Flake 50g
Yes, refreshing..
Refreshing isn't a term that I've ever used to describe tobacco, but seems fitting here. This is a cool burning tobacco, that I believe somehow feels refreshing. I've heard about for years, but this was my first go at this one. Proper moisture from the first pop of the tin, and absolutely one of the best looking flakes and a breeze to rub out as well. I sensed a slight fruit-like topping as most will concur with, however... this is not overly sweet.. and IMO doesn't warrant the "Juicy Fruit" moniker placed on it.. Just don't feel that's an accurate assessment. Could be an all day smoke, at some point would definitely purchase again.

War Horse - Bar 1.75oz
Twin Brother
Very similar to his brother "Green". IMO almost interchangeable, very/very slight difference in profile- similar licorice-type notes. Like Green, packs a punch, but not in an uncomfortable way. Easiest "plug" you'll find to handle.. just peel off the desired amount. Great change of pace smoke.

Cornell & Diehl - Dark Burley
Burley Flex
Bought as a blending component to MAX out a Virginia and DFK mixture. Seeking a high octane blend... This Dark Burley comprises 40% of the blend, and although I plan on putting some age on it the initial results have been outstanding. Nothing too complex about this burley IMO, but it's playing it's role perfectly.

Kopp - Graham 50g
Off The Charts
I guess I have more adoration for this tobacco then some. Not a huge aromatic smoker, frankly the other way mostly, but the tin note and taste of this tobacco is off the charts. I agree with the coconut profile note, which is slightly fore front with the blackberry and cane sugar notes competing closely. One of the few aromatics that actually tastes like it smells, and maintains that through the entirety of the bowl. This is my second tin, and both have had absolute perfect moisture. Must-have for those who are in the aromatic camp.

Peterson - Irish Flake 50g
Straight forward, No nonsense
Arguably some of the best flake IMO that you can find. It's a straight forward, delicious no nonsense tobacco! Yes, some hints of a topping but works well with the smokiness this tobacco provides. Strong, but not in a coma inducing way. Provides the perfect amount of nicotine for the ultimate relaxation smoking session. 5+ Stars if I could.

Humidification - Boveda 60g Humidity Control Packet-75%
Hassle Free
There are enough worries in our life then to have to worry about ruining your "investment" in smokes! Just throw one in your humidor and you're good to go. I still use in conjunction with my standard humidification system, but no worries having to check on them much less frequently. Provides a nice piece of mind.

Gifts - Plateau Briar Pipe Kit Amber Acrylic Stem-Bent
Beautiful Briar
I've bought several of these now, no complaints. I have had some wonderful results producing some gorgeous pieces. Exciting when you start cutting away exposing some grain and the magic that unveils when the staining phase begins. Does provide a lot of enjoyment and sense of pride when finished. Will buy more!

Mac Baren - 7 Seas Royal
Slated For Promotion II
Absolutely one of my Top 3 aromatics! I love it so much, I bought this one in bulk this time. I had some empty Royal tins, and decided to pack them full! Again, wonderful tin note and even non-smokers appreciate the intoxicating aroma when fired up.

Erik Stokkebye 4th Generation - 1897 3.5oz
1897
.... must have been a good year. This is a pleasant aromatic. This tobacco is very similar in tin note and tobacco quality to the Mac Baren 7 Seas offering. My immediate thought when first opened was the striking similarity. This came very moist, but quickly fixed with just a moment of pre-preparation. No worries. Enjoyable change of pace smoke.

Cornell & Diehl - White Burley
Barnyard Goodness
Bag note resonated with a hay-like note similar to freshly baled hay. This is a good thing! I purchased for complimenting some blends of Red and Bright Virginia and paired that in with some Fire cured as well. This had absolute perfect moisture, pleased with how it burned down leaving nothing but beautiful ash. Maybe 8 oz wasn't enough..

Peterson - Royal Yacht 50g
Smooth Sailing...
This is one enjoyable tobacco! The tin note is certainly pleasant, but nothing in your face. I allowed some to set out a bit before packing, but honestly probably wasn't necessary. Close to perfect moisture for me. Burnt down to nothing but beautiful ash in my 624 KS. I'll say however that I purchased in part to fit a niche in my "power group" This will have a spot in my rotation, just didn't live up to a "4 dot" strength rating. Respectable. Not weak, but didn't provide an extra pop. This is supposedly in the same strength category as War Horse Green, but not even close! Great blend either way, I'll definitely purchase this one again. Revising today 11/08/23, I added another star. Arguably, my favorite day in and out tobacco. No, it's not the strongest tobacco I smoke but in reality fits an everyday smoke perfectly. IMO has great balance.

Cornell & Diehl - Red Virginia Ribbon
Staple For Blending
Such a quality tobacco! I enjoy smoking a bowl of this straight, but has become a staple for many of my blending experiments at home. Seems to pair well with a variety of tobaccos, I've enjoyed blending this in with various aromatics and pairs well with blends that I include in with some fire cured as well. Get creative!

War Horse - Green 1.75oz
Sneaky Strong
I concur with most of the assessments of the prominent licorice notes, as well as the potency of this tobacco. If sneaky strong is a thing, I believe this describes this best. It's strength isn't in your face, but it's certainly there! I'm a 30+ year cigar guy as well, most of the cigars I smoke are very full bodied and many include ligero filler. I got more buzz from this tobacco than I've experienced smoking those power house cigars. Not an everyday tobacco IMO, but certainly have enjoyed smoking at least once per week.

Lane Limited - Black Raspberry
5 Star Raspberry
If you love berry flavored aromatics, this should be your go-to. My only regret was that I only purchased 2 oz. of this! Between sharing (the others praised the taste/non-smokers were pleased with the room note), and me smoking numerous bowls.. I depleted my supply quickly! Buy a sackful of this aromatic!

Mac Baren - 7 Seas Royal 3.5oz
Slated for Promotion!
I was offered a bowl of this from an acquaintance. Wonderful taste! Was lucky to be offered the remainder of the tin. This blend will go into a daily/weekly rotation! Had some resemblance IMO to Lane 1Q with the right amount of a berry flavor in addition to making it it's own. Mild, however very satisfying!

Cornell & Diehl - Apples & Cream
Should be renamed to Cookies and Creme
Pleasant smoke, but I was looking forward to the flavor of apples which is what I was seeking. What I experienced was more of an Oreo cookie flavor, or as someone else has said that a brownie dessert was of note. My company also commented on the chocolate note being prevalent. Quality tobacco, but nothing resembling apple here.

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