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All New Pipes
Andrew J.
Reviews
Cornell & Diehl - Bayou Night 2oz
Strong and Smoky!
At first it seemed simply rough and strong but after two bowls I began to appreciate the complexity. Definitely perique and latakia-forward but the blend is outstanding and a real treat when I'm craving something spicy and robust. I enjoy the leather notes throughout the bowl. Will stock up so I can try it with some age on it.
Drew Estate - Deadwood Fat Bottom Betty Gordito
Artificial Sweetener Bomb
Truly unbearable. The draw end of the cigar has obviously been heavily dipped in some form of artificial sweetener and, even if this were a good idea, far too much of it. Each draw was an overpowering rush of chemical sweetener which was both unpleasant and made it difficult to discern what other flavors were in the cigar. I hoped it would lessen over the course of the smoke but it didn't and so I gave up about halfway through. I will definitely not be buying these again.
Seattle Pipe Club - Plum Pudding Toro
Misses the Mark
The pipe tobacco flavor is very slight and the cigar components are average and not spectacular. I wanted to like these. They are not bad but somehow underwhelming. I appreciate both cigars and pipe tobacco and therein may lie my problem. Because while smoking them I was left with the impression that they were not as good as a good cigar or good pipe tobacco.
Drucquer & Sons - King's Fool 100g
Spicy and Complex
This makes for a very interesting bowl. The flavors can change a bit during the course of the smoke and I agree with the reviewers who noted the interplay between the peppery notes and the sweeter tones. A winner!
Cornell & Diehl - Bourbon Bleu 8oz
Subtle Aro
I ordered more after one tin. The bourbon flavor is very slight and almost not there; rather than a taste of booze, the bowl develops a faint sweetness akin to honey as it burns through. I would say this is a very good aro for anyone who ... doesn't prefer aros? ;)
Rattray's - Bagpiper's Dream 100g
Boozy!
I enjoy this aro; the cognac is firmly present but tastes natural (i.e. not artificial like some toppings). It's in my regular rotation and I stock up on it now. Interestingly, it consistently draws compliments from others.
Rattray's - Exotic Passion 100g
Very strong but delicious
I find this aromatic to be a bit too strong on its own but enjoy mixing it with non-aros to dampen the punch of the toppings. What results is a nice sweet orange holiday-style mix. Will buy more.
Cornell & Diehl - Jolly Old Saint Nicholas 2oz
Delightful holiday blend
This is what I would consider a strong aromatic but balanced and not overpowering. The holiday flavors of ginger and orange really come though. Tin note is more citrus than room note. Will be buying more.
Cornell & Diehl - Golden Days of Yore 2oz
Not bad, but certainly not a holiday aromatic.
Tin notes yielded no notes of rum, ginger, allspice etc. Beginning of the bowl was grassy and earthy; a slight undefined sweetness emerged at the bottom of the bowl but this was brief. Very disappointing versus C&D's Jolly Old St. Nicholas which is great with all its ginger and holiday spice.
Low Country - Cherry
Cherry topping very artificial and strong (at first...)
This blend has a particularly strong and chemical cherry topping. I am currently experimenting with mixing and drying it as a means to soften the powerful artificial punch of the flavoring, but I am not confident I can make it pleasant. UPDATE: After drying this a bit and ageing it a little I find it has improved. The cherry flavor has diminished and is less harsh/chemical tasting. Not my favorite but palatable and suitable for mixing.