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All New Pipes
Burt M.
Reviews
McConnell - Scottish Blend 50g
Coming from a newbie, this is a great intro to "English" style for new smokers.
Holy smokes... I'm of the "found my grandpa's Dr. Grabow" intro to pipe smoking some years ago. I started as many do, grabbing samples of everything I could find, smoking way too much way too quickly, and eventually settled into a steady rhythm of Va and VaPers, a couple of aromatics, and a cavendish in my rotation. Not too big on burleys, they tend to upset my mouth. So I'd like to think I have a well-rounded view, though still fairly new to the hobby. Until now, I had not dared branch out to any English style, or anything with Latakia really, because of the presumed complexity and sometimes off-putting room note those tobaccos are known for. A few weeks ago I decided to ease into that world with McConnells Scottish Blend. And wow, this stuff is awesome! The tin note is smoky campfire and barbecue sauce for me. Some sour tang from the Va, and a little funkiness that was hard to place... Leather? To compare using whisky, this would be Laphroaig vs a Balvenie. I'm usually not a fan of smoky, peaty whisky, but I ventured forth undeterred... I loaded it up straight from the tin, rather lightly, and was met with some glorious flavors and wonderful smoke. The Virginia was definitely front and center from the beginning, and the Latakia nestled right in behind it. The campfire note remains, but not so much as to choke you with that leathery, smoky flavor. The cavendish helps smooth everything out. I don't get much Perique in this blend until about halfway through the bowl about the same time the cavendish fades out. My wife absolutely hates it... from the tin, smoke in the air, everything. But after 5-6 bowls of this, it's quickly become one of my favorites that I gladly smoke outdoors. If you're fairly new to pipe smoking and, like me, are curious what all the fuss about "English style" is, my novice opinion is this would be a great introduction to those blends. My only problem, besides ordering more of this to smoke/cellar, would be what blends to try next. Easily 4 stars, could be a 5 if I spend a bit more time with it.