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Cornell & Diehl - Old Joe Krantz Blue Label
A Great VA/Bur!
I’ve been looking for an all day VA/Bur and I seem to have found it. For me, I do really enjoy the original Old Joe Krantz, but it’s a bit too much for a daily smoke. The high percentage of perique makes original OJK over the top in my experience. I bought about four ounces in bulk after reading some reviews of it and I have a deep respect for Jeremy Reeves as a blender, so I gave it a shot. I have been enjoying this daily for about two weeks now. When I put my nose in the bag, I was a little disappointed at first, as it reminded me of fermented pencil shavings. Now I just love the stuff. Burley in the forefront and throughout the smoke, the Virginias are included to dull the edges of a straight Burley blend. To my taste, I get a lot of nutty, earthiness in the smoke and a hint of cocoa. This is one of the better Virginia/Burleys out there and certainly is satisfying in the nicotine department. Want something complex with an ever-changing flavor while smoking? Well, you’ll have to look elsewhere for that. If you enjoy Burleys, however, this may be for you. I am looking forward to trying it with a few months age on it, so I’ll have to buy more soon. Highly recommended.
Mac Baren - Navy Flake 3.5oz
Quickly becoming a favorite tobacco
I have to admit that I have had bad luck with the majority of Mac Baren blends that I have tried. Virginia No. 1 is a honey-soaked blowtorch, in my opinion. The other blends not in the HH line that I have tried have all burned hot; Buster Poindexter "Hot, Hot, Hot" kind of hot. Navy Flake is a definite exception. I have had no issues with tongue bite with it and it is a quite enjoyable smoke. I have to say, I am impressed with this flake. It's one of the easier flakes to prepare, whether rubbed out or fold n' stuff, and is one of the more flavorful flakes I have smoked. It does have a particularly honey-sweet topping, but it is far from overpowering. It may be a bit premature to say at this point, but I believe that this as supplanted University Flake as my favorite flake tobacco. We'll see after I finish a couple tines, but it definitely has a leg up right now. Highly recommended. A solid 5 stars.
Cornell & Diehl - Mad Fiddler Flake 2oz
Unique and enjoyable
Mad Fiddler Flake is an enjoyable, but unique, tobacco blend from Jeremy Reeves. I find it difficult to put it into any category. Oh, there are some categories I can definitely rule out, but it's really neither fish nor fowl. Once the tin is popped, you are greeted with a a healthy topping of something like an herbal booze, if that makes sense. Cannot put my finger on it in the slightest. The topping, however, is not overwhelming to me. The flake is quite moist and can be difficult to keep lit without some drying time. I have had my tin open for over a month and it's still quite damp. Upon lighting the blend, I was a little surprised by the flavor. It was quite unlike any tobacco I have had before; Not bad, just different. My wife smelled it when I was smoking it and asked what smelled like cloves. I assumed that it was the Kasturi in the blend, as Kasturi is supposedly used in clove cigarette manufacture. At any rate, I do really enjoy this one. It's a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely worth a try.
Cornell & Diehl - Dreams of Kadath 2oz
Lots of preparation, but it certainly can be worth the time.
"Dreams" and I started off on the wrong foot. When I first opened the tin, I was overwhelmed by the boozy topping that almost slapped me in the face. After opening a tin that had about five months or more in age, I cut the plug into thin flakes and stuck them I my pipe. At first blush, all I could taste was the topping. It settled down a little bit, but was still overwhelmingly present. I tried another bowl the next day and left the top off overnight. The topping was less pungent than before, so I tried it again the following day. The third time was nearly identical to the second. I was at a loss and didn't mess with it for a while after that. I had nearly given up on it and threw it into a mason jar. Several months later, I saw the jar and decided to give it a whirl. The topping, though still present, was quite subdued and enhanced the tobaccos, rather than obscuring them. I found "Dreams" to be a quite nice Virginia?Oriental plug with some strength and unique flavor. I really like the stuff now and have been smoking a bowl at least once a week for the past couple months. I have another tin sitting in the closet with the rest of my "cellared" tobaccos. It now has close to two years on it, so when I finish the jar of "Dreams" that I am dipping into, I will open it up and start with it not long afterward. I'll see if I have to leave the lid off the tin for at least a night again. All in all, a really interesting and enjoyable tobacco. Just needs some preparation. At least for me, anyway. Recommended! I don't think I can give this blend more than 3 1/2 to 4 stars. The preparation required to get it to the point that I enjoy it is a bit much. However, once it's at that point, I find it a rich, satisfying, and enjoyable smoke. It won't replace Temple Bar as one of my top plug Virginia/Oriental blends, however.
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Scotch Mixture
Not my cup o' tea
This is a difficult review for me to write, as I absolutely love GH & Co.'s tobaccos. This blend, however, is the exception to the rule. I bought about 2 oz of this around a year ago and I just finished it a few weeks ago. I had been mulling over it for a while and I just don't feel that this one spoke to me. Don't misunderstand me; there's positively nothing wrong with this blend at all. It burned well and still had the nice GH mouth-feel that the other blends offer. I think that it just isn't for me. I found this blend to be just too bland to catch my interest; which is stange, because I like a lot of other tobaccos that other pipers find bland. Oh, well... Even for GH, they can't all be winners.
Cornell & Diehl - King Cake 2oz
Over the top
I was gifted this by a good friend and I appreciate the gift wholeheartedly. However, this tobacco won't be made a permanent member of my rotation. I like a good topped tobacco and most "aromatic" blends that contain full tobaccos without the bane of goopy black cavendish. This blend, though, is in no way goopy or even have a constituent of a majority black cav, but C&D was a bit too overly zealous with the flavorings. I have to disagree respectfully with JimInks who noted that the hazelnut was not as apparent in the smoke as the rum and plum. Hazelnut was all I tasted for over half the bowl. The next night I broke some up and left it on the dresser overnight to air out. This helped the blend immensely and toned down the hazelnut flavor to a tolerable level. It was actually enjoyable after some of the casing had dissipated. The Virginias, Perique, and Turkish are wonderful in this blend and work together quite well. I know this seems like a negative review and there are problems I do have with this blend. However, it is really good for a change of pace from my usual VAs, VaPers, and Burleys. I do think the casing is overdone in my opinion. I also wonder why they included a blend with such a low percentage of Virginias in a series that consists of tobaccos formulated to aged. Oh, well. I do like it, but it's over the top for me.
Peterson - Old Dublin 50g
Ho-Hum
I appear to be going against the grain a bit here, but I was not terribly impressed with Old Dublin. OD is not a terrible tobacco by any stretch, but it seemed to be just boring to me. I love several straight Virginia blends and some call those boring. I also love several straight Burleys that others call boring. This just happens to be one that I find horribly, well, boring. While this blend is not bad, I have to say that I think that it is quite similar to other light Latakia blends. To put it in perspective, if someone put Squadron Leader or King Charles Mixture in an Old Dublin tin, I don't think that I'd be able to tell the difference one way or the other. I know I sound like a broken record, but it's not bad. It's just not really anything that I think stands out as a great tobacco for me. I give it two stars, because two is supposed to stand for "Somewhat Recommended." I don't give two stars to blends that I dislike greatly; I mete out one star ratings for those. I could only give this one two stars because I know that I will never buy it again, but I think that others may enjoy it.
Cornell & Diehl - Vieux Carré 2oz
Mediocre...
Meh. I was quite a bit underwhelmed by this to back. It seemed to be one that I would enjoy; a light English flake. However, much as I tried, I just couldn't get into it. Perhaps the latakia is actually too light (which wouldn't really make sense, as I enjoy GLP Piccadilly). Maybe the orientals are too light (this is definite). I'm not certain. I'm a Virginia fan, but the Virginia's in this mixture do nothing for me. I haven't figured it out after (begrudgingly) smoking the majority of the 2 oz tin. Topping? I know it's there, but can't figure out if it enhances or detracts. I just can't wrap my head around it. All I can say is I don't like it. It's just so boring... It was hard not to give it a one star review, but I know the leaf to be quality tobacco. It's just not my bag, baby. So, two stars. I won't revisit this, though.
Cornell & Diehl - Briar Fox 2oz
Not overly complex, but fantastic
First off, I have become enamored with Krumble Kakes recently. I just love the presentation and enjoy tearing off a chunk to put in my pipe. Briar Fox comes as one of these Kake brownies in the tin with gold, brown, and flecks of black tobaccos. Looks an awful lot like a "blondie." The tin note to me is more Burley than Virginia. I detect more chocolatey, raisiny, nuttiness than sweetness, breadiness, and tang. I know BF is considered a VA/Bur, but I think of it more as a Bur/VA. If that makes sense. I find it to be more dominant in Burley than Virginia. That may not be the case, but I definitely taste more Burley than Virginia. At any rate, I definitely enjoyed it. This is a great tobacco that I will revisit on occasion. Probably pretty frequently, at that.
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Brown Flake Aromatic
I love it!
I'm a fan of just about all the tobaccos I've tried from GH. As always, I love their flake presentation and love thier tobaccos. I've ordered Brown Flake, Scented more than once and have enjoyed it every time that I have smoked it. The Lakeland treatment is not overdone, it's quality tobacco, and there's not a whole lot of other tobaccos that i like better. If you're put off by all Lakeland essence tobacco, then don't try it. But, if you're curious about Lakelands, this would be a very good one to start with, along with #7 Broken Flake. It's not over the top, like Ennerdale, but it's a really good flake tobacco with a little flavor that you probably aren't used to. I have a few pipes dedicated to Lakelands and I advise others to do the same, if you plan on smoking them. Anyway, love it or hate it it, it is what it is.
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Kendal Flake
Superb Lakeland
I love GH flakes. Especially those which are in bulk. They're thick, beautiful, and rich and they have a very nice mouth-feel when smoked. This may be my favorite tobacco of those I've sampled from GH. The flavors/scents are not overpowering, but definitely present and are an excellent complement to the tobaccos. It's a mixture of some relatively strong tobaccos, but, to me, it never really overpowers in Vitamin N. This one, to my taste, seems to have more of the floral scents than the others and less of the vanilla/licorice/tonquin flavors of, say, Ennerdale(which I also like). Personally, I refer GH to SG when it comes to tobaccos. SG tobaccos always come too wet to smoke and they really have seemed to be mediocre experiences. But I digress. I don't know if this could classify as an all-day tobacco, as it is definitely a bit over-the-top. However, I have to stop myself from smoking this instead of other blends that I have. An impressive flake tobacco, in my opinion.
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Grasmere Flake
A phenomenal Lakeland
Another great flake from Gawith, Hoggarth. This one is scented with mainly floral aromas and is quite an excellent smoke. I haven't decided if I like this one more than Kendal Flake from the same manufacturer, but it's definitely near the top. This one is a bit more full bodied, which is definitely a plus for me. It still has the light Virginia flavor along with the satisfying burley strength. As I've stated before; GH tobaccos are really good, quality tobaccos, with just a little something else on top. Well, with the exception of Ennerdale, which is absolutely over-the-top. Though, I do really enjoy Ennerdale from time to time. The only problem I have with this blend is that it's frequently backordered at smokingpipes.com, which has been the only retailer I've been able to find it. If you enjoy Lakeland-style tobaccos (and I certainly do), this is a fantastic choice. If you're curious about Lakelands, this would be a good place to start, along with No. 7 Broken Flake. But, if you despise the Lakeland aromas, steer clear. Most of Gawith, Hoggath's offerings have some of the perfume on it. I don't know if that's just their signature or there's no way to keep it out of the other tobaccos in the factory. Even the "unscented" tobaccos still have a faint whisper of the famous Lakeland sauce.
Wessex - Burley Slice 50g
A Fantastic Burley
I'm going to be one of those few people who prefer this over Solani ABF, but I do prefer it. Opening the tin, you see a couple sets of dark brown strips that smell of burley and sweetness. I think that it is the molasses/treacle that has won me over and I think that any lover of Burley would be remiss without trying this one. I smoked this and ABF side by side and Wessex Burley Slice was definitely the winner. As I smoked it, I imagined warm, toasted pumpernickel or a dark, molasses-rich beer-bread. If Guinness is liquid bread, then this is combustible bread. Nutty, bready, a little sweet, and rich bass notes. This is just a great tobacco all-around, but I do have to qualify that with the fact that I love almost all Burley blends. As for the room note I don't think you'd be dragging people out just to comment about it, but I kind of like the way that it smells. Of course, I like most tobacco room notes other than those that are very strong. This also has the perfect amount of nicotine for me in a smoke. I don't smoke often, but when I do I like to know that I have smoked. I found that cube cut for WBS seemed to bring out more flavor and also help with the burn rate. Would I buy it again? Heck, yeah I would and I will. I just wish that there was a way to get it in bulk. I guess I'll just have to settle for the 50 gram tin for now. I smoke this at least once a week now and sometimes more, but this has been my weekly special time smoke. For times I know that I won't be bothered with anything and I don't have to pay attention to anything. This, in my opinion, is some seriously great stuff.
McConnell - Mature 50g
Meh...
I was looking forward to this tobacco for a while and let it age several months when I got it. I'm a Virginia fan and also a fan of a lot of topped tobaccos ( University Flake, Kendal Flake, and Epiphany, especially). I also like many anise topped tobaccos (SWR, CH). However, I found the topping on this to be a bit too much. I feel that the topping impedes the flavor of the tobacco and seems, to me at least, to drown the tobacco. I've given it many bowls in different pipes and with different packing techniques. It's just not for me. If topped Virginias are your Nirvana, please try it. The tobaccos, from what I can tell, are top notch. It just isn't what I expected and I found little to enjoy. Oh. And it will most def ghost your pipe.
Mac Baren - Plumcake 3.5oz
Tastes great, bites like a stoat
Maybe it's just me, but I get tongue bite from almost every MacBaren blend that I try. This one did not bite me nearly as badly as Virginia #1 did (Honey-flavored flames!), but it's still pretty bitey. The constituents of this blend sounded like they would definitely be in my wheelhouse with the burley, Virginia, Cavendish, and a little bit of Latakia. The topping is restrained and does not interfere with the tobacco, but adds a light sweetness to the blend. It smelled and tasted great, just too bitey. I've been smoking a pipe for nearly 14 years now and I don't think it's my technique. I've tried every way to smoke this that I can think of; dried out, moist straight from the tin, very slowly, breath smoking, puffing with my mouth very slightly open... All to no avail. Perhaps it's just my body chemistry. I've had success with some of the HH series and a few others that I have tried (from friends, though; I won't buy a Mac Baren product unless I try it first, at this point) and have not been bitten by them (ODF, BK, Navy Flake). I wonder if the topping were not present, would I still get bitten? My instinct says no. Plumcake is a really good, what I would call, "Scottish Blend." Light on the Latakia, with added burley and Cavendish. The topping, to me, was more rum than plum, but that didn't really influence anything about the smoke. All in all, I did like this blend, but won't be buying anymore due to the unnecessary pain I receive when I smoke it. Plumcake is absolutely top-notch tobaccos that I would truly enjoy were it not for the torture. I will definitely give this blend respect for the leaf and the flavor of the blend. I really liked it, just not enough to burn myself again. I had visions of Paul Atreides placing his hand in the agony box...
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - #7 Broken Flake
Pleasant Lakeland
Lakeland-style tobaccos: They're not for everybody. I'm a fan of the Lakelands, myself and I've liked just about everything that GH & Co. produces. This has become one of my favorites. No. 7 is comprosed of some fine Virginias and Burleys and the essence that is applied is restrained, but definitely present. I don't get a lot of Vanilla flavor, but I do get all of the floral notes, but that's not what this blend is really about, I think. This blend is about some top quality tobaccos and a little something extra. It's not a perfume explosion like Ennerdale, but definitely a GH tobacco. The Lakeland essence, while quite noticeable at first, begins to fade into the background after about the 1/4 bowl mark at which point, they come in and out of the smoking experience. Like the previous reviewer, I would have preferred just a bit more of the Lakeland flavor, but it is still an excellent smoke. If you like Lakeland tobaccos, this should definitely be on the top of your list.
Mac Baren - Virginia No. 1 3.5oz
My tongue is on fire!
I loved the smell of this stuff in the 2 oz bag that I got in bulk. I lit it and really enjoyed the flavor; sweet, grassy, hay-like. It bit me like a rabid beaver... How can something be so sweet and earthy burn you so remorselessly? It's like going out with a a beautiful, well-meaning sadist. She wants to be sweet and make you happy, but it's just in her nature to inflict pain. Yes, she's wonderful to look at and she seems genuine, but once you get to know her, she knees you in the yarbles and sends an uppercut to your mouth on your way down. No matter in what pipe I tried it and how carefully I smoked it(and I allowed it ample opportunity), it would leave a small, amusement park-version Gehenna on my tongue. I tried sealing it in a mason jar and letting it mellow, but this didn't help, either. Try it if you want, but be warned. Overall impression: Mac Arc-Welder...
Rattray's - Marlin Flake 100g
Pretty good blend
When I first tried Marlin Flake, I was a little disappointed. I had bought it, on a whim, mainly because I thought that the tin presentation was so cool. At that time, I had been smoking a lot of Dunhill Standard Mixture, Presbyterian Mixture, and Balkan Sasieni; Light, Medium, and full Englishes. After I had tried MF a few times, I put it up and finished the aforementioned tins of tobacco. After those were finished, I went back to the MF and was determined to finish the MF tin before opening another. That's been one of my problems. I always open more tins than I should at one time. Maybe I like variety. Maybe I'm impatient. Most likely, it's the latter. Anyway, I was smoking virtually nothing but MF for about three days and something happened. I started loving it! I had finally "got it," I suppose. I began noticing some of the flavors that others mentioned and I scornfully laughed at before. This stuff is great, but it takes patience and repetition. Like the first time you taste a thick, dark beer. Your first impression is that it's overly bitter. If you drink it slowly and thoughtfully, it becomes much more than that. If you love VAs or VaPers, I would be surprised if you didn't love Marlin Flake, too. Just don't smoke it immediately following strong English tobaccos and expect an epiphany.
Two Friends - Heritage 2oz
Good stuff
I have to say that I do like this stuff. Heritage is Virginias, Black Cavendish, and a bit of Burley, but it behaves mostly in the way of a Virginia. The Lemon and Red Virginias dominate this blend, with Burley for body, and Cavendish for a little toastiness. Someone said something about a topping on it. It may be there, but it certainly didn't register with me. What did register with me was mostly the Virginias. Would I buy it again, though? I'm not sure... I was torn whether to give it two or three stars, as I do appreciate the blend, but I digress. This is a very good blend by master blenders, but I did find that the smoke was somewhat uneventful. A good friend of mine said that it was "kinda boring" and I tend to agree. I actually usually prefer boring blends to the ones that people say "knock your socks off." I find the ones that knock people's socks off almost invariably are one-trick ponies or they have too many things going on for me to enjoy. Anyway, for what it is, it's pretty good and worth a try. I can't really talk myself into buying more, since there are so many others that I really prefer. It also lacks the strength that I really like in most of the other blends I smoke. I might revisit it from time to time, but it won't make the rotation. We'll call it 2.5 for right now and if I smoke another tin of it and change my mind, I'll let ya'll know.
Peter Stokkebye - PS403 Luxury Bullseye Flake
A definite hit
This is one of the greats in terms of VaPers. Everything is there: The sweet, grassy Virginias, the fruity and peppery Perique, and a little extra sweetness from the unflavored black Cavendish. Is it as good as Escudo? In my opinion, no. However, its price point and availability in bulk are two big considerations in its favor. The coins are very easy to rub out, but to be honest, I usually just ball a couple rounds up and throw them in a pipe. LBF usually comes dry enough to smoke right out of the bag, while Escudo is usually a bit damp when I open the tin. I usually prefer my tobacco on the drier side and LBF is usually perfect. I just have to open the bag and toss it in a mason jar. It's ready to go at a moment's notice. LBF has a pretty decent nic hit and has a lot of flavor for such a simple blend. Luxury Bullseye Flake is a very solid tobacco and stands on its own as a top notch VaPer. Some have said that LBF is not a true VaPer because of the inclusion of the black cavendish in the center. I think that this is just splitting hairs. It behaves like a VaPer and tastes like a VaPer. I'm gonna call it like I see it: Great tobacco.
G. L. Pease - Meridian 2oz
Impressive!
Have I found an English blend that I like more than Samarra or Plantation Evening?! I think I very well may have. I'm smoking a bowl of this right now and am enjoying it immensely. I have to say, this is a bit of a sleeper hit for me. I have seen or read many reviews of Chelsea Morning and Quiet Nights on sites and on YouTube, but this blend is very neglected. At initial the initial light, I'm hit with latakia and sour orientals. Once Meridian gets going, however, I can taste all components of this tobacco; the slightly sweet, but bready Virginias, the sweet, sour, and buttery orientals, and the smoky, pungent latakia in the rear. The constituents dance around in this mixture, but never meld so much that I can't tell what's in it. The latakia is always present, but never overwhelms and is supported by the orientals at all times. This is a sour blend, but it is well tempered by semi-sweetness and smokiness at all times. There is a hint of creosote/tar flavor from the oily latakia, but it's always pleasant. Is there a topping? It's very faint, but I think I might taste one. Meridian is definitely a great all-day smoke and I have smoked three bowls almost back-to-back today. It's a welcome mid-range speaker that is a great change of pace from my usual woofers. I was a little reluctant to purchase it, due to it not getting much attention, but I am more than happy that I did. I swear fealty to the Dark Lord. I am ashamed of my doubt!
G. L. Pease - Samarra 2oz
A masterpiece...
This is a really good medium English/Balkan and I order it from time to time. I'm not much of a latakia hound, but when I want latakia, this is one that I reach for a lot of the time. Mr. Pease has a masterpiece on his hands with this one; it's creamy virginias, sweet and sour orientals, smoky latakia, with a little kick from the perique, it will satisfy anyone's craving for a good blend. It's not a latakia powerhouse, but it has the perfect amount when I want it. Nothing in this blend sticks out and each tobacco, while can be seperately detected, work within one another nicely. I do recommend this highly, but it's not one that I would smoke everyday, though it definitely could be, if Balkans are your preference
Cornell & Diehl - Big 'n' Burley
A sleeper
Big n' Burley is definitely "The Burley Show" and it certainly is what it says that it is. Full flavored, high in nicotine and wholly satisfying. I can taste very little Latakia and even less of the Turkish, but all the tobaccos compliment each other for a dark and rich experience. I don't think I would call this very complex and definitely not nuanced in any way. It is, however, very satisfying and enjoyable. If you don't like burley and have a low nicotine tolerance, leave this one alone. But if you love burley, you have to at least try it. I can't imagine one not loving it, if the person loves burley.
Cornell & Diehl - Plantation Evening
Great stuff
Plantation Evening is a very flavorful light to medium English that's worth every penny that I paid for it. The Virginias used are, from what I can tell, mostly of the Red variety, as there is little in the sweet, high range in this blend. However, the Reds are used masterfully and well-proportioned with the Turkish and the Perique. There is Latakia in this blend of course, but it is used condimentally. I prefer when Latakia is used as in this way, personally. Plantation Evening isn't a flavor explosion and it is definitely not a Lat Bomb. It is, however, an excellent medium English with all of the players recognizable, but working together in harmony. It hasn't won any awards, but it is definitely the English blend that I have smoked the most of and re-ordered the most frequently. On many occasions, I've found it more worthy than Samarra (which is a tobacco that I absolutely love). I've definitely enjoyed it every time that I smoke it.
Cornell & Diehl - Morley's Best
Great blend
I am a fan of almost everything that Bob Runowski has hand his hand in creating. I am saddened by his passing, but grateful that he helped to reproduce so many great blends from the past. Morley's Best is one of my favorites in his blend series, along with Epiphany. It begins as a good Burley, then I taste the twang of the Latakia, and then a nice sweetness from the Virginias, all of which slowly develop, meld with each other, and become fuller as the bowl progresses. It's a tobacco with which I've had more than one "nirvana" smokes and one that I recommend highly, but don't think that you'll make the wife happy with the room note. Trust me.
G. L. Pease - Temple Bar 2oz
One of my top smokes...
Okay, so I'm a sucker for a good Oriental blend and this tobacco is just about perfect to scratch that itch. Also, I have a special place in my heart for plugs, so this was a match made in... the Lesser Key of Solomon? Others have said that the Red and Bright Virginia's take the lead in this dance, but for me it's the Orientals that are the first tobacco that I feel that I am forced to notice. Yes, the Virginias add some much-needed sweetness to this blend, but the Orientals are the star of the show. The Perique is masterfully applied and restrained; adding a piquancy and some needed bass-notes to this sweet and sour blend. The tin note? Stale gym socks and a vegetal/wood... But in a good way! If that actually makes sense. I suppose all smells have a pleasantness to them, even those considered "odorous." This has been a most pleasant experience. I'm just finishing my second tin of this and already have another aging. This is definitely worth trying. Especially if you are partial to blends featuring Orientals. By Astaroth, the Dark Lord has done it again!
Cornell & Diehl - Pegasus
A definite winner
Hands down, one of the best blends out there. A little age on this elevates it to the magical. Not overly complex, but one of the most satisfying and enjoyable smokes I have had.
Low Country - Natural Virginia & Oriental
Quite good
I bought this because I really enjoy Va/Oriental blends. I was surprised how good it is. If I was to factor in cost in the review, it would be a solid “5” recommendation from me. Definitely worth keeping around. Burns well, tastes great, highly enjoyable.
G. L. Pease - Embarcadero 2oz
An Excellent Choice
This is one of the best Virginia/Oriental blends out there, in my opinion. I am a huge fan of Temple Bar and this, though similar, scratches a bit of a different itch. Often, While smoking, I wonder if there is not just a bit of Perique in it. No matter. It's superb tobacco.
Cornell & Diehl - Virginia Gentleman
Surprisingly Good
I'm surprised that it took me as long as it did to try this . I've been looking for a Virginia blend with a little "Ooomph" and Derringer, though good in its own right, was wearing a bit thin. This blend has a little sweetness, a little spice, and enough body to satisfy. Highly recommended.