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David F.

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Sutliff - Great Outdoors 1.5oz
NOT a Fan
I was looking forward to trying this blend for awhile. I was attracted by the "Burley, Black Cavendish and Virginia" components. Unfortunately I somehow overlooked the "anise/licorice" comments. Tin was damp,but no problem lighting nor keeping lit. But the topping is strong, and to me unpalatable. I am only two bowls in, but I don't see taking a third. It also severely ghosted my pipe. I may end up dumping the rest. At least it was inexpensive.

Tabac de la Semois - La Brumeuse 3.5oz
Delicious!
And here I thought la Petite Robin was dry! La Brunueuse is even dryer. Others have described this well. All I can really add is: Pack this tight and sip SLOWLY, and be rewarded with a unique smoking experience. Highly recommened and quite flavorful. I ordered more.

Tampers & Tools - Tobacco Pipe Wind Cap
A MUST for Outdoors
The outdoors use is obvious, and I won't belabor the point. This tool reduces wind on the ember, so it doesn't burn out fast and doesn't blow burning particles when smoking. And it works well. 'nuff said. Yes, it works well to pre-pack a pipe and keep it packed until it is time, indoors or out. I have not, as others have said, been able to re-light with the cover on (YMMV), and it still requires removal in order to tamp. BUT, I also frequently use one INDOORS as well, as it keeps from blowing ash and burning embers while relaxed using the "breathe method," which sometimes exhales slightly through the pipe. However, you need more than one: The underside can get pretty dirty when smoking with the cover in place, and it requires more than a simple brush with a pipe cleaner to clean. Aromatics are especially nasty in this regard.

Cornell & Diehl - Professor 2oz
Not a Fan
My wife gave me two tins of this as a commemoration of my retirement as a Professor, along with a Peterson Sherlock Holmes Professor pipe. Love the pipe but unfortunately, I'm not a fan of Professor. Don't get me wrong, it's a very nice, mild and flavorful blend, and if it's your cup of tea you will likely like it very much. But I am not a big fan of the Latakia and Professor is a little too Latakia forward for me. I'll put the second tin into the cellar and see if I like it better over time.

G. L. Pease - The Virginia Cream 2oz
Delightful
First bowl I didn't care for this at all. Second bowl it was OK. But in the third, WOW! (and I don't"WOW" easily). I actually found myself thinking of The Virginia Cream when I wasn't smoking it. Subtle and comfortable. I don't get the bourbon, but the vanilla is present in oh, so slight amount. This has now become a favorite, and a daily smoke in my rotation. I went back and ordered the 8oz tin after cleaning out a 2oz tin in less than a week. Smoke it slowly, don't puff like a freight train, and TVC will reward you with a cool, sweet experience.

Cornell & Diehl - Exclusive 2oz
Tasty, but Stronger than it Looks
Exclusive is quite tasty, spicy and leaves just a tiny sweetness on the palate. I bought a couple of ounces in an attempt to broaden my rotation, and it didn't disappoint. But it IS strong, not to be enjoyed first thing in the morning, nor on an empty stomach. I think it is stronger than the 4* given in the description but it's power kind of sneaks up on you when you don't expect it. Half way through a second bowl in a medium-sized pipe and my head was reeling and stomach was doing flip-flops. Compared against "the Beast," my go-to standard for "strong," and Exclusive comes out stronger. I'll certainly get more, but not for everyday.

Tabac de la Semois - Le Petit Robin 100g
Unique is the Word
Others have addressed the cut, so I won't belabor how fine it is. Suffice it to say, it is very finely cut. More so than even I had expected. Like a fine moss, or a dust bunny. And dry, very dry, like a fine tinder for starting a campfire. But I think it would lose something if it was re-hydrated. Resist the urge to humidify. It is spicy, grassy, and has a wonderful flavor that I have not tasted in any other tobacco. Packed tightly it still burns in about half the time of other blends in my bowl, but not hot if "sipped." Fragrant, floral, all of the stuff others have said. I think you'll like it, or reject it, but I cannot see being ambivalent. Put me in the "like very much" category. At the size, and the resulting cost (it's not like you can just pick up an ounce to try), I was reluctant to take the plunge on an unknown, but I am very glad that I did. Now it makes me want to get and try the other cuts of pure Semois while I can. GO FOR IT. If it turns out that you don't find it a favorite you can always gift it to your friend who will!

Amphora - Kentucky Blend 1.75oz
Great Stuff!
I happened upon Amphora Kentucky through the tobacco finder on this website. I was searching for something for something with a little stronger profile. This blend suited that bill. I'm not a big fan of the "broken cut" cut, it is a little more difficult to get packed properly. It requires a different pack from most other blends I've tried, too easy to pack loosely, but too tightly and it's hard to keep light. Comes from the pouch a little drier than most. It's not "too" strong, certainly not weak, burns slowly - a bowl seems to last about 50% longer than others I use. Full of flavor, slightly sweet, Amphora Kentucky has become a daily favorite. I keep trying others, but I keep coming back to Kentucky Blend