Chris W.

Sutliff - Sutliff 1849 1.5oz
Very Good
This stuff is criminally underrated, or at very least not celebrated enough. Absolutely delicious VaPer. The perique comes out swinging but it settles down about midway and is wonderful. Mild but flavorful. Sweet and tangy. Very, very good.

Cornell & Diehl - Comfort 2oz
Aptly Named
Really good blend. Smooth and sweet. The perique is nice and flavorful. Burns well, and stays consistent. This is the kind of Virginia Perique blend that I like. Would be a great blend for smokers new to VaPer style blends, for any fans of that category, or for aromatic fans that are looking for more natural flavor but still want the sweetness. It's just a very comfortable smoke and is well named. I find myself coming back to this a lot.

Half and Half - Half and Half 1.5oz
Beginning to understand
I began smoking pipes probably not unlike many others, with heavily topped aromatics sporting delicious sounding names. Then, as I got more into the hobby (or obsession, whichever you please) I relied heavily on reviews to point me in a specific direction. They did not point me to these old OTC blends and for that I'm somewhat upset, because had I gone with some of these earlier I may never have looked back, and in the process saved a lot of money. So this is for anyone like me. This is fantastic tobacco, in my opinion. Great smell in the pouch and in the air when lit, and a great lingering smell on my mustache, as well as a great aftertaste. I admit that when starting out burley was not my friend, but once we have reached an agreement of sorts, I'm essentially rediscovering pipe tobacco. OTCs are great for this. If you're not a friend of burley, wait till you are and then revisit these old codger blends. you'll likely be surprised by just how good they are. This one in particular, with notes that are herbal and not entirely unlike deer tongue to my taste, in harmony with the burley and VA produce a very smooth, very soft, satisfying smoke with a pleasant and consistent taste, great burn, low maintenance experience with flavors almost reminiscent (to my taste at least) of sarsaparilla or root beer, but not heavily flavored. I keep coming back to this one. Absolute winner in my book.

Half and Half - Half and Half 1.5oz
Beginning to understand
I began smoking pipes probably not unlike many others, with heavily topped aromatics sporting delicious sounding names. Then, as I got more into the hobby (or obsession, whichever you please) I relied heavily on reviews to point me in a specific direction. They did not point me to these old OTC blends and for that I'm somewhat upset, because had I gone with some of these earlier I may never have looked back, and in the process saved a lot of money. So this is for anyone like me. This is fantastic tobacco, in my opinion. Great smell in the pouch and in the air when lit, and a great lingering smell on my mustache, as well as a great aftertaste. I admit that when starting out burley was not my friend, but once we have reached an agreement of sorts, I'm essentially rediscovering pipe tobacco. OTCs are great for this. If you're not a friend of burley, wait till you are and then revisit these old codger blends. you'll likely be surprised by just how good they are. This one in particular, with notes that are herbal and not entirely unlike deer tongue to my taste, in harmony with the burley and VA produce a very smooth, very soft, satisfying smoke with a pleasant and consistent taste, great burn, low maintenance experience with flavors almost reminiscent (to my taste at least) of sarsaparilla or root beer, but not heavily flavored. I keep coming back to this one. Absolute winner in my book.

Cornell & Diehl - Light of the Universe: Or Olam 2oz
Very Good
I am honestly a little surprised that this hasn't been reviewed more widely. I thought this was an excellent VA-Per blend. Tin note is lovely, smelling of sweet grass and hay and slightly, musty, reminding me of an old barn. Wonderful sweetness right out of the gate. I am often underwhelmed by non aromatics that are described as sweet. I'll admit, I like a sweeter tobacco, and this was right on the mark for my taste. A nice buttery smooth smoke throughout, with delicious Virginia and oriental flavors. Not too heavy on the perique but certainly enough to add some zing and peppery spice. Not a nicotine bomb like Bayou Morning, but it is noticeable. The Red VA cavendish is a great touch. Decide what odd flavors smokers often detect (or at least claim to) for yourself, but if you are a fan of good natural tobacco flavors, and especially if you like VA-Per blends, you should really give this blend a try. This is the second of this series I have tried, having smoked Morning Light before, and I have enjoyed them both, although this takes a slight edge in my opinion. Very good blend.

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