Lucas K.
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Ashton - Winding Road 50g
Pleasant and Smooth
I had to redo my original review after realizing that a 1 or 2 star tobacco probably isn't worth the money. I originally gave this a 2.5 on the assumption 2.5 means middle, but then it occurred to me that when spending our hard earned money for a hobby a 1 or 2 star shouldn't be an outcome a 2.5 at an absolute minimum. Anyways on to the blend. I absolutely got the notes of stone fruit and some caramel. Sometimes it took some coaxing and concentration but I could definitely sense it. The Virginias weren't anything to write home about but then again, I am also not a coinsure for fine Virginia tobacco. I would absolute recommend this blend. Keep in mind the blend is advertised as a bridge between English and Aromatic. Don't think this is an English for aromatic smokers but rather an Aromatic for English smokers and the concept makes sense.

Molina - Striato Smooth Light Brown (RH1)
Great Shape Better Price
I love bulldog shaped pipes and this one is a great shape from the bowl the transition and the shank. The tenon is a little more loose than I would expect, thought I did remove the stem from bowl while hot I know better now, The color is great, although the finish is a bit hazy in places, overall very good pipe for what you pay.

Savinelli - Alligator Brown (128) (6mm)
Unique Yet Classy
The alligator relief rustication is very interesting yet very classical. It reminds me of and old custombilt mixed with a classical billiard. It is experimental yet restrained. The draw is great the construction is great I ahve no complaints. Only 4.5 stars because billiard shape pipes are great but not my total favorite.

Brigham - Heritage (16) (Rock Maple Inserts)
Amazing
First off I love bulldog pipes. The Rock Maple system has not impeded my draw and the proportions for this pipe are perfect. Only thing to note is the actual color of the pipe is more mid brown than the heavy red hue seen in the photos on the store. Highly recommend. This is a very classy pipe and instantly a favorite.

Per Jensen - Legacy Collection: Brothers in Arms 2oz
Sweet Baby Ray's
Mesquite BBQ sauce in a pipe. This is very delicious and powerful, but not sickening with nicotine or obnoxious room notes. One of the first blends where the taste has really come through in the mouth as opposed to the nose for me. I cannot think of anything to dislike. It reminds me of Liga Privada #9 or Drew Estate Undercrown cigars... strong but also sweet and tasty. Not at all strong like a Latatkia bomb, very very good.

Nørding - Fox Hound 2oz
Smells like Memories
First off I struggle with actually tasting notes, I mostly enjoy tobacco via aroma from the bowl. This tobacco reminds me of the scent of seasoned meats with sweet barbeque sauce over an open fire. Its not Latakia heavy so it's not necessarily smoky like you typically think if with English and Balkan blends, the Perique and Cavendish provide a sweet and tangy presence, All in all this is definitely on the reorder list for me.

Samuel Gawith - Squadron Leader 50g
Maybe it's Just Me
While this blend is highly rated I have one gripe that I consider objective, and one that is purely subjective. First It's nearly impossible for me to light this tobacco without excessive heat and flame. I dry it out of the tin while making breakfast I try to be gentle with my false light, its very difficult to get lit. Second is while I may have made the mistake of packing too lightly this tobacco compressed VERY easily once lit, perhaps due do my over use of the flame because it wouldnt catch a light..... Second and more subjective I just don't like the varieties of Latakia VA and Orientals. Nothing bad about them it's just not for me. I MUCH prefer Samuel Gawaith's Skiff mixture. If you like barn musty Latakia this may be for you, I prefer fruity fragrant incense-like Orientals just not for me..

Cornell & Diehl - Blockade Runner 2oz
Straightforward
I had heard from others this crumble cake is very moist. I let it dry on a paper towel 1 hour while making dinner before smoking. I smoked this in a Peterson System Spigot and can happily say a few things about the experience. First the tin note to me was like a jar of raisins very strong and sweet. The smoking experience was very good very few relights and 0 tongue bite in part help of the p-lip system. the room note (i smoke outside) was very low compared to Balkan and English blends but not unpleasant. I do not have a refined palate and I won't attempt to quote any tasting notes, overall it was nice and I liked it quite a lot. It burned and behaved very well. The only thing I would say is the way I smoke I mostly puff OUT through the pipe and enjoy the room note aroma so I generally gravitate towards Latakia and Oriental blends but this was certainly nice as well. I also enjoy the homage to history around the tin and the preservation of traditional preservation methods used to keep tobacco good on long voyages.

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