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All New Pipes
Stuart N.
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Reviews
Lane Limited - 1-Q
Benchmark Aromatic
I'm not really into aromatic blends as my mainstay, but every now and then I can't help but come back to this blend. It is a timeless blend with a lot of nostalgia that reminds me of growing up. I will always have a Mason jar of this on hand.
Samuel Gawith - Navy Flake 50g
Really, really good.
I have no idea how close this would be to what sailors would smoke during Britain's 'Golden age'of sailing, but the fact that it is made with the same equipment that would have been used by SG during the Napoleonic Wars is good enough for me from a sentimental standpoint. I'll content myself with pretending they smoked SG Navy Flake. Plop yourself on a beach with sea salt air, close your eyes and let your imagination wander to by-gone days. Taste: for me, this is a pleasant alteration of FVF. The base Virginia's take the lead on this one. Latakia is there but subtle, as is the rum. One of my all time favorites! Give it time. I wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but there is nothing like it.
Samuel Gawith - Squadron Leader 50g
Excellent all day smoke
This blend is not overly complex, but in a good way. It's not a morning or evening blend. It strikes a wonderful balance of that SG Virginia taste, beautiful smokiness from the latakia (but not overly so), and a pleasant hint of that incense aroma from the Orientals. No leaf overpowers another. One of my favorite English blends. Highly recommend trying at least once.
Orlik - Golden Sliced 50g
Excellent both fresh and aged
Not much more can be said after 200+ reviews. This blend is my favorite Virginia tobacco to smoke fresh. Bright and citrusy with just the right amount of VA sweetness. I recently cracked a 7 year old tin. The experience was quintessential Orlik, but with the citrus tones more subdued and the fullness of the Virginia leaf filling out and and asserting its presence. Perique? If it's there, I don't know. Maaaaaybe I can catch some perique presence when smoked aged? Seems to have a whisper of that peppered rasin experience that you would get from the perique addition. Whatever it is, it's a brilliant flake. Flavor and burn seem more heavily reliant on properly packing the bowl than other blends. I do not stuff and fold this one, but if done properly, it's fine. Rub out the flake and pack like normal. When lighting, stay on the side of too little fire and just be OK with some additional re lights until it's burning. Then smoke slow. The minute you over light, or let the bowl get too hot, you begin to loose the subtle undertone flavors that this has to offer. Patience is key with this blend but highly worth it.
Arturo Fuente - Hemingway Signature
Nuanced
My taste preferences have always leaned more towards a good Maduro. There are too many lighter wrappers that I am not a fan of. However this cigar maintains space in my humidor at all times. To call it uncomplicated in flavor would not be accurate as the flavor is satisfying, but fleeting enough to make you look forward to your next smoking session. Nor is it an overly complex experience. It is an excellent 'any time of day' cigar that lends well to warmer seasons. Complex enough to for sitting on my patio and directing my attention to my smoke, but unassuming in nature. By far my favorite cigar from Arturo Fuente. Highly recommend!
