Wilke Pipe Tobacco Wilke No. 436

The grassy, lightly floral, sugary, very tart and tangy citrusy bright Virginia forms the base of the blend, though its effect is as an important supporting player. The two more obvious components are the woody, dry, slightly buttery sweet, sour, herbal, floral, earthy Turkish, and the smoky, earthy, woody, musty sweet Cyprian Latakia. The Turkish also sports a hint of spice. Both it and the Latakia have some richness and depth as they compete for the lead in regard to what you experience. The unsweetened black cavendish adds a little smooth sugariness to tame any potential rough spots. The strength and taste levels are medium. The nic-hit is step past the center of mild to medium. No chance of bite or harshness. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with a very consistent, sweet and smoky deep campfire flavor that translates to the lingering after taste. Requires a few more than an average number of relights. Not quite an all day smoke, but veteran smokers may consider it to be one.

-JimInks

This is another one I ordered in a group with the 20% off discount. This is a Scottish Blend and from what I have read online is basically an English blend with Cavendish added. On a side note an American blend is an English blend with Burley added. This has a pleasant mild tin note and smokes smooth, easy and pleasant. This produces a lot of white billowing smoke probably due to the Cavendish. Here is a link to an excellent article that goes into more detail. https://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/closer-look-cavendish-tobacco I swear this is one of the few blends that the more I smoke the more I cannot get enough of. I suppose we all have a blend or two that we have experienced like that. From my limited experience with Wilke tobaccos they have not disappointed. If you like smooth blends for a change of pace then this is one you should not overlook. Not really much more I can add, not into describing blends much with all of the fruit, herbs, woods, and other descriptors. Four thumbs up!

Really smooth creamy. The small amount of Black Cavendish makes this a bit more Scottish than straight spicy Balkan. I like that it sets itself apart that way. Not a latbomb,well balanced. Harmonious. Stays lit. Smokes easy. Brilliant.

The Wilke English blends I have smoked have always had a spicy BBQ taste to them, and in No. 436, this spiciness is somewhat diminished and reduced. The overall impression of the blend is, as the description says, a delicate blend, almost like a toned down version of High Hat or Crystal Palace. The aroma is more spread out, making it easier to understand the characteristics of each Tobacco leaf throughout, while the less sweet Black Cavendish makes the whole blend mellow. That said, this blend is not weak enough to be called "mild" or "medium". If anything, I have a strong impression that this blend is more like a full-bodied and strong blend.

for me this is nice first pipe of the day or night , all the components are nicley balanced and it sets me up for another bowl of one of many of my favorite WILKE blends. easy to keep lit and has nice room note for social distanced outdoor events.

This is yummy. It has just enough cavendish so that Cyprian Latakia and the orientals are perfectly balanced. The Virginia’s are like the whip cream on a sundae. While it isn’t mild, it is so balanced that you simply get caught up in the pleasure of smoking a pipe. I don’t like to gush, but it is marvelous. 4 stars and buying more.

Conventional wisdom holds that debating a question without achieving proper settlement of the matter at hand is much better than settling on a question without actually debating it. And on that notion, allow me to present one such topic that aligns nicely with this core premise. In particular, I would not be remiss in stating that when the subject of Scottish pipe tobacco blends arises, generally what sounds forth is a rather disharmonious dirge from, let us say, windy bagpipes of mixed chanter.

To suppose that a general consensus exists as to what constitutes a standard Scottish blend would be a tremendous stretch of faith. The fact of the matter is some piping enthusiasts will argue that there is no such thing as a Scottish blend but merely amalgamations that should be properly labeled as aromatic English. Yet, to unanimously badge all Latakia encompassing tobaccos as English productions is another complicated matter of traditional definition.

Looking across the spectrum of available products, there are indeed quite a few tobaccos that are officially sorted as Scottish, just peruse Tobacco Reviews for that supportive burden of proof. Still, inspection of the comprised recipes does reveal a degree of uniformity, but truthfully there are nonetheless essential differences all the same. And so, the eternal question stands for debate for those who feel compelled to arrive at a clean distinction. Namely, what truly is a Scottish rendition?

For present purposes, can we generally agree that a practical classification of a Scottish recipe is a tobacco that is, at minimum, configured with the dominance of Virginian leaf, modest Latakia, maybe the inclusion of Orientals and/or a meaningful portion of sweetened Cavendish. Assuming the presence of the latter ingredient, yes, there can be a discernable aromatic quality that plays into the experienced flavor especially if heavier sugar-based casings have been applied. Nevertheless, this does not necessarily equate to your sweety-toothed 1Q’s of the world and is no way universally true or blatantly extreme in all cases.

In sanctioning this prescribed cataloging, therefore, what we tend to encounter with so-called Scottish concoctions are derivations or stylistic interpretations in blending that support this selective grouping. Clear is mud, yes most likely, so do not fret the matter. Subsequently, entering now is one of those very specimens the lends itself to the personification of the true singularity of this rather dubious Scottish quandary.

Let the lively Caledonian Games begin. Poised directly at center arena, spinning in a whirling reel, we see the balanced and precision fling arranged for the favor of Abercrombie and Fitch. Exclusively, #436 emerges from the original selections of Wilke Pipe Tobacco, a singular Scottish mixture of notable worth. Within its fashionable tartan, choice Virginian strains, determined Latakia, vibrant Oriental, and sweetish Black Cavendish. This swarthy collection of tobaccos enfolds thinly cut and bulkier ribbon strands intermix with gruff chunks of rough-cut pieces. An admirable compilation, #436 projects a textural image of streaked darker bravado encompassing olive-gray, bronze, chestnut, progressed umber, and distressed brown/black throngs within its perfected pallet.

With an appraisal of the tobacco’s standard pouched aroma, #436 reveals a distinguished spirit much like Rob Roy himself, flushed with a bold and bright vinegary tart. Supporting this acute essence is a secondary swell of recognizable sour pungency and a seedy degree of campfire resonance/charred creosote. The brashness of these stronger airs are bound by a restful-natured endowment manifesting with a pleasant tang, enlivened herbal spice, a calmed earthiness, and an evasive sweeter bottom essence. Undoubtedly, the latter sugary factor prefigures the scripted aromatic element that is identified with a reputed Scottish preparation. And if I were to best portray its character, the suggestion would be that the remarking borders on the feel of a combination of diluted buttery tonka bean/coumarin and basic caramel.

To generalize the medium natured #436 at large, the taste profile resounds with an intricate and well-balanced drone of a genteel sweetness that bolsters dominant somber overtones and shades of charismatic frill. By way of a proficiently rounded recipe, the consistency of this particular blend bestows the charm of entertaining complexity and reasonable weightiness in depth. Principally the layered character that arises features the advantaged projections of the base Virginian as embellished by the refined confluence from the resident leading strains. What is more, there is a demonstrated competency in movement, especially in the nuances of the respected Cyprian leaf.

As the Oriental and Latakia cascade with competing importance within the middle-top tier, they meld beautifully in a celebration of empowered darkness and colorful festive spice. This enhancement serves to challenge, or more appropriately, offset the obliging sweetness rendered by the marriage of the prime Virginian and the Cavendish. And as to that sweeter stream, it faithfully occupies the lower bottom finish amiably contributing to that notable yet softer aromatic effect. In practical terms, #436 is a well-designed and skillfully fabricated construct of a Scottish production in a word.

Interesting enough, the Virginian centers low in delivering a leveling persona that is amply sweet in demeanor but rarely presses forward within the profile for a more unchallenged position of sovereignty. No, in a rather fluctuating role, the strain brings elements of its critical varietal standards by lending attributes of cultured tang and inferences of enclosed grassiness. Integral to this supporting registration, a creamy citrus character reports as a dominant tangerine-like sapor trimmed with a bit of tarty lemony fringe. As to the recordable nuancing, the variety brings a solid degree of “breadiness”, modest notes of savory caramel, seasoned spice that borders upon an extremely reduced vanilla, and subdued floral properties.

As previously cited however, it is the Latakia-Oriental montage that effectively fills the critical dimensions of crowning flavor with true flourish. The implication of this feature alone contradicts the programmed requirement for Virginia dominance of the fashioned Scottish concoction. Of the two, perhaps in being a bit more influential, the spectacle of the Latakia stands in providing a key aspect of the blend’s general attractiveness.

Chiefly, the main buttery thread takes the form of a sour-tart, dense, pungent woodiness, which is exceptionally dark and musty in overall tonality. Colorizing highlights of smoky creosote, stinging incense dynamically interplay throughout the experience with occasions of burnt sulfur, lighter herbal sweetness, and chaffed, acrid leather. In sum, the strain’s presence is both foreboding in disposition and highly animated in behavior.

Similarly, but slightly less audaciously, the inclusive strain of tasteful Oriental deployed constantly paints the gathered registration with a node of fervent exotic spice. In itself the elements which commonly record are a sweet-sour mossy floral mixed with a pass of tart cruciferous cabbage-like ambience. Furthermore, the profile does project a standing of warm black tea notes and an excitable tinge of a juniper like spice, riding on the crest of the top tier.

Finally, the contribution from the smoky Cavendish fulfils a couple of essential functions. Broadly it garnishes the referencing of the aromatic quality that softly glides within the overall profile while at the same time tempering any abrupt roughness of both the Latakia and Oriental. Basically, it partitions its role with a dash of minor zest and earthy wood which touches upon the bend of a Dark Burley. Cloaking this remarking is a modest sugary influence that is challenging to exactly define. I would generally describe its recording as the feel of corn syrup laced with a flattened vanilla-caramel element and a faint hint of honeyed nuttiness.

With the smoking, #436 engenders an impressive body of characteristic smoke that pulls evenly from the recipe’s standard ingredients. The prevailing aroma brings a sweetly spiced murky wood twisted with tart pungency followed by a trailing push of complementing tanginess. It discloses itself with a generally tolerable temperament but does evoke a solid degree of lingering permanence, which may pose concerns for some. As such, the immediate smoking vicinity rings with the determined ghosting of its expended presence. And on a more subjective note, I have found over countless sessions of enjoying this tobacco an echoing vestige of pithy tart hangs for an unusually extended period as a considerate reminder of the blend’s admirable merits that I find so inviting.

Scoring favorably on base mechanical measures, #436 exhibits almost ideal properties relating to burn characteristics, textural smoothness on overall quality, and optimum moisture. There is just an inkling of sensitizing prickle that surfaces most likely relating to the Virginian and seasoned Latakia but extremely minor in impact. Furthermore, the nicotine influence charts at about a low-medium rating affording the blend with the status of a frequent indulgence. Personally, I have no qualms engaging successive bowls of this particular Wilke offering, yet I do cherish a good Scottish experience like any genuine Highlander, please keep that in mind.

So, in closing, whether there is validity in defining the minimum requirements of Scottish tobaccos, what is truly indisputable is, that this Wilke alternative positions strongly within the sub-set of comparable blends. In commenting on this rendition, I have attempted to expose that although blends such as #436 can and do demonstrate equitable compliance to the generalities of the cited genre, often there is some degree of selective variance that does not exactly fit inside the uniform mold.

In the end, settling upon the gold standards for a Scottish blend may not be the matter of most importance. Rather what comes to mind is allowing and appreciating the creative license of the blenders in expressing their own adaptations. Common sense supports the idea that unbridled originality leads to the evolution of the whole. And in this case, can you imagine a world with one static Scottish or any other type blend for that matter? Thankfully, piping life is not that hopelessly simple. After all, uniqueness of any form of endeavor should never be manacled by the presumptions of the closed minded or rigidly defined. Lang may yer pipe reek!

Objective Scoring: (based on flavor, standard genre attributes and mechanicals): 185/206 ? 2.87 WAVG.

Subjective Rating: (factored for likeability and cost): 3.5 Pipes.

This is a good, solid three-star performer, but not quite distinguished enough for four stars. When it was fresh and I first lit up a bowl I was shocked at how sweet it was. I can’t think of any Latakia blends sweeter, other than Sillem’s Black. Even for a Scottish style I find the Black Cavendish used here pushes the boundary of this style. The result is a contrived and confectionary concoction that tastes of an overly-sugared cream pudding. It really comes off more like an aromatic with a touch of Latakia. I would have preferred a more neutral brown Cavendish to broaden the palate, but if you don’t mind the sweetness it certainly smokes smooth and steady and produces a rather pleasing ambient aroma for anybody around you.

When it was young and sweet I took an ounce of my supply and added a small amount of Basma and some Sutliff 570 ‘cornflakes’ along with a pinch of McConnel’s pure Latakia (so that the overall Latakia presence doesn’t diminish) and together these tweaks helped reduce the sweetness, while retaining this blend’s pleasant creaminess on the palate. My thought at that time, concerning the stock version, is that as far as other Wilke offerings, if you like sweet cream, but not taking a bath in it, I would recommend Wilke Commander.

Now, with two years in the jar, the sweetness has faded significantly. Now I get some pleasant nuances coming and going of plum/dark fruit and roasted chestnuts, atop a foundation of muted, if somewhat ashy, Latakia, and winter hay from the Virginia. Leftovers are not quite as good, tending to emphasize grassy flavors. With this time lapse overview, I’d say the optimal balance of pleasant creaminess, with some diminishment of sweetness, peaked at about the one year mark. Therefore, I won’t be cellaring this one.

Simply a very smooth, balanced medium Scottish blend. Jiminks was spot on in his review. Only difference that I note is that the finish is rather short, but pleasant. There is enough Latakia to keep my interest and all the various components blend and work well together in smooth harmony. This is one of the easiest blends to smoke I have run into. No harshness or rough spots and very easy to keep the bowl lit. Also, produces volumes of smoke. I will be ordering more of 436. 3.5 stars. Recommended.