Von Eicken Piccolo Vanilla Black Cavendish

I just purchased a box of Von Eicken's plugs containing 4 different offerings. Piccolo Vanilla Black Cavendish was the first I tried. I really liked the packaging and convenience of loading these plugs - very easy. The plug appeared all dark to black in appearance. Lighting was a breeze and I got a very pleasant whiff of what reminded me of the aroma present in Captain Black White when someone else is smoking it. This managed to stay with me throughout the smoke. The vanilla taste was pleasant and remained throughout the smoke (interesting that the Vanilla flavoring in their all Vanilla plug vanished shortly after lighting up)! There seemed to be another taste while smoking - almost minty, like a Girl Scout chocolate thin mint cookie. It didn't burn hot or produce any gurgle for me. The only drawback I found was a bit of harshness to the smoke at about mid bowl. Not too great of a turn-off, but ever present. This is the only drawback preventing me from giving it a mark higher than "somewhat recommended." An occasional revisit only. I will be reviewing the other sample offerings in due time. 2 stars.

I bought a couple boxes of assorted to sample. About $6 for 15 packets. The novelty of packaging makes it worth a try! Be good for when you didn't want to carry pouches.

This one is yummy. Leaves a sticky, almost sweet residue on lips. I packed bowl tight and had no problem keeping lit with one match. A white ash rises from the bowl. Burns beautifully. Tastes great. Vanilla is not overpowering. The black cavendish comes through. Not bitter. Strong to me, but I'm used to mild blends.

The manufacturer calls this a plug. Finely chopped ribbon best describes it for me. Interesting packaging looks like a piece of candy, individually wrapped. Enough tobacco for a bowl, pre-packed in a piece of paper. You just push into your bowl and woo-lah! Smoke away.

I push into a small container and pack my own bowl, since both my pipes have smaller bowls and the plug doesn't fit. I see the advantage of using my smallest bowl. It's a single smoke. A small 8" church warden. As with Tropical Mango, I don't enjoy the re-lights! All that's really left is white ash and bit of what I would call spent charcoal. Something to consider, since re-lighting can ruin a pleasant experience.