Jewel of St James Perique

a couple of years ago while selling a few jars of 10-year old Jewel of St. James on my website, I just couldn't resist trying it straight up. In all my years I had never smoked Perique straight, but this very black and oily looking almost shag cut compilation just begged me to give 'er a shot. I sat in my easy chair in the living room and used a small bowled Ascorti. It certainly had a spicy tart taste that was full, but i made it through the whole bowl. I then got up to go to bed. I didn't make that trip. My wife found me sprawled on the floor in the hallway.

Pipestud

Only the finest Perique I have ever smelled, blended, or tasted in 50 years of pipe smoking. It is the sweetest, fruitiest, fullest flavor of its type and will make most any blend it's added to fuller, zestier, spicier without any tendency to burn the mouth. Needless to say, goes wonderfully with most Virginias, especially stoved (for me). Pretty pricey but worth it to me. And I ain't rich. YMMV

The perique is spicy, earthy, wood, stewed, fermented dry and ripe dark fruits with a little sugar and floralness. It’s strong in every way, and the very pungent room note may wake the dead. It won’t bite, but fast puffing will get you some harshness, and there are certainly some rough edges. Burns clean, and a tad warm at a moderate pace with a very consistent flavor. The potent after taste lingers a bit. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Certainly not an all day smoke, and of course, it’s intended to be a mixer. Four stars out of four.

-JimInks