Thomson & Porteous Limited Drifter Navy Cut

This review is based on a sample from a freshly opened 1930s tin. The flakes are similar in size to Capstan Navy Flake, but with a different flavor, of course. The color of the tobacco was very dark due to aging. The smell of perfume was rather strong in the tobacco, though it only translated into the taste at the beginning and vanished after a few puffs. The rum topping managed to hang on over the years, though it does seem to have lost some potency, and likely caused the perfume smell. I get some citrus, but more stewed, dark fruit from the Virginias, indicating bright and dark Virginias were used. The latter flavor description seemed to be more noticeable by the half way mark to the finish. There was a little hay/grass among a more obvious earthiness. The nic-hit was mild. Burned slower than I expected, and required a number of relights, but was smooth with no real rough edges. The sweetness did weaken a little at the finish, but I experienced no bite and little moisture in the bowl. Had a pleasant after taste, and was mild enough to be an easy going all day smoke.

-JimInks