Update: I've now smoked 6 ounces of it, and it's started to grow on me. My previous impressions still stand, but I upped my rating from 2 stars to 3 stars. Yes, it's still "Carter Hall light", but I'm finding that's not always bad. Maybe 2 and half stars is a more accurate rating, but why quibble? You like burleys? Give this a test spin.

Update #2, Dec. 13, 2012. I just smoked a few bowls of the original, so here's my comparison: this Match is very close to the original. The original seemed a little fuller, deeper in the molasses taste, and that's the only difference I can tell.

I received a package today wondering if it was different from the Consolidated version.

There are two problems with this blend: it does not really taste like the ERR of old; it does not taste of anything very much.

I am going to keep it for a couple of years, let it dry out (it is sticky fresh out of the bag) and try it again. But for now, there are better blends.

Update Tried this blend out in one of my old Rocky Briars, and something clicked. Though not exactly like the famed Edgeworth of yore, this match blend turns out to be excellent in its way. Update to three stars.

While browsing the P&C.com tobacco listings, I found several match blends that I could not resist trying, one being for Union Leader and the other this one. I must say I’m not disappointed with either one.

The tin/bag aroma is pleasant Tobacco/cocoa mix. Comes as easy to manage smaller cube cut of a mostly dark brown color. Now having smoked at the very least 4oz of this stuff, I come to see this blend as a mild and very worthwhile smoke, best enjoyed when I have some time to sip and taste, not because a more rapid puffing rate produces bite, but the flavor wants to drop-off as the heat increases, thusly missing all the varied flavors the blend has to offer. I did find some cocoa taste in the smoke, bite was no issue and a good burn was had without much fuss. But IMO I found this tobacco a bit low on it's "nic" level.

But I smoked a bowl of this and was so intrigued that I trudged down to the cellar (yep - my cellar is in the cellar!) and grabbed a small jar of the real deal for comparison. The look was a bit different - the ERR'd was darker and the plugs were smaller. But the aroma was the similar cocoa and nut. The darker color could have been age, as my ERR'd is all at least 7-10 years old.

Is this the same as ERR'd? Well, blindfolded I'd have a great deal of trouble distinguishing them. This had the old familiar flavor of nutty burley with the slight cocoa finish that made it slightly sweet. It didn't bite the tongue and was consistent in flavor throughout the bowl. Almost zero complexity, but that great flavor to the end. No ashy taste or harshness, unless overpuffed. This is close enough to ERR'd that any differences are largely irrelevant to me. I smoked a bowl of ERR'd right after I finished this and noticed no glaring differences, while being uncertain about different nuances. May have been some present or it may have been in my noodle.

Four stars for an Altadis blend - is the sky falling? :) But if this sample is any indication, they nailed this match blend where so many others have failed. Four resounding stars!

When it showed up, it looked like crushed plug, much like ERR and Sir Walter Raleigh.

It had the faint smell of cocoa, just as I recalled.

Upon lighting it is very similar to Edgeworth RR. It simmers well in the pipe, and I find it to be a pleasant and enjoyable experience. As Briar Rabbit pointed out in his review of Edgeworth, it does taste a bit like spicey pecans. The cocoa undertone is present throughout, and I found it highly enjoyable

Towards the end of the bowl some liquorice flavor peeks in, and there is a gentle molasses sweetness that pervades my taste during the whole bowl.

Up close, the room note is pleasant, but after leaving the room and returning, it is a more neutral pipe tobacco smell.

Puffed slowly and gently, it is a pleasant and inexpensive companion. It is excellent with a cup of black coffee.

If you miss ERR, drop six bucks and see if this makes you happy. It is certainly worth a try. Having smoked it a while, I have become very fond of it. My next order will be for a pound.