| As much as I like Port, I think my expectations were too high for this blend. The quality of the tobacco did not disappoint, just the flavor.
Aroma: In the pouch, it smelled just like I hoped it would. Dark fruit with just a touch of cough syrup. (Not in a bad way!)
Visual: Large rough cut and mostly "milk chocolate" brown. with black flakes throughout.
Texture: Silky soft and just a tad on the dry side. Did not clump together at all. Again, great tobacco quality.
Pack/Pipe: Had a difficult time packing almost any pipe due to the size of the cut. Seemed to spring up even after firm packing a cause a loose ashy draw. Smoked this in a number of larger Israeli Alpha bents, an Israeli Alpha Monarch Apple and a Comoy Canadian. Needed firm pack.
Light/Burn: Lit quickly and relatively evenly with two matches, but often went out within minutes. Once underway, (often a third of the way into the bowl) It seemed to behave better. Seldom was able to smoke this blend to the bottom without wet dottle.
1st 3rd: Busy keeping it lit. Can only faintly taste the flavoring. Tobacco flavor is fairly bland as well. Room note is nice though.
2nd 3rd: More of the same. Burning much better now. Tends to burn a little warm, but could be my aggressive puffing in the hopes of keeping it lit. Still not much flavor. Getting bored.
Final 3rd: Due to moisture problems, and lack of enjoyment, I usually end the bowl here. A dominant flavor just never developed for me. If I had to choose one I would say ashy Grape KoolAid.
Notes: Won't be buying this one again. If you are switching from drugstore aromatics, this will up your tobacco quality immensely, but will not meet your flavor needs.
Stogie rating of: 4 Mediocre Montesinos
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