On the odd occasion when I deviate from my regular mixtures and pack a bowl of an aromatic tobacco I have a preference for a cheaper "durgstore" brand (usually it would be Captain Black.) I prefer to loose the pretense and recognize that instead of smoking a fine English blend where the quality of numerous fine tobaccos marry and produce the final result, you are experiencing the flavours as the master blender (rather than nature) intended. This blend fits the bill. In the near future I plan to try a few more aromatics, but I have never really enjoyed them as much as other blends.

Don't get me wrong- there is a definite sweet note of the Virginia's and the Cavendish that shows through... but you absolutely taste and smell the flavours that were added. Those same compounds also contribute to a wonderful aroma in the pouch (that, regrettably, does not quite completely translate to taste when lit) and a great room note. There are vanillas and cherry in addition to sweet honey that are easily identifiable.

The blend packs well, smokes dry, and leaves a very fine grey ash. Overall, I find it to be a slightly boring bowl as there are not the subtle changes over the course of time... the first 1/3 has pretty much the same same taste as the last 1/3. I have only two pipes dedicated to aromatics, and I think I prefer the smaller one as I loose interest part way through the bowl of a large pipe.

The rating for "recommended" might have been higher but for the sticky substance that the smoke left around the top of the bowl. Anytime the smoke leaves a sticky substance on rim I wonder what it is leaving in my lungs as well as on the walls and the ceiling.

Overall, it is not a bad blend. Perhaps it is a better blend for the summer when you are sitting around a campfire with friends and talking. Winter blends should be more full and interesting; smoked around a fireplace while relaxing.