| An exceptional plug... in my top 10 and while it is very difficult to find anymore, I still have several plugs I purchased in the mid 90's in Europe.
I find this plug is more complex as it ages. It mellows but with that process, offers the smoker a wide variety of subtle tastes and aroma.
Not for every smoker to be sure... but for someone who can appreciate a plug of virginia with the memory of those plugs of yesterday, this is a winner all the way around.
Smoked in a group 5 size bowl and especially good with a single malt or hot tea.
...a pipe is to be savored...
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| Notes: I smoked this old blend in the version made by W.D. AND H.O. Wills, before the brand was sold to the Gallaher conglomerate. Further, I recently chanced upon a sealed tin from the 1920's, and the blend certainly improved with age. I can't say much about the Gallaher version, except that it is not as good, with a higher concentration of topping. Perhpas with a few years age in the tin, and then some airing out, it would be an enjoyable smoke. As it stands the new version is a bit too aromatic. I found it best in a small tall billiard.
Appearance: Deep red and dark brown cruly cut coins of tobacco, covered with crystals.
Aroma: Rich, sweet-sour vinegar and unripened plum, fig leaf, kirsch, white cake, clean tobacco aroma.
Taste: Sweet and mellow, easy burning, smooth. The topping is present as a faint "duck sauce" sort of flavor, rather nice, with figs, plum, oatmeal, white cake, milk, and whole grains.
Comparisons: Rather like the OLD Imperial's Gold Block with a different topping. Akin to a milder Dunhill Light Flake without the bite, or perhaps (a bit of a stretch) Three Nuns without the perique.
Bottom Line: A mellow medium to full contemplative flake for those who seek good Virginia flavor withou latakia.
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