A very colorful blend of ribbon-cut leaves, Jefferson Street has a slight raisin-like scent and a moisture content that gives it ample pliability and softness. I found no midribs, sticks, tobacco dust, etc. in the bag. It loads into any pipe effortlessly, lights right up on the first match and burns cool and slow.

The flavor has a slight raisin and rum note but it works flawlessly together with the rest of the components to bring about a full smooth slightly sweet cresendo of flavor. Instead of one leaf taking the spotlight, these ingredients stand like a chorus line. The balance is perfect and the flavors develop over the bowl with a gradual increase in strength. The sweetness becomes more pronounced towards the final third of the bowl but is never harsh or bitter.

Jefferson Street burns to a fine grey ash and only requires the occasional light tamp to keep lit. You never know it is done until the pipe goes out and nothing but ash remains at the heel. This blend has to be one of the most underrated blends out there. If this were tinned and distributed widely I think it would be a huge hit.

Burley is rough cut while there is ribbon and shag cut present from the other blends.

Packing: The batch I got is still new and is moist and needs some drying time but note, very little to no bite even in the hydrated stage. The bag aroma is very pleasant and it is like rum and dates - rum raisin is a good description.

First light and 1st 1/4: semi sweet - this aromatic is NOT the goopy sweet stuff you find at most malls. This is semi sweet with a quality blend with wonderful bold burley flavor and aroma. The initial room note is SO good. hard to describe... none like I have tried before.

Mid bowl: the sweet topping and/or casing starts to relax and through the nose you recognize the turkish peaking through. Nutty, nutty, nutty and sweet burlies otherwise.

Last of bowl: The mouthful of burlies is like your eating something baked. 3/4's of flavorful burley with turkish and (virgina?) tanginess. some ashiness taste but not bad, the casing is gone somewhat and all left is the great nutty burly flavor. The room note still has a hint of the flavoring and works well with the burly. The nicotine is stronger the last half of the bowl no goopiness, solid gray ash, wonderful quality smoke. ****************************************************************************************** UPDATE 2/28/07 Bringing down to 2 stars just for the PG level I have to dry out and that ticks me off