Nothing else like it on the market and deserves to be tried. It took me a while to get into this tobacco, and my tin has lasted me nearly a year, while countless other tin have been popped and smoked in the same time, but when I’m in the mood for it and it's subtleties, it’s a damn fine blend and I’ll revisiting it as long as it’s available. And I have to agree with a previous reviewer and say that this is an excellent (fall) autumn tobacco. Try it!

This is a very special blend, and I plan to stock up with a lifetime's worth.

The nicotine level is a little higher than the taste suggests.

Tin aroma is amazing figs/raisins. The cut is, as many have commented, more a shag cut than the usual ribbon cut of most tobaccos. Soft and nicely moist.

Therefore a light hand is required when filling, although I suspect you might get away with a good old stuff and see.

After the initial tin fragrance I thought, this is going to stink the house out. It didn't and (somewhat disappointingly, as my stepson has given up cigarettes) I have had no comment whatsoever.

The same is true of a pipe ; you'd think with that this tobacco would ghost your best, but it doesn't. It doesn't bite either.

Of course, being such a fine cut it likes a big pipe for maximum enjoyment and burns through very quickly. Demon puffers would be loading pipe after pipe with this one. So, as some reviewers have suggested, this would serve well as an all day smoke.

It's a easy, pleaseant enough smoke with some of the nuances already noted. Ultimately I suspect, it could end up becoming bland and boring as the contents of the tin diminish.

Can't say I'd be busting a gut to land another tin in a hurry when this has gone but an interesting blend nonetheless and worth trying if you want something a little different.

Update: I am not as enthusiastic about this blend as I used to be.

As per the remaining Robert Lewis blends, this one is long on quality and smokes cool and dry. A must try for fans of predominantly Oriental leaf.

Robert Lewis (Est. 1787) was one of the oldest UK blenders and was incorporated by James J. Fox in 1992. The four remaining Robert Lewis blends are the only tobaccos now handled by James J. Fox that have not been handed over to Kohlhase & Kopt blending - as yet.

Shag cut and predominently virginia with only a very light oriental background, it provides a easy fill, easy light (usually only one) and burns to a fine light ash. Its medium sweet and drives you to draw on it with intensity - avoid this as it has its own burn rate. Moisture content is ALWAYS perfect straight from the tin and I smoke this from morning to night with complete satisfaction.

You must give this tobacco time to grow on you, and when it does, it just gets better and better; if however, you're looking for a positive nicotine kick - its probably not the one for you.

The day I can no longer get this tobacco from JJ Fox in St James's Street, will probably be the day I stop smoking because there is nothing comparable left in the UK Market. The only tobacco to come close, but not surpass was Fox's 'Campinile', which since taken into Kohlhase, Kopt has substantially lost its way.

Its color is orange and red. No black leaves. No artificial wrapping, only a little sweet Virginia aroma with a twist of Oriental. Virginia has probably matured nicely. Absolutely no taste or aroma of Latakia. It fills easily and evenly the bowl, leaving a white layer of ash in the end. If it had a little, only a little, smoked black Cavendish, it would reach perfection.

I will try it again, as well as the rest of the Robert Lewis series.

Update June 2009. I found a can of this that had been opened but well kept for at least a year laying about. It is far more spicy and strong than I remember it being! Seems the orientals are reALLY coming out and there an almost perique like spiciness that takes over near the last third of the bowl. A little different than I remember it, but still a very good smoke.

Meerschaum Man Smoking a Yanik Daemon Skull

The tobacco?s shag cut is easily packed. One must use a light finger to avoid overpacking, especially with its very soft and moist texture. I suggest drying to decrease the steam, though it stays lit admirably.

Bottom line: a little too lightly monotone and spicy for me. It lacks at least one variety of oriental leaf I crave but cannot name (there are many). The balance of my tin will likely be used for blending: it needs more of some things (dark virginias and syrian latakia come to mind) and less of others. Not for me, but if perique is your thing, give it a try.

Aroma: No topping or casing here, just a sweet Virginia aroma with a little Oriental spiciness. The Va. seems to be well aged, but not fermented. No Latakia nose.

Packing: Packs easily in most pipes, although best in small and medium sizes. It tends to overpack in larger pipes, so some care is in order.

Lighting: Lights very easily, often on a single match. First thought is that it will burn hot owing to the fine cut.

Initial flavor: I would have to classify this a mild/medium tasting blend. There is some good sweet flavor from the Virginia, and some nutty/spicy taste from the Orientals, but always on the mild side. Good medium and high notes in the flavor spectrum, no low notes at all. Absolutely no Latakia detected in the taste. Burns freely, but cool and leaves a nice pale ash.

Mid-bowl: This is surprisingly cool when smoked at normal tempo, and even remains so outdoors in normal breezes. When puffed aggressively, it will get hot. There is some layering of the flavors, but it remains a mild tasting smoke. Does not require your undivided attention. A good choice for smoking while active or engaged with chores.

Finish: Burns easily right to the bottom with no real change in character. Leaves the cleanest pipe, usually no dottle at all. Does not build cake quickly.

Summary: An excellent high quality blend which will leave both Latakia lovers and matured Virginia lovers unsatisfied, but might serve as a change of pace for them. I would recommend it to those who like lighter Virginia and lighter Oriental mixtures