| Having smoked Blatter's Mild English (which I really like) I was hoping Sherlock would be more of what I really like. Unfortunately it smokes nothing like Mild English. The pouch aroma is nearly neutral...similar to virginia with a very wee bit of latakia coming through. It is just the right moisture, packs easily, lights easily and is slow burning (a bull cap bowl full was good for 45 minutes smoke).
Unfortunately, the Turkish and Perique totally overwhelm the palate making this blend very one-dimensional. This mask remains on the tongue long after smoking....not like the Mild English which leaves the mouth feeling fresh after smoking. Blatter lists this blend a medium strength...I consider this more mild than medium. The aroma of the smoke is barely noticable...much like smoking Virginia's.
If you're looking for a blend with some nice strength and taste try Blatter's Reserve (a Balkan blend), for an English try the Mild English and see the difference for yourself. There are absolutely no similarities. Samuel Gawith's Squadron Leader puts this blend to shame as does Blatter's Mild English.
Sherlock, in itself, is not a bad smoke but it just pales in comparision to so many other traditional English blends.
I'll order Blatter's Mild English next time.
But if you want a full-bodied English, mix 50g Sherlock with 100 g Reserve....now you've got an English to write about! Yummy!!!
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