I never detected or tasted gar leaf. Mostly seemed to be a "high note" blend in the taste arena that hit my tongue on the sides and back. It never developed deeper tobacco notes or tastes and if over puffed could heat up. I am guessing this is mostly a Virgina leaf blend with little pressing, aging, heating or other processing prior to cutting and rubbing out.

I will have to try it in some other pipes. At present not a favorite, but am sure there are those who like it. It might also make a great blending tobacco.

Reattack: I am adding a star to this blend, but only after discovering some ways to prepare it for the match.

Update Dec 11, 2011 I have had this tobac aging since 07 and my last review and tried it again last night. Aging helps it. Still little gar taste, but a nice nutty flavor develops, especially after the first third of a bowl.

I left this tobacco out overnight to dry after I discovered that a pipe I packed with it smoked better after sitting out all night. On drying, the topping evaporates to a large extent, improving its smoking qualities. I found no bite and more "lower note" or nutty tobacco tastes. This is a typical cavendish blend (with black stoved Virginia) that is better without the aromatic topping.

You will think it's a stogie hanging from your lips rather than a pipe if you smoke this plug. I purchased some for a pipe club meeting about a year ago. It received conflicting reviews. Those in the group who enjoyed an occasional cigar said this blend really did taste like a cigar.

Iwan Ries has been selling this blend for many, many years. So, it has its fans. I'm just not one of them.