Aroma: The aroma is pungent and heavy, somewhat like an inexpensive cigar (very close to Kentucky Cheroots or similar smokes).

Packing: Once you find the cut that works best in a particular pipe, the tobacco packs easily.

Lighting: Again, depends on the cut chosen. Too coarse a cut will be harder to light. A medium to heavy cut topped by finer cut lights well, and then burns slowly. Similar to smoking flakes.

Initial flavor: POW, the taste is really in your face. There is just nothing subtle about it. The flavor is really quite cigar-like, reminding me of some Cornell & Diehl mixtures which use dark-fired leaf. This one takes that idea much further than C & D do.

Mid-bowl: At mid bowl, it remains very tasty, and quite cool when puffed slowly and calmly. There is also a noticeable nicotine hit. If you are affected by nicotine, don?t smoke this while you drive.

Finish: The end is just a bit stronger flavored, but not harsh. The ash is light and fluffy, and there is no moisture to speak of in the bowl or stem. This speaks volumes for the quality and purity of the leaf.

Tried in the following pipes: First I sacrificed a virgin cob, then tried it in two smallish Princes, a Punto Oro and a Becker & Musico. Walter advised me to smoke this in a small, heavy walled pipe, and I believe I will continue to follow his advise

Summary: A very robust flavor, smooth to the palate. Could be an all-day smoke, especially outdoors. It does leave a cigarish room aroma, which might get you some grief from your significant other.

Particularly liked: I really liked the intense flavor, and the cool burning.

Particularly disliked: Nothing in particular. The rope keeps fresh for a long time (which is why they are spun), but you might want to precut some for your pouch if you take it out walking, fishing, kayaking, etc!