Comparing this to C&D's Epiphany, therefore, seemed appropriate to me, as they appear to be geared toward the same smokers as well as blended in the same kitchen. But where Epiphany had bolder flavor and a higher level of complexity... and was more, well, epiphanous, Lombard just sort of eased onto the scene with a more nuanced presentation. The perique and latakia were noticeable and added their own spice and the VA's were sweet but not overly so. It was a mellow smoke but not wimpy. Developed more body down the bowl if not more complexity. I agree that it has probably succeeded with its intent at a target audience. However, I find it interesting, but nothing I feel the need to stock, or even necessarily smoke again. I prefer Epiphany, hands down.

Cane sugar-sweet red and gold virginias along with a secondary element of light burley (and perhaps a touch of KY) set the baseline. The perique is not dominant, though present in enough amounts to admirably frame the VAs. Latakia is evanescently present, detectable only if consciously sought.

Though the tin copy may suggest a Piccadilly-like English blend, this is All- American; a virginia/burley blend titled toward the virginias and backed up by truly condimental condiments. Those seeking a sophisticated all-day blend will be delighted. This seemed best in narrow to medium gauge chambers.

Tongue bite is a big problem for me with this blend. Go slow.

Read Mr. Pease's description on the tin. This is the most accurate description of a blend I have ever read. And let it age at least a year.

Reason is that I like Virginia tobacco, and the FCS adds different condiments to a solid Virginia base. This lets you explore the subtle flavors of the additions and how they change the overall smoking experience.

Of note, the additions are never dominant, at times barely detectable even. This does not deter me from smoking FCS in general; I have been impressed with the quality.

Lombard is a pleasant smoke, easy on the palate. A bit on the sweet side perhaps, with very mild spice.

Appearance: Rich deep brown ribbon with the very occasional black bit of Latakia.

Tin aroma: Not as grassy or hay-like as many Pease Virginias. The Latakia comes across dimly in what is overall a very mild aroma.

Flavor: I would characterize Lombard as a mild Virginia. Yes, it has some other stuff in there but the predominant flavor is VA leaf with just enough spice to make it interesting. The Latakia is just enough to notice but no more. The Perique is noticeable, but I can’t tell what that other “condimental” leaf is.

The flavor builds slowly, and although it stays relatively steady throughout the smoke, it does gain some strength and richness during the second half of the bowl. In fact, even though this blend is in many ways similar to the other Fog City selections that did not impress me, that rich second half won me over.

It requires careful attention to technique in order to extract the subtle flavors. If you’re patient with this one, and if you like mild but flavorful blends, you will enjoy getting to know Lombard. Three stars.

The special thing about Lombard, anyway, is its subtetly. As stated above, anything that takes your attention away from your pipe will make you feel like you're pulling hot air out of it. Taste buds need to be clean to detect the subtetlies of these Virginias, so puffing is a no-no and sipping is a must. In fact, the best way to enjoy this blend is through breath smoking. This technique is not instinctive to me, so even watching a movie will ruin the beautiful experience.

One more thing: the flavors are greatly enhanced in a clay, so have you got one, fill it with Lombard and fly. If you don't, go get a couple and then update your review. :-)

This blend under promises and over delivers...a very good thing in this day and age. Understated and elegant in the delivery of Perique and Latakia...very nicely done as condiments/seasonings to the main entree of outstanding Virginias.

I like it very much as a mid-morning smoke with a cup of strong Ceylon tea with milk and sugar. It is also very nice in the late afternoon with a glass of (gasp!) blended Scots Whisky; water, no ice.

Enthusiastically Recommeded.

This is a rather stringy concoction that is not really very easy to pack unless given a whirl in my one speed food processor. It does stay lit well and the Latakia comes through just enough to make its presence known. The Perique was applied discreetly and perhaps enhances an otherwise typical light Latakia blend.

There's more than a whisper of Perique here. I'm sure that the Latakia does something for the blend, but I can't pick it out. The VA tobacs are tasty, but unassuming.

I'll be finishing my tin but I won't be buying another.

As a VA smoker I find this blend to be very pleasant. The red Virginia being the dominate leaf would be a plus for someone that's delving into the Latakia world for the first time.

The amount of Latakia and Perique are little more then a whisper. My tin was extremely moist and required quite a bit of dry time.

The ribbon cut packs well and stays lit.This is a gentle blend and will probably even stay that way with age.

Like everything Pease touches it's quality. Recommended

So far, I think it's the most undistinguished of the four. It's not bad at all, but it has little to make it stand out. I am smoking it pleasantly, but it doesn't scream from the tin begging me to smoke it, it doesn't fill a particular hole in my rotation.

If you have smoked Montgomery, you know what to expect: the base Virginias are similar, but there is a pinch of perique and Latakia. Well, that pinch is so light that you might almost think someone forgot it... just a minuscule speck here and there. It's truly even LESS than a hint of condimental leaf! You can probably say that their presence is not felt, but if they were absent you would probably feel the lack of them: I guess that a couple of years of aging will take care of this, melding the flavor from these little perique+latakia speck into a cohesive whole, adding subliminally to the experience.

So far, from a relatively fresh tin, the effect is a bit underwhelming. Even waiting the ordinary 10 minutes from the charring light for the blend to kick in (a trademark of this series), I never felt the same stunning evolution of Montgomery: yes, I compare it only to Montgomery as it's the most similar to Lombard of the four. Montgomery had that wonderful Kentucky in it, Lombard does not. Whatever the reason, the taste of Lombard stays very delicate, with some chocolate, some grassy notes... but never evolves into anything truly mouthwatering. It's not bad, either (nothing is actually wrong in the taste), so if you want something probably even subtler than Montgomery you will love it.

One note about packing: the cut is very irregular but stringy, so take care not to overpack and clog the airhole. Moisture content in the tin was also a bit higher than usual, so take EXTRA care. A medium bowl is recommended: not a little one, as flavor won't have enough time to develop, nor a big one because it can become a little boring (while Montgomery shined in big bowls).

But, as I said, I am curious to see what aging will bring to Lombard: I have four tins in my cellar, and I have a suspicion that in 2007 or 2008 I will have to upgrade the rating, given the nature of the blend and the aging potential.

2008 Update: almost three years have passed, and I am smoking one of the tins I had cellared when released. The blend has actually improved: very smooth, with a very pleasant sweetness. It burns much better (go figure...), it has no green herbal notes... Very pleasant and "low maintenance". Perhaps it tends to burn a little fast now, but it's a minor issue. Rating upgraded accordingly...

I found the latakia added not enough for my tastes and because it was there but not in a significant way, don't think it added to the smoke. Defintetely a Virgina/Perique blend. As the can says, it is a change of pace and interesting but I don't think one of my regulars. Will see how the tin goes and I will continue to add to this review over the next month.

Adding to the review a week later and a few more pipes I find it a nice mid-day smoke. Still not enough latakia for my taste but the aroma does not overwhelm a room as a stronger latakia blend would do. Nice fluffy, white ash.

Packing & Lighting: A little stringy, lit well, and not much moisture produced in the pipe. Burned down completely to ash.

Taste & Aroma: Akin to Telegraph Hill from the Fog City Selection, maybe with a little more pungency from the perique, or maybe it's the Latakia; I can't discern any Latakia as an individual component. The perique and Latakia would only be noticed by comparing Lombard to the same blend lacking them. No bite.

Room Note: medium perique residual, somewhat musty.

Nicotine: mild

Overall: For a blend with perique and Latakia, not remarkable. The perique should make for a tobacco heady from the nicotine. 2.7 stars.