First, I am always amazed at how different folks feel about the same tobacco. Kinda gives a new meaning to "truth", and pardon the philosophy.

I find this tobacco to be a wonderful blend, worthy of those special moments, when you want to settle into something really tasty, and you have the time to do so.

In the tin, this blend has a really earthy, almost farm-like quality to it. That is the first hint I might like it.

It is a nice cake, that crumbles and rubs out easily. Initially, out of the can, I think it needs just a small amount of hydration, which I do with one of those little aluminum pouch hydrator things, which I keep in the can.

Upon my first try, I had the sense this tobacco was too dry, and had too much nicotine, but first impressions are not always the best impressions. Sometimes you just gotta get to know something better.

Upon subsequent tries, this tobacco came to life. A little hydration, a calm, slow, relaxed, and purposeful smoke brought out the best in this gem. And smoked slowly, the nicotine will leave you alone. Rush this, and it is another story

Rich, ever so slightly sweet, and full bodied Virginia flavors envelop you for the duration of your smoke. Just good solid tobacco flavors here folks, the likes of which will keep you returning again and again. Just relax, enjoy it slowly, and smile. This one is a winner. Highly recommended.

P.S. I am learning now to smoke pipe tobacco more slowly, more purposefully, and with a more relaxed attitude. The reward for doing so is finding all those flavors and nuances that have always been there, but that can definitely be missed by too fast and too vigorous puffing. Likewise, smoke it right, and you will be left with all the impressions a great tobacco can leave, rather than the haze the nicotine can immerse you in!!!

If you like a rich Va flavor, Briar Fox is well worth a try. It smokes cool for a Va, and delivers plenty of flavor - and a bit of nicotine in the process as well.

Easy to handle, lights well, and stays lit. If you're into DGT, this is a great candidate. Nice and smooth, light on the tongue.

Try it, you'll like it.

The nature of this cake in particular was different. It's not in the same as something like Penzance, which is a moist, oily beast that seems to just fall apart in your hands. Briar Fox is instead a tightly compressed block of ribbon cut Virginias. It's a dry, hay-like thing that lends well to breaking apart with your hands, or a slice from a sharp knife. I remember arguing with a fellow pipe smoker how this didn't exactly fit the definition of a "krumble kake", but we seemed to agree that the cut is different, and it works..and well at that.

Because of the lack of excessive moisture, Briar Fox lights and burns with a focussed intensity. There's a relaxed variety here in how you can cut the block-like cakes, which is great for those who prefer long, smoldering smokes, or a short, fast burning exercise. I found it best to allow for a thicker cut, which cut the heat of the burn and didn't excessively tax my pipe.

The taste here is certainly a much different animal from your typical McClelland Virginia. It has the sweetness of a Virginia with something of a crisp definition in flavor. Briar Fox also manages to come with a body that will pack a wallop, which I have found rare for such a light Virginia blend comprised of mostly golden ribbons. Smoke this one with a tiny bowl, and you'll find yourself running for seconds. Good stuff.

The Fox is welcome in my home anytime.

4.0 of 4.0

Appearance: Unusual. A dryish uncased plug, essentially. This blend comes as a "crumble cake" (i.e., a block of tobacco pressed from small flakes), usually a few inches on a side. Moisture content varies but, as with all Cornell & Diehl blends, is on the dry side. It is easy enough to peel a few layers off of the cake and crumble them up to fill a pipe with the rubbed out mixture, which is a complex mix of light brown, reddish, and darker brown leaves.

Aroma: Sweet raisin, brown sugar, prunes, cherries, fresh plums, maple syrup, Brown Bread, Boston Baked Beans.

Taste: Very soft and gentle flavor on the palate, though it can burn a bit if puffed too hard. Nutty, smoky, sour, ashy. Figs, vinegar, salt, fresh bread, walnut shells.

Comparisons: Like DAN's Hamborger Veermaster, this presents itself as a working man's blend, but with a warmer, fuller complexion. The leaf is of high quality, equal to Gawith's Full Virginia Flake, but it lacks the same elegance, having a more woodsy feel.

Bottom Line: A under-rated blend, that rates among the best, but which needs to be appreciated on its own merits. If you are seeking a full, rich "working man's" Virginia blend, you should try a tin of this.

"You gotta try this, Joe. I got this in a sample pack from Cornell and Diehl"

"Okay, sure, I'll give it a try."

Within a few minutes Joe's eyes had the same look of pleasure that I imagined I had when I first sampled the tobacco.

"Hey! This is good! It has kind of a "woody-nutty" taste!"

"That's exactly what I said, except I thought it had a "nutty-woody" taste!"

Long story short, Briar Fox became a staple of the store. Any newcomer who longed to try a "good Virginian" was referred to this blend. Soon, even Latakia smokers were seen purchasing a can of the Briar Fox!

In addition to tasting "nutty-woody" this tobacco also has the advantage of coming in convenient crumble cake form. I find the cakes sufficiently moist and easy to rub out. Many of my fellow pipe smokers tend to rub a cake or two out upon openning the can. My experience is that it stays moist enough to "pre-rub" for a surprisingly long time, but I got into the habit of grabbing a piece of the cake a little at a time.

My only warning is that, because this blend is pure Virginia, it burns on the hot side and should definitely be smoked slowly.

So....judge for yourself....is Briar Fox "woody-nutty" or "nutty-woody"? Tastes great....or less filling?

This is a delightful, pure VA blend that is smooth, natural, straightforward and with a nicotine kick. It does not have a pronounced, classic VA sweetness and this it where it differs from many other VA blends. Briar Fox may be a bit harsh for some at first light but it soon evolves with pleasurable sweet and sour notes and a ever so slight spiciness / tanginess in the background as you progress down the bowl. Can I say this tobacco has a ?sweet tartness? or is that an oxymoron? As with all VA blends it is best enjoyed with a slow, smoking pace if not just sipped. It has excellent burning qualities with no bite. I think that any cigarette or cigar smoke would especially enjoy Briar Fox as it is an all natural blend with substantial nicotine. If you don?t like blends high in nicotine, stay away from ?the Fox.? If you are ?perique intolerant,? BF would be a good, pure VA blend to try.

A cigarette is to be smoked. A cigar is to be enjoyed. A pipe is to be savored.

I rate this tobacco 9.5 out of 10.

This one really needs no addtional aging to taste fairly decent. You need to cut out pieces of the cake and rub it out fully. Packs easy. Burns easy. Dry as well. Pretty cool.

It starts off as a light virginia. A bit plain or boring at this stage. A little sour/sweet taste keeps your attention. (Pease's Stratford if aged about 6 months plus is rounder and a little sweeter by comparison.) Looks like reds, some bright, and a little stoved. The flavors have mostly mingled (more time would enhance that but no matter). The sweet sparkle of the brights does come through often enough, but it is not as sweet (or hot) as a true bright flake might be. I still wouldn't rush the puffing though. All natural tastes to me. No scents.

It develops some red virginia richness in the last half of the bowl, which I find interesting.

If you take care to cut and rub out the pieces, you will be rewarded with a true light-medium, natural virginia smoke. There is something about its purity that grows on me. Recommended as an honest all virginia tobacco. Who could say more?

*** update *** I have demoted Briar Fox, having found that newer tins had a tendency to burn a little hot. It still is a part of the diet, but has been usurped by Royal Yacht as the principle.

Perhaps you will have better luck. But for me, I'll stick with C&D's latakia blends or Bayou Flake -- I suspect that will make you happier as well.

Again, this is strong on nicotine but medium in flavor. My eyes are still dialated. Nevertheless, a unique VA tobacco that a veteran pipe smoker should try. It sort of has that iron fist/velvet glove thing going on. Kind of like tossing back a Cognac at the end of the evening. Tasty but makes the head swim a bit.

Aroma: Nice matured Virginia aroma, slight pruny or raisiny note. Also a hint of chocolate. Verry reminiscent of GLP Cumberland.

Packing: Packs easily into any size bowl when rubbed out. Due to the relative driness of the blend, it has a tendency to underpack. Use a firmer than normal touch. You might be tempted to put some small chunks in the bowl, but they won't light.

Lighting: Lights easily when packed with the right springiness. Sometimes one Vesta with a quick touch in mid-match.

Initial flavor: Nice sweet Virginia flavor, with some body or mouth feel to it. Definitely reminds me of GLP Cumberland, only a bit lighter and not as spicy. Possibly some aged and fired Burley (?).

Mid-bowl: A nice medium Virginia, with a range of notes from high to low. Some stregth to the blend, you can't ignore this. Puff it too fast and it will get really hot, but breathe on it and it will be gentle. Some nuances as you progress through the bowl. Very Danish in overall effect.

Finish: Gets a bit harsher at the end of the bowl. This might be from a lack of aging, but only time will tell.

Summary: For me, a good warm weather Virginia. If it lacks anything, it is Perique. Some Perique, and a bit of good red Va. would bring it more into my preferred range. Excellent quality, and a really fine effort.

I really could not detect any topping or casing as I smoked; rather, a tobacco taste that for some reason reminded me of cigarettes - although more elegant in flavor.

This blend seemed to pick up flavor and strength the more I smoked it. I do like my nicotine and Briar Fox delivered nicely in that category as well.

In summation, this one starts out slow, picks up steam at mid-bowl and finishes with a strong and spicy kick. I think Briar Fox will age well, too. So, I have ordered more tins for my proverbial "cellar."

***And, since this review comes your way on 12/31/03 I'd sure like to wish all of my fellow reviewers a happy and prosperous New Year. Those of you who post reviews here have certainly been a wealth of information for me. For that, I thank you all for helping to make my pipe smoking hobby even more enjoyable.