Once lit, however, I was immediately confused by what was going on in my mouth and in my nose as I let the smoke filter in for a french inhale. What the HELL, I thought, this tasted and smelled NOTHING like the earthy thing that was going on in the bag or jar. I immediately got an incense-y sort of floral note in my nose, but my palate sensed everything from sour almost apple notes at the front of my mouth to something that tasted somewhat caramel-y in the back of my throat. Underneath was what I can only liken to a roasting haunch of deer meat over an open flame (yes, I've smelled that before), with a not-unpleasant ash smell rising up to punctuate things occasionally. It was like nothing so much as a rustic smörgåsbord of woodsy flavors, something I might expect to read about in a Stephen R Lawhead novel being served at the King's table in times when chainmail wasn't something worn by divers to protect against sharks, or perhaps at a firepit around which hunters gather and lie to each other about their day. ("I saw a 24-point buck, but it was too far away / the wind was wrong / my gun jammed / I missed / etc.")

When I talk about sweeter flavors and smells in this tobacco, don't be fooled. There was little to none of the sometimes-cloying sweetness of some of Boswell's aromatic offerings. I caught hints of what I assume was the natural sweetness of the Virginia in the blend, and it made appearances to balance out the strength of the latakia and cavendish in the blend, which are the stars of this show.

If I were to pick a blend to take with me into the woods, this would be it. I'd probably never manage to catch anything since any critter within 20 miles would smell me coming, but man what a crazy set of flavors! And, this from something I would have guessed was rotten gore-soaked peat rather than tobacco! Yes, full disclosure, this was my first experience with an English blend. :)

In the pouch, it's jet black with a few golden flecks throughout. It packed easily. Lighting was effortless.

The first thing I noticed was the slight "incensy" quality that fruktflugan pointed out below. This may not sound like a positive to you, but I found it absolutely intoxicating.

The smoke is cool, dry, and THICK. It has the heavy, creamy, billowy smoke that I love to see in a good latakia blend -- perfect for smoke rings.

This blend is absolutely delicious. If I could rate it higher, I would. Tip: give it a French inhale for some nice flavors you might miss otherwise (and a pretty decent nicotine punch too, if that's your thing)!

i was worried seeing as boswell is renowned for their aromatics and i dont care for aromatics all that much but this blend is truly delicious.

it has an unusually sticky casing for an english blend and a a very sweet sugary aroma in the pouch. its black as night with little specks of occasional virginia.

so delicious i dare to say its my new favorite tobacco.

i enjoy mixing different blends together and really enjoyed this mixed with Russ Oullettes Anniversary Kake and Boswells Christmas cookie.

edit: when purchasing remember this stuff is wet and gooey. so add an extra ounce to your order or youll think youre getting jipped. 2 oz. of this really looks like 1.25 oz.

Man... This tobacco might be one of the best ones out there and I am completely hooked on it. Aroma's of campfire, pine, forests and then a little incense-like whiff of Nag Champa incense. Man-oh-man, this is yummy!

Room note is excellent if you are into this flavour and smell, for other parts of your family it will be too strong in the long run and the aroma stays for a long time. I like it, but still I get to smoke this weed outdoors because of consideration towards the other household members.

***Re-evaluating my reviews now that I've had a little more smoking under my belt... ...This goes down to "just" recommended, not that it's bad, I just reserve 4 stars to the real star blends!

4 stars.

My best friend said it smelled like someone was outside with a bbq going, using mesquite wood to cook something.

I detect a hint of some woodsy flavor, but not overpowering.

Makes me feel like I'm a gruff woodsman living on the land and building a log cabin while wearing flannel shirts.

GOOD STUFF. !