Generally, I don't care much for latakia in more than very condimental levels. This one is the exception, the pouch note had me worried because the aroma was predominantly the new tire-like aroma of the camel dung weed. Much to my surprise though, when set afire, the other tobaccos in the blend seemed to balance everything out and the result was an absolutely wonderful smoke. Still very heavy in latakia mind you but it didn't come across as excessively so like in, say, Mountain Camp or Edwards Special Balkan. Much to my delight, Billy Budd didn't give me the "latakia hangover" even when smoked all day exclusively. You know, the latakia hangover, you wake up the morning after a day of heavy latakia smoking and your mouth tastes like a gym sock, your chest feels like someone is standing on it and your heartburn is booming beyond description. Nope none of that here, just a good full flavored, smoke that can and has proceeded directly to the front of the class.

I doubt it, or anything else will ever unseat OJK as top of the heep but this comes close and provides a wonderful one two punch with OJK. Both very full, somewhat similar but at the same time, totally different. If you're a reformed cigar smoker, burleyphile or just someone who enjoys a good full flavored pipe tobacco, this one is must try

I like this tobacco. Rather, I really want to like this tobacco. There's plenty of latakia, but not too much. I found cedar, spice, and a variety of subtleties that reminded me somewhat of Penzance while still remaining distinctly different. It smokes a tad hot. When I settled down and smoked it gently, I enjoyed the flavors. However, there's something about Billy Budd that doesn't quite fill out completely... Being a VaPer guy, I might be slightly put off by the cigar leaf (I like cigars, just not in my pipe) so I can't really say I love this blend. It was just "okay" for me.

For English smokers out there, or VaPer fans who're interested in something a little different, I recommend this. For 'dyed-in-the-wool' VaPer folks, this could end up being a miss. My $.02.

I didn't know what to expect from this, but I was curious to try it.

First and foremost, I did enjoy this. But I am a bit surprised by the effusive praise others have lavished on it.

It is very full-flavored, and by that I mean this is a roundhouse kick. This fulness of flavor is matched by a full and heavy texture. While the cigar leaf is only a condiment here, its presence is very evident from the first light. The marriage of Latakia and cigar leaf is mostly a pleasant combination, but to my palate is slightly discordant.

I detected not a hint of sweetness in this smoke, only a rich abundance of savory, leathery and peppery flavors. And I do mean a rich abundance of flavors. Did I mention this is full-flavored?

I liked it.

The tin aroma is that of mostly latakia. As a matter of fact, it smells just like a campfire. it's ready to smoke right out of the tin and it's very smooth. She smokes cool but fast, one of the characteristics i adore about this blend.

Unfortunatly, you need to steer clear of any company that doesn'y appreciate a good cigar. To me it smells great, but to everyone else, it's smells terrible. *Shrug*

4 stars in my book. Tastes great, smells great, smokes great. Gold in tobacco form. Anyone who appreciates a good cigar should go for this.

The order on Monday morning arrived on a Wednesday afternoon via US Priority Mail. The sample packaging was in heavy duty ziplock bags with a Cornell and Diehl label, see uploaded photo.

I gave this tobacco it's first firing in one of my good sized meerschaums that was well cleaned prior to smoking, to attempt to narrow down the flavor, etc. to this blend alone. (my preference, for a first go with any new tobac)

The taste was full but good, the smoke a blue haze . . . Tongue bite for me was noticeably absent at my standard relaxed pace, which surprised me a bit considering the fullness.

The aroma was certainly tolerable to me, but I am not at all sure it would be so to non-pipe folks. I was surprised at this choice given what I'd asked for, but found that I certainly like it. I will definitely continue with this blend . . .

I am smoking it now as I am typing it an MAN what a tobacco! I have found it in many cases not to trust reviews, but that is not the case with Billy. I do not see how any pipe smoker could not appreciate this tobacco. I can taste the cigar leaf, but it is something like from comfortable medium bodied stick and not overpowering. This tobacco has just the right kick to it to be thoroughly enjoyed. Extremely good for after dinner, and very cool and smooth. I will make sure to add this to my repertoire of smokes.

Highly Recommended! Cheers.

The combination of the Latakia/Cigar/Virginia/Burley makes for an unusual presentation both in the tin and at the match. The tobacco burns smoothly and cool. No sweetness here... just a plain old tobacco taste. Nothing subtle about Billy Budd either; it's combination of flavors and strength slapped me around like no other cigar leaf blend I've ever tried.

Speaking of getting slapped, don't kiss the spouse immediately after smoking this one.

I ordered a sample of this from one of the e-tailers that offers bulk samples. It is hard to find bulk samples of the C&D blends, but they are out there. It came a bit dry and with shipping for the 4 oz. was quite pricey. I tossed a few moisture discs into the bag and let it sit for a couple days. I wasn't looking for wet, but just a bit more moisture to make sure the tobacco didn't burn like a hay field.

You can see the cigar leaf in this blend. Though it isn't predominant, it is noticeable in the blended ribbons. The smell of the bag is delicious, but I love strong blends and I enjoy a good cigar here and there. The tobacco packs easy, burns well and will leave just ash in the bottom of your bowl. This one packs a wallop, there is a lot of flavor and if you don't like cigars, don't buy it. I don't think you will make any friends with the room note either, so use caution when smoking around crowds. Overall, a good stout blend. A lot smoother than I expected.

If you are a lover of strong, rich tobacco, you should enjoy this, if you don't like cigars, stay away. Those that say it tastes too much like a cigar ... It's a cigar blend, hello!