Not my cup of tea on a regular basis, but it was noticably "tasty" in a way I found a bit cloying, but for those who like a bit of sweetness, it could be the perfect late smoke. I certainly was able to finish the tin, and may someday try it again, so it's certainly not a bad experience by any means.

I will add that it holds it's flavor well throughout the smoke, and doesn't get bitter low in the bowl. It packs pretty well, but too much thumb can result in overpacking when it's too fresh.

The immediate comparision as others have made is to Nightcap. While carrying some of the same rich mood as Nightcap, there is none of the astrigency and harshness that sometimes comes with that blend. Here the nicotine is moderate but present - where as Nightcap can be overwhelming. Less nuttiness and more pure smoke sweetness. I find it more comparable to 965 or Frog Morton only quite a bit better in quality and composition than either of those two. It also bears similarity to Raven's Wing, but is somewhat less complex. It does however fill the same niche as these "late night" dark hued tobaccos.

This blend is deep and rich but also very smooth and round tasting. The latakia lends a bit of smoke and depth over the sweet VA. In addition to the mentioned Anise casing, I also detect a bit of plumb. I do not find this element at all disruptive and in fact, in this case - adds wholly to the blend. It is a smooth, mellow, sweet ride with only a tiny hint of cigar like note. However... a bit of drying is recommended as bite is possible if smoked undried and carelessly.

If smoked continuously it could become a bit boring, however as an every now and again smoke it certainly provides a bit of a dessert like luxurious pleasure.

Packing-Packs well in very pipe I?ve smoked it in.

Lighting-Lights well with 2 matches and a tamp.

First Impression-This is mellow for a medium strength tobacco and the Latakia makes its presence known but doesn?t dominate. It?s full tasting without being harsh.

Mid Bowl-As the bowl burns down, the Latakia eases down and the Orientals reveal themselves more fully and wonderfully. It never smokes hot or wet.

Finish-Finishes well, gaining a little strength towards the end.

Over all-This is an excellent blend, a true work of art! This is a great smoke on it?s own as an every day smoke, but for me it?s a change of pace smoke from my stand by of Pembroke. Recommendation Highest recommendation!

It is also reminiscent of the bitter-sweet spicyness of Midnight Ride, but smoother, rounder and better balanced.

It can grow heavy and tiresome on the long run due to the flavoring, though... and the usual considerations about this brand (extreme wetness of the leaf, mustiness of the taste) still apply here, too.

This is quite a unique tasting tobacco. The flavor started off as almost a floral type fragrant. By this, I do not mean soapy. No, this is something different. I don?t believe there is any topping ? I think one of the Oriental components is responsible for this taste.

Before I started smoking English blends, I had been ?cautioned? about this one and Nightcap. Because of this warning, and the similarity of the names, I guess I always assumed they would be similar. They?re worlds apart. Perhaps the reason the Good Samaritan warned me about them was that he was afraid the nicotine would clobber me. It does have similar nicotine content as compared to Nightcap. I suppose some consider them potent. Maybe I?m immune.

The floral taste that dominated in the beginning receded somewhat, but remained throughout the smoke. Another reason to suspect that it isn?t a topping. It?s too consistent. The Latakia is pleasant and smoky. The Virginias really do their part, providing a wonderful underlying sweetness that ties it all together. The Greek Oriental seems to be the constant, around which the other components dance.

Overall, it?s a good performance.

Appearance: A beautiful mixture of assorted color ribbons, about 40% dark. The remainder run from lemon on through deep red. The name makes me think of Nightcap,but this is not as dark.

Aroma: Classic heavy Oriental aroma, with a sweet note. I can?t decide whether there is an additive, or if the Orientals are heavier than usual. Still, definitely NOT an aromatic. There is a good base of rich Virginias, a spicy melange of Turkish varieties, and a nice amount of Latakia. Very pleasing to the nose, makes me want to fill up and light immediately. Definitely not as Latakia heavy as Nightcap.

Packing: The ribbon cut packs well into any pipe from group 3 on up to really big, including stacks.

Lighting: Lights readily with a Vesta, tamp and relight. Usually needs two matches, but ocassionally one will do.

Initial flavor: Initial flavor is just like the aroma, rich, spicy and just a touch of sweetness. The Orientals seem to be the star, with the Latakia and Virginia both playing important supporting roles. Again, not as heavy as Nightcap, but better balanced IMHO.

Mid-bowl: Rich, cool, complex, everything you hope for in a fine English blend. There is a constant interplay of the different tobaccos, sometimes sweeter, or spicier, or smokier. Nothing ever fades away completely, or becomes too dominant. If I had to name another tobacco in the same class as this, it would be Greg Pease?s Renaissance.

Finish: Still cool and dry, still complex and layered, right to the bottom. A fluffy light gray ash is all that?s left.

Summary: A wonderful, world-class Oriental mixture. Might be disappointing for the Latakia junkies (try Penzance), but a great blend for an evening?s enjoyment. Superb with a wee dram of Laphroig, but doesn?t need it.