| I was really impressed with this blend. Natural, contrasting in colours, fresh but not moist, it has a very peculiar presence and gusto. There is nothing artificial or cloying about Redwood, though it does lack that edge of refinement one would expect from an essentially Virginian tobacco. Short ribbon, almost crimp cut, it is a delight to pack in virtually any pipe, though I prefer to smoke it in a medium size freehand Stanwell. It lights easily and behaves like a perfect gentleman throughout the bowl, with virtually no need to relight. It smokes remarkably cool and dry, and leaves the pipe clean.
The initial flavour is that of matured, red Virginias, with a slight sweetness vaguely reminiscent of Stokkebye?s Curly Cut and, to a lesser extent, of McClelland?s Bulk 5100. Redwood, however, is not as smokey and sugary, and burns drier. After the 1/3 mark, the Perique comes alive, insinuating its piquancy and tanginess, but not as strongly as in other Va/Perique blends (e.g., Solani 633). It rather lends a subtle undertone immediately countered by the spicy and unsweetened Black Cavendish. Again, the harshness of this toasted leaf, which is not at all moist or syrupy, is balanced by the supple Virginian flavour, adding up to an excellent equilibrium.
Seldom have I smoked such a well integrated blend, its components all acting out their particular roles without overshadowing each other (Pease?s hand?). Peppery, zesty and at times tangy, Redwood epitomises the best of the American leaves that go into it. It never becomes dull or monotonous, and it delivers an exquisite and lively taste. A joy.
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| In appearance, this has a wide range of light brown to dark brown flakes with some occasional black pieces. The pouch aroma is definitely Virginia. Although no toppings are mentioned in the description, there is a chocolate aroma to the pouch. This is a very zippy, zangy, tangy flavorful blend. It is sweet and lively. This falls into the type of tobacco that I label fun as I do with C&D's Pennington Gap. This is a wake up blend. It will not only wake up the smoker, but a pinch of it will wake up any other blend that would benefit from its addition. It benefits from the finesse of GLP as the taste dances between the Virginias and the Perique. It reflects the C&D qualities in its decent nicotine content, excellent burning character, and its blow it out the nose tingle. It also has the C&D two minute warning as the nicotine gathers in strength near the end of the bowl. I agree with a previous reviewer that this does remind one of Amphora. However, Amphora is tame compared to Redwood. I am a heavy puffer, and I am quite surprised at the lack of bite in this Virginia, Perique blend. Concerned that it may flavor a briar, I have only smoked this in my meerschaum pipes. The bottom of the bowl is nothing but a dark gray ash. I enjoy the Two Friends blends as each reveals both GLP and C&D qualities. I've been smoking a lot of this. It's fun. It's enjoyable.
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