Retired software developer, musician & composer. Other interests: old movies, SF, classic mysteries, knitting & Buddhism.

A pipe smoker off & on for 50 years. Tobacco preferences: Eclectic; I like Cavendish (especially black), English mixtures & "Turkish" especially with Yenidje & other aromatic varietals; much prefer Burley to Virginia, except I have recently come to love dark flue-cured Virginias. Am lucky enough to live in Victoria BC (Canada) where we have two fine specialty tobacconists with dozens of excellent house blends (email me for mail ordering info at [email protected]).

I notice I'm rated as a "neutralist". I tend to vote most fine tobaccos as 3-star; to get four stars from me, a tobacco has to have some unique character that makes it a standout, rather like the special rosette in the Penguin CD guides.

I also smoke the occasional cigar - it has to be strong & spicy, usually Maduro.

FaceBook: Tony Patriarche & Musicus Arbutus