HU Tobacco Asmara

The mildly spicy, woody, floral, earthy, herbal, creamy and lightly sour Orientals hit you as soon as you light up, and are noticeable in every puff to the finish, though the other tobaccos show up more often before the half way point. While it does dominate the other components a little, it doesn’t drown them out. The bright and red Virginias add a light touch of tart and tangy citrus and grass, and sweet, dark, dried, mildly tangy ripe fruit with a little earth, bread and wood notes. I notice the latter flavors from the red Virginia more than I notice the characteristics from the bright. The perique offers a little spice, plum, fig, and raisins in a supporting role. The Cyprian Latakia is a minor addition, but it shows up here and there for a smoky, woody, earthy, musty sweet push, though you won’t detect much of it. The various flavors work well together with subtlety and nuance as some tobaccos take a little more prominence than others at different times, but not enough to upset the overall complex balance of the product. The nic-hit and strength are a couple of steps past the mild mark, and the taste is almost medium. Won’t bite or get harsh. Has a mostly consistent sweet and sour, savory flavor from top to bottom. Burns at a reasonable pace, cool, clean, and even, requiring very few relights. Leaves virtually no moisture in the bowl, and has a pleasant after taste and room note. An all day smoke. Three and a half stars.

-JimInks