Edinger Tobacco Company The Pipemakers Tobacco: Strong Dark Flakes

Edinger - Strong Dark Flakes. Now then, what a different blend to review; it could be 36 years old!

When I first saw this on The Danish Pipe Shop's website I was a little sceptical after reading the disclaimer that absolves the store from any responsibility for the condition of aged tobacco. I didn't know if it would be smokeable or not. As it transpires, it was.

The age of the tin is attested by the slight build up of corrosion on the outside, there's a few marks of oxidisation. When I removed the lid I was met by a smell of the fermentation that's taken place over the years. I looked at the dry upper layer and felt disappointment; this can't be smoked! But then, after removing the top layer of 3x2 cm flakes, some moister ones were revealed; I guess that over the years the moisture has followed gravity! I always rub my flakes and these are easy to deal with. It only takes a light rub and it's ready to smoke.

The flavour has undergone some enhancements over the years; the biggest one is the smokiness. The flavour from the Kentucky's method of curing has been drastically amplified in comparison to the usual scenario. This seems quite pleasant at first but after a while it becomes a bit too strong a taste for me. In fact, about 15 minutes of smoking this is as much as I can handle! To be honest, I was hoping for a lot more sweetness from any Dextrose sugars etc that might have formed over the years but that never came to fruition!

This burns at an average speed providing you don't take a flake off the top and light without re-hydrating it!

I can see how and why a blend with good age on it would appeal to some folks. Me though, I feel it's wasted on my palate.

It gets two stars instead of one alone as I think it's good to try something with this much age on it at least once!