Sutliff Tobacco Company Mixture #79

This is arguably the most polarizing blend of Aromatic tobacco on the planet. For that reason alone, you gotta try an ounce! That's exactly what I did (hence why I'm reviewing here in the bulk listing, not the 14oz can listing on Tobacco Reviews), and I was pleasantly surprised. I will qualify my review by saying I'm an easy smoker - happy and content with the heaviest English/Balkan blend, the mildest Virginia, or the most flavored Aromatic as long as they smoke cool, taste pleasant, and leave me wanting more. This isn't the best blend on the planet, but No. 79 is now included in my Aromatics rotation because it does a fair job at staying cool & tasting pretty great with minimal bite, though it will make you work for the experience.

No. 79 has an elusive, almost umami-like flavor - that's what keeps me coming back to try more. Again, you just gotta try it! I will say one of the prominent smells and flavors I identify when smoking this is anise, so that's a consideration if you don't like black licorice (and likely why so many people are polarized against this blend). Additional flavors to be identified by the individual smoker - I say it's like the Dr. Pepper or Jägermeister of the Aromatic world. Personally, I get chocolate & spiced rum notes from the jar but vanilla & rye/bourbon in the bowl. The room note is definitely spiced, like clove and cardamom or (again) anise. I've even noticed caramel and root beer flavors, without the bubbles. Quite unique!

Some argue it smokes hot, and I've had a few similar experiences. I recommend a thick-walled pipe with some good cake on it, but it's not as warm as some blends for sure. I find the heat usually comes from multiple relights; it can be goopy or wetter than average, so wet smoke, relights, and collecting water are more common than average - keep a pipe cleaner on hand for mid-smoke shank drying. I almost suggest allowing this to dry to a consistency closer to an English blend to alleviate some of these mishaps, which will also subdue some of the more potent (read: anise) casing flavors. Obviously, don't let it get too dry or it will work in reverse and heat the bowl back up while smoking. This is what I meant when I said No. 79 will make you work for it; she's not impossible to smoke cool, but she's not as easy going as other blends either. Smoke patiently and enjoy.

All things considered, No. 79 is something you need to experience at least once if you want to call yourself an avid pipe smoker or aficionado, and buying an ounce or two in bulk is likely the best way to ensure you aren't wasting money on something you ultimately don't like. Who knows, you just might find your new guilty pleasure like I have.