Rattray Exotic Orange (a.k.a. Exotic Passion)

This stuff and Bagpiper's Dream are the two most awful mixtures I've ever had the misfortune to try. Its taste reminded me of the fragrance from cheap perfume and it gagged me. I couldn't even finish the pipe full of it.

So this is the blend you smoke if you're craving a citrusy Virginia Flake but you have company and want to have an aromatic room note.

The taste is very reminiscent of a Virginia flake.

This blend hit me in the following way. There is something a bit cloying about the casing. For one thing, the tin note and room note is rather off putting; it smells like Orange Tang crystals. Do you remember that fake orange drink Tang that you used to mix up in water? Well that's the sort of smell it has, and from what I can tell it comes out in the room note. Not exactly nice in my estimation, and not a natural citrus smell.

Taste wise, it comes off better, but I'd rather just have the Virginia flake if I want that citrusy taste -- one that is more natural -- and there are plenty of better aromatics out there.

For those who are in a hurry, the thumbnail version of the following review of Rattray’s Exotic Passion is: OK tobacco swamped by not OK topping. If you’re still there, this (apparently) sought after blend from the Storied Marque comes in an un-sealed plastic bag inside an attractive, colorful, unsealed metal box. The blend consists of moist ribbons ‘n chunks that range from golden tan, to light, reddish brown, to black. The tin note is quite a burst initially, but it eventually settles down to a tropical version of one of those plug-in air fresheners, orange-ish and passion fruit-ish, with vanillin. It handles, loads, lights and smokes down with no problems after a little air time. The topping takes and holds the lead through the smoke. I prefer a light snork to the tastes I get because this blend oils my mouth right away, probably due to my old nemesis, propylene glycol, but possibly due to chemicals used as aromatics and flavorings. The tobacco, way down there, is meadow grassy and nutty, and mildly floral, and it might get three stars on its own; but it certainly is not on its own. Strength is medium, with scant nicotine. Tastes rise past medium. Room note is not awful, but it’s somewhat insipid. Aftertaste lingers, starting out as icky, combusted chemicals and morphing into a nice VA/Bur afterword as it trails off.

What can I say? I own the PG problem that really kills this for me. But, truth be told, I couldn’t give this more than 2 stars apart from the PG because I just don’t care for the topping. Taken as a whole, I can’t recommend it.

This is a heavy aromatic with orange and floral notes dominating the aroma. No tobacco notes can be detected behind the aromatics. The orange flavorings leave a strong chemical aftertaste that coats the inside of your mouth.