Hearth & Home Sweet & Smoky

Sweet and Smokey - two words that I don't say together very often (if ever) and I don't remember ever seeking or smoking a sweet and smokey blend. I've been known to seek and smoke aromatic English blends, but they're not sweet. I didn't find this blend to be sweet, but, I did find it to be smokey with a strong Burley component that led the charge all the way and all the time and that's okay by me. The upper third of the bowl was a solid smoke with others trying to challenge the Burley for dominance but, with little success. This effort culminated in a rich Burley-dominated English smoke of four star quality. In the middle third things quieted down somewhat to an enjoyable medium English smoke. Then a surprise on entering the bottom third with a sudden and brief return to the delightful richness of the upper third. After that we trailed off to a tamer and more neutral finish. All in all, I rate Sweet and Smokey as the best American English that I have ever lit up - four stars and thank you, again, Russ.

This is the third review I've done on one of Russ O's H.H. series. My oh my...I don't know what it is about adding Burley to Virginia and Latakia and then throwing in some Black Cavendish but it sure does work out well. This blend packs well. As I've said before...I use a tobacco grinder on all my blends. When you open the tin you get you that leathery, peppery, musky smell of a traditional English blend. Upon lighting you get that traditional English taste. The Virginias stay in the background all the way thru the bowl. You always sense them...but they always stay subdued. It's the Burley and Latakia that really let you know they are in charge...with the Black Cavendish bringing up the rear to make this blend really smooth. A real tasty, smooth smoke. It does get just a tad bland about three quarters of the way thru the bowl...but the flavor does hang in there...albeit just a tad less. Burns rather clean all the way to the bottom with no dottle at the end. Mild to medium nic hit. Just a real tasty, smooth, pleasant smoke. I bet this will age well. If you try this I bet it will end up in your regular rotation. Highly recommended.