Chacom Royale

Somehow this is led by the Latakia (just barely). You wouldn't think so by looking at it. It's a very blond looking mixture. The mildly sweet, hay-like Bright Virginias can be discerned in the background. As the bowl progresses the White Burley shows itself with a little woodiness. It's mostly noted in the roundness of the flavor. At about that same time there is a little tang from the Red Virginias that creeps in. This would probably serve as a nice introduction to Lat blends and possibly as an all day smoke for those "addicted" to Latakia. It's not a major Lat fix, but would, at least, give you a little smokiness to get you through your day. About a 2.5 smoke for me. I'll round up to 3.

Mild to medium in body and taste. No added flavorings detected by these antique taste buds of mine. Burns very well.

This Chacom offering made by C&D is really good. The Bright and Red Virginia combine for a tart/sweet taste and the Latakia presence mingles beautifully with the others without interference. There's just enough Burley in the tin to boost the firepower. Just a well put together blend that I think will age beautifully and be very smooth. No frills combo that works well.

Chacom - Royale.

I received this from my friend Gentleman Zombie on one of our recent trades.

It's a medium brown, very fine, ribbon. I'd actually say borderline shag cut! Removal of the lid also reveals a slight problem: the blend is a little too dry. I'm not talking 'crispy', I just wouldn't trust it to be cellared for long.

When I lit my first bowl my initial thought was 'a very mild English'; I find the Latakia requires a quarter of a bowl to come through and develop in strength. It doesn't become a Lat-Bomb, but gives a stronger woody/cedar note. The Burley has a dry flavour, it's this that's quite an anomaly to the usual English blend. A bowl of Royale gives a very even burn, albeit slightly fast.

I quite like the room-note, and the nicotine's medium.

Thanks Franck, easily recommended.

Three stars.