Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) Drexel VI

I really don't understand why this blend doesn't get more traction. It is easily one of the best lat blends I've ever tried. I love the cut. It burns fantastic. Seriously, this knocked it out of the park for me. I would bet that if STG were to release this in bulk or in tins it would fly off the shelves. I question their business acumen if they don't understand how the pouch only might stop some of the cork sniffer types from trying their blend. Seriously, this stuff is amazing.

This was a surprise! Drexel is very inexpensive and I picked it up as kind of a curiosity add on when purchasing other blends. The tobacco was a little dry for my liking but it didn't appear to add the bitterness that dry tobacco can cause. The tobacco in the pouch wasn't special looking just an even distribution of dark and light shredded tobacco. Drexel Vl is simply a very smooth, pleasurable English style blend. It's Orientals are up front and the Latakia is moderate but very noticeable. There is just a bit of a Virginia taste to it, fortunately in my opinion because often Virginias can sting the tongue and this blend is bite free. The bowl didn't require a relight and burned beautifully and dry. This English blend is superior to many three times the price.

Basically a good middle of the road English blend, comparable in quality to Drexel VIII. Comes quite dry because package is not sealed. However, this means no preparation is needed. Burned at a slightly fast pace, but not particularly hot. Did not bite. Recommended, particularly at the price.

Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) - Drexel VI (Drexel).

The pouch is just folded shut with piece of sticky plastic keeping it closed. The lack of a seal has allowed some of the moisture to escape and it's become just right to smoke without waiting. The ribbons aren't very big, there's a few long ones but the majority of the blend is quite slight in build. A bowl of Drexel VI smokes much better if it's been packed fairly loosely.

Although the Latakia's notable, it's the mild kind: there's a rich woodiness, but not loads of smoky flavour. The Orientals give a good flavour hit, and are responsible for a lot of the taste. The Virginia's the lightest of the three, but its sweetness starts to come through after the first third of a bowl. Drexel VI doesn't bite me, and the temperature of the smoke is about medium.

The room-note's quite pleasant and the nicotine's not as strong as I'd expect, given the ingredients.

I don't hate D.VI, I just couldn't see it having a slot in my rotation; it's not heady enough for the morning, not sweet enough for the afternoon, and I tend to enjoy a cigar in the evening!

It might make a good entry into the field of Latakia blends though.

Somewhat recommended.