G. Smith & Sons Old London Export Mixture

The very fragrant, incense-like Orientals provide earth, wood, herbs, vegetation, floralness, a fair amount of spice, mild sourness, some buttery, tangy sweetness, and a little leather and campfire smokiness as the lead components. The fermented Virginia and Virginia cavendish offer a burst of tart and tangy citrus and grass, bread, some tangy ripe dark fruit, earth, wood, floralness, a little sugar, light spice, and a touch of acidity as secondary players. The strength is a step below the medium mark, while the taste and nic-hit are medium. No chance of bite or harshness exists here, but there are a few very light rough notes. The spice content is high enough to recommend a slow puffing cadence. A well balanced, Oriental forward mixture that burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with a very consistent sweet and savory, spicy, floral flavor that extends to the pleasantly long lingering after taste. The room note is a notch stronger. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Can almost be an all day smoke for the veteran, and repeatable for the less experienced. Four stars out of four.

-JimInks

Just a wonderful old blend! My tin was 30 or so years old and the wonderful Virginia leaf employed was surrounded by about the most naturally sweet and age mellowed Orientals one could ever hope to puff on. And there was a lot of Virginia Cavendish in Export, giving the overall presentation a lot of body. It has been a long time since I've enjoyed an Oriental forward mixture more than this one.