Outwest Tobacco Western Sunrise

OK, Outwest Tobacco’s Western Sunrise is aromatic, all the way. So, what’s with the “none” I found listed after “flavoring” in the header? Perhaps it’s some arcane point of tobacco processing/nomenclature? In any case, it has a significant topping that’s to the fore the entire smoke. Which is fine with me, since it’s one of only a few aromatics I’ve enjoyed from start to finish. In the pouch are small-ish bits and chunks of flakes ranging from tan to red-brown, to dark brown, to black. Pouch note is a rich, tropical mélange, with vanilla over sweetened orange and apricot or (more likely) mango, over sponge cake. It handles, loads, lights and burns fine for me right from the tin, though it’s better after a few minutes air time. While the pouch note is nice, the combusting aroma is actually somewhat better, IMO. I’m guessing the VA here is air cured red, with toasted Burley and very little mild KY, along with a goodly portion of black Cavendish. Tastes parallel the pouch scents for over ½ a bowl, and the tobacco tastes increase some after that. For me, the VA is prominent, being slightly earthy, somewhat tart, and mildly zesty, but the Burley holds its own, slightly musty and nutty, also adding some hoppy bitterness. The scant KY adds depth, body and a tinge of smokiness. As for the vast clouds of fragrant, white smoke, I’m blaming the Cav. To me, the qualities worth recommending here are the fairly easy smoke-ability and the nice balance of fragrance and tastes, without chemicals, top to bottom, at least if one first purges the chosen pipe of darker fare and then refrains from tugging. It burns fine for me most of the way, and no penalties are incurred for thoughtful re-lights. Strength is mild; tastes approach medium by the end of a bowl. Room note is very pleasant. Aftertaste is a slightly metallic tapering off of the best of the smoke.

My thought here is, once you’re on board with a medium aro that contains Burley (aka, bitters), you’re good to go. It reminds me of a milder Peterson’s Connoisseur’s Choice. As for “all day smoke”, not for moi, though YMMV, of course. 4 stars.