Robert McConnell The Fragrant Blend

Since I currently live in Germany, I have been able to order this blend online. I would describe Robert McConnell's - The Fragrant Blend as a decent summer smoke. It might pair perfectly with a Radler or shandy at a terrace during a sunny day. It can also be a good beginner's introduction to the world of non-aromatics, since it's very mild and complex enough to arouse interest, although I would describe the nicotine content as moderate. Nonetheless, it's not as overpowering as other cigar leaf based blends I've tried, specially at the end of the bowl. I suspect the room note might be pleasant enough and could be a good social or wife-friendly smoke. Easy to pack, to light and to keep lit. Moisture content is quite good right out from the tin, but it might benefit from a bit of drying time. This broken flake evolves down the bowl. It starts off as a very citrusy hay-like Virgina blend. Very sweet and refreshing indeed. At first, I was not able to taste the cigar leaf at all. During the second half of the bowl, the Black Cavendish starts to kick in and the Virginias turn darker and "breadier" in terms of taste. Still no traces of cigar leaf. Finally, one is able to discover the cigar leaf right at the bottom of the bowl, as some kind of special treat. It's as if one has to look for it in order to find it. That is to say, the cigar leaf is there, but, as I said, it's not obvious or overpowering. Overall, it leaves a really pleasant aftertaste that lasts for quite a long time. This blend might require more than one bowl in order to fully appreciate its intricacies. It's not simple by any means. I would recommend it to any pipe smoker, but I don't consider it to be an all year round smoke, although during the summer it could be smoked all day long.