Low Country Pipe & Cigar Hazelnut

Perhaps I am spoiled, but I compared this one against the best (sadly extinct) hazelnut Aromatics that I ever tasted; Master Penman and Nording's Labrador, and there is simply no contest here. Those have velvety rich flavor, and are true masterpieces, while this 'stuff' is dry and dusted with candy Lick-a-Stick powder.

The topping gives off the semblance of hazelnut, but it smells cheap, as is my impression of most Cornell & Diehl products [I didn't realise who made Low Country, until it was too late]. The cut is quite thin and airy, so some packing is needed to get some density to burn. The leaves are dry and full of topping powder, sparking up instantly and making a crackling noise when puffed on.

The lit product is very mild with any intensity coming from the bitter artificial flavor, which is a shame as none of the taste comes through. If I was unaware of what I had in the bowl, I'd guess it was something that 'was' sweet but dried out into an unappealing old Aromatic. It is possible that the batch I smoked (being a bulk order) was in fact old and played into my low rating, but I can't imagine wanting to try it again.