Cornell & Diehl Midnight Drive

The mildly citrusy, grassy, very slightly honey-like bright Virginias form the base of the blend. The spicy, raisiny, plumy perique is an important supporting player. The dry, woody, earthy, nutty burley plays a back up role, and has a couple bitter notes. I think there slightly more than a touch of the smoky, woody, leathery, barely sweet Cyprian latakia mixed in as it is a continual, obvious presence. The dry, woody, lightly floral Turkish underscores the experience in every puff; just enough to notice. Can’t say I notice the sugar from the black cavendish much at all, but whatever is there is used to add a light smoothness. The nicotine is a shade closer to medium than it is to mild. The taste level is barely a step beyond medium, and has a bit of heft to it, but little sweetness. Won’t bite or get harsh, but it does have a rough edge here and there. Well balanced, it burns cool, clean, and a little slow as broken flakes will do with a mostly consistent flavor from start to finish. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires some relights. Has a pleasant dry, campfire after taste that slightly lingers, and a stronger room note. Is not quite an all day smoke, but it’s certainly repeatable. More of a two and a half star product.

-JimInks