Vauen No. 2 Oriental Blend

*Strong* smells when you open the tin. The description says coriander, and that's definitely apparent, but the more overpowering smell is, to me, fresh lemongrass. Lighting up, the taste is more subdued than the tin smells. How can it not be? The first few puffs, I immediately taste a few similarities with Grousemoor and Kohlhase & Kopp's Asia 2018. The tobacco even looks a bit like Asia 2018. But this blend has a much stronger, more one-dimensional flavor than both. Asia 2018 is much more subtle and complex, and has some exotic fruitiness and sweetness. And Grousemoor has a more refreshing lightness and a nice bright Virginia flavor. Vauen's Oriental Blend is less sweet and more overtly spice-like/herbal. The Virginia tobacco does give a small touch of sweetness though... and the black Cavendish does add some mellow sweetness.

Bottom Line: If you like Grousemoor, or more European-style aromatics (less sweet; more fresh, interesting flavors), then you might like this. I kinda like it, and I'm glad I tried this blend.

**UPDATE**: Literally a week after first trying this blend... I hear that it's going to be discontinued.