Paul's Pipe Shop Morning Smoke

The Virginias have some citrus, earth and grass along with a pinch of darker fruit. They are the main component. The smoky, woody, learthery sweet Syrian latakia is a supporting player, and seems to get a little more noticeable as you go along. The nic-hit is very mild. Won’t bite or get harsh even when pushed. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with a sweet campfire flavor, though it does lack a little depth in the first third of the bowl. Leaves little dampness in the pipe, and requires an average number of relights. Has a pleasant, lightly lingering after taste. An uncomplicated all day smoke.

-JimInks

The tobacco is about equal parts brown, tan and black medium chopped ribbon. It came at a good level of hydration for smoking. Pouch note was campfire and a little earthy.

Smoked this was a little like Lane's #10 Downing. It is pleasant, and the latakia is a condiment not the point of things. It is slightly sweet and earthy. There is the campfire, and it does not turn "muddy" as latakia sometimes does for me. It may be due to the Syrian latakia, but it tastes to me as if there is a slight herbal edge, and it is a good combination of flavors.

It is on the edge of the mild/mild to medium range in terms of strength and taste. It burned well, and did not take an unusual number of relights.

This is a pleasant smoke and I recommend it if you would like to try a good latakia blend that is not especially complex or challenging.