Cornell & Diehl Billy Budd Blonde

Contrarian review: Well shoot, one always hates to be negative... so on a positive note, if you love ashy cigars, this is your huckleberry! Also note, if you're having a really hard time avoiding tongue bite, put this in a big bowled pipe and have at it. You're safe.

More to my review though... I am a huge fan of cigar leaf based blends, I love Habana Daydream, Key Largo, Robusto and Billy Budd (must try blends), so I had to try BBB. My main complaint, it was one dimensional. It goes a little too far on the cigar, way past cigar "notes" and is more of a cigar blast. Simply put it tasted like cheap cigar. I'll try another tin in a few months. Honestly though this first tin...Meh... didn't do anything for me. Outside of white burly and cigar leaf you can hardly taste any other varietals in this blend. It needs Latakia for some complexity and/or Cavendish to take the edge off the Burley/Cigar leaf.

In summary if I want a smoke with this flavor profile, I'll have a cigar.

I think it fair to state that, across the wider spectrum of media, you tend to encounter an assortment of distinctive commentaries relating to the subject of pipe tobacco. Largely, these editorials commonly reflect the individual experiences or informed opinions of fellow enthusiasts. Frankly, my present company is no exception. Accepting that there are general and objective constants relating to a given leaf varietal or say a specific genre that can easily be expanded upon, there is nevertheless, a factor regarding the delicacies of interpretation that can play into the overall matter. Therefore, the earnestness of a tobacco might be somewhat of a personalized sentiment as a point of fact.

For instance, we sometimes find that our ventures upon a particular mixture’s taste may be vastly different than say five other pipers. And with that, truthfully, there is no right nor wrong, but simply a collective “is”. To frame the matter as a dichotomy I fear is all but misgiven if not practically unnecessary. Actually, if you stop to think about that circumstance, clearly the development of interpretive diversity lends a shared value to all in the end.

Formally, at least in my own mind, perceived taste per se is an absolute function of biological endowments, the active condition or sensitivity of the palate, and ultimately the expression of relative experience. And on that thought, each one of us is uniquely different by nature, lest the world would be of limited character. Putting it in different terms, although we might be the captains of our own vessel, respectfully, each one of us may read the prevailing headwinds differently.

Expanding further on this quaint naval motif, as it does seem to nicely align with the featured blend of discussion, it appears that the attraction found within our shared passion is quite similar to the adventures common sailors meet upon the rolling seas. Namely, the personalized thrills and drifts charted throughout the journey are boundless, apprising, and often quite inspirational. Relating foremost to this matter then, I suspect Hemingway expressed it best in clarifying that we are merely apprentices in a craft where none ever becomes a master.

Although our experiences do instill a basis of practical knowledge which can lend credibility and worth, like most things in life, expertise upon the subject is a rather True North concept. Principally, one never quite reaches that ultimate destination, but can foreseeably advance towards that direction. Regardless, with qualified certainty, it is along that very trek where the satisfaction of embarking upon new courses within the expedition can be wonderfully enriching.

For myself it has been a long awakening voyage, but you know, at times when I undertake a new blend excursion a rediscovery of things maybe circumstantially forgotten can unfold. On certain occasions, I continue to learn something fresh in the process about the subtleties of a particular leaf combination or even about the depth of my own palate’s moodiness. It just goes to show that much could be said regarding the joys found within new experiences let alone the enlightenment obtained by retaining a critical mindset of discovery.

Like the glee felt by many a sailor upon seeing a new sun rising across a different skyline, we pipers can find illuminating fortune from the rays emitted by the simple pleasure of an alternative pipe tobacco. When all the pipes have been smoked and related thoughts have been gathered, do share those with others. For, in my judgement, it is an opportunity to give and take with the best of intentions. Philosophical or brotherly musings rolling through my head on this day? Why yes of course. Granted that your individual perspective may be to some extent different, but again, that is how the beauty of cooperative thinking benefits all my friends.

Calling to port is the third from Cornell & Diehl’s Melville At Sea series, the fair-haired brother of Billy Budd himself. Unlike the rolling waves that crash upon its brethren’s deck, Billy Budd Blonde pilots the piper amid a cruise of placid currents, ones that ebb much lighter and crest with a sweeter, docile disposition. Taking of the themed lineage, the recipe enfolds the best of the genealogical Virginia, Burley, and cigar leaf strains, nonetheless. Yet in lieu of the heady staunchness of Billy Budd, Cornell & Diehl has bartered with the commanding latakia in replacing it with the enhancements of sweetening Black Cavendish and a spot of relaxed Perique seasoning. Although the flag flying upon the mast on Tobacco Reviews logs Billy Budd Blonde to be a cigar-based offering, Cornell & Diehl officially sorts this mixture as a properly inspired Virginian.

As to be expected, a visual inspection of Billy Budd Blonde reveals a gruff and surly looking combination of vitalized tobaccos. This jagged specimen is principally comprised of a coarse stew of meaty broken pressed slivers and loose long ribboned Virginia. Mustering high and wide given the freely chiseled construction, in close quarters are varying flecks of beefy, oily cigar leaf, gnarled lashings of thinned White Burley, sparse bits of Acadian Perique and clippings of quiescent Black Cavendish. Decidedly lighter in its weathered countenance, the decking of Billy Budd Blonde’s ship is painted with tints of chocolate, grayed umber, sable, lighter shades of sliding ecrus, coffee, and of course bleak ebony. Harboring a surface mass that is exceptionally rough and drier in moisture, to the touch, the grains of the blend feels dense, unkempt, and genuinely trial-hardened in spirit.

Despite the tenacity of its looming appearance, Billy Budd Blonde’s standard jarred essence evokes primary notes of quieting sweetness that selectively overrides an inviting aroma of tangy Virginian grass. Further colorization of this base persona finds way in the airs of an herbal spice that resounds with a potent greenness, peppery earthiness, and a musty wisp of soured tart.
With the presentation, Billy Budd Blonde offers an authentic blessing of stodgy determination, yet the feel is graced with an offsetting softer sweetness. In general, the mixture poses as a standard Virginia-Burley that has been enlivened by the presence of a little complementing cigar leaf and a dash of darkening Perique. Ideally the latter condiments heartedly lend the tobacco with the dimension of depth and an edge of differentiated character. Still, the apparent modified Virginian remarking is definitely the forward feature within the overall registration. Furthermore, a moderate degree of movement is found especially within the streaming of the condiments but naturally the profile holds a fairly uniform fuller bodied taste for the balance of the bowl.

Forming the mainstream of flavor the brighter Virginian emits a big wave of sweeter toasty citrine grass that is tenderized with the succulence of tangy orange cream-like accenting. Additionally, there is a wholesome standing of nuanced salty bread and a stimulating run of sprucy floral that are supported by warming highlights of diluted caramel sugar. Further accentuating the colorfulness of this leaf one can find a collective spiciness that springs forth a nice oaty-hay quality along with innuendos of passive tart.

Playing in tandem with lessor vibrato, the background middle band hosts a well checked partnering of sour nutty Burley. Common to the core, this varietal is however fancily ornamented by a medium roasted coffee ambience. I surmised that it is the influence of the cigar leaf and Acadian combining with this White strain that brings out a tinge of darker fruity woodiness that circulates among the peripheral spills. Otherwise, I would suspect that quite possibly there is a spotting of Dark Burley hiding within, but that is merely a supposition on my part.

The most complementing presence is provided by the inclusive cigar leaf. However, this leaf renders a calling that is less pronounced as compared to the importance it is assigned within that of big brother Billy. With the original, the choice of select cigar leaf is a common Maduro strain and if I am not mistaken, Cornell & Diehl has opted for the same within this blonde version. Primarily the Havana persona follows the very same zestful chocolaty pepper stream as its main projection. Furthermore, notes of maple cedar, and herbal pined earthiness collude in unison to define the cigar leaf’s principal character. The resulting commenting floats about with varying importance but does consistently leave its mark on the combined melding. Functionally, the cigar leaf’s effects seem to tame the “want to be” overly dominant Virginia-Burley tendency.

Being generally reposed, the resident Perique emerges within the expanse of flavor with an intermittent showing and undemanding nature. For the purposes of proper recognition, its influence comes in fits and starts within the front upper tier with a moderate degree of significance. However, the strain largely prefers to bind or calmly immerse itself within the more forwardness of the cigar leaf. As a result, the taste profile is a bit more enlivened by additive colorfulness on the top trimming. In practice the strain revels in the affluence of peppery pruned sweetness balanced with a deepening musty mushroom flair. For all practical purposes there is just enough Perique in attendance to be appreciated and felt within the nasal cavity, but its contribution is more tertiary than not.

And last, the subject Black Cavendish contributes a bit of herbal wooded zest as well as some clean notes of a corn syrup sugared accenting. Clearly the strain plays a vital role in sweetening the total affair as well as facilitating the cultured blending of the distinctly flavored individual components held by the recipe. What is more there is substantial evidence of its materiality within the plumes of sincere medium browned gray smoke that are effused throughout the extended session.

As I mentioned the vapors that Billy Budd Blonde produces are more than impressive for a Virginia based alternative. Generally the smoke quality and texture tapers out smoothly and fully dressed during the consumption. The resulting room aroma is established with a defined residual push of the spicy earthiness of the cigar as it interplays beautifully with the sweet mocking of roasted Virginian grass. Moreover, edging this base fragrance are some annotating airs of light sourness and sweetened darker must. Its presence is somewhat formidable while being fast settled in endurance making it most likely a tolerable acquaintance at best.

As many times as I have partaken this Melville inspired concoction, I have found that it tenders best within the confines of an aptly proportioned briar. Chiefly, seek one that is relatively sizable in inner diameter and a bit shallower in its cavity such as the pictured Peterson. With that, you shall optimally experience the distinct nuances that the tobacco has to offer as well as the greater complexity that lies within its wider profile. Equally, the generated heat of the Virginian content will be less of a factor which lends more enjoyment to the complete experience.

Appropriately, Billy Budd Blonde stands as a medium strength blend in that the nicotine effects are generally felt with moderate intensity. Mechanically the tobacco does burn well with an even and cool pace given the recommendations of pipe and a calmer cadence. I am confident that you will find this blend to be mellow and satiating in its standard sweeter spicy presentation on the whole. And on one final note, I will say that objectively, Billy Budd Blonde fairs well with respect to performance and the demonstration of the standard tenets of its explicit sorting.

Getting back to the original point of discussion, wiser men have stated that the truth of a matter is rarely pure and definitely never simple, a premise that even applies to pipe tobacco. Upon concern to that notion, consider my shared comments for their face value, but as always, take the opportunity to form your own certainty. So in conclusion my good pipers, it seems that the earnestness of the tobacco burning within the sailor’s cob, whether that mariner be you or me, is therefore an expression of mixed assessment. Logically, the subjective merit that each of us assigns to a particular tobacco is quite sensible to our own individual bearing, which is not only natural, but most truthful if you follow.

Objective Scoring: (basis: flavor, standard genre/leaf attributes & mechanicals): 154/181 ? 2.8 WAVG.

Subjective Rating: (factored for likeability & cost): 3.3 Pipes.

For me, the Virginias are mild and play a condimental role. The cigar leaf is noticable but not overdone, appearing stronger every few puffs. The white Burley and Perique are both edgy, and gave my tongue and soft palette a tingle, reminiscent of strong black chai tea.

There is a stale cigarette room note that non-smokers will not appreciate.

Tin note is bready, light cigar, fruit leather and Pall Mall.

Not a favorite, but I go for it every now and then. A worthy cellar addition.

The blend is well-balanced and is very easy to smoke. The cigar leaf together with perique increases the complexity of the smoke. Great blend.