Robert McConnell Covent Garden

London’s Covent Garden at Christmas time best describes this flavourful, classic English blend. Kolhasse & Kopp have done a fine job combining the right quantity of Latakia with lovely Turkish Orientals over a toasted bread Virginia that is sprinkled with sour cinnamon and raisin flavour Perique. Supposed to be a copy…? No way, it stands on its own and is the quintessential Christmas tobacco that K&K should package up for a smoker’s Christmas. Absolutely delicious with Lapsang Souchong tea or a peated malt from Speyside like Ben Riach 10 Old Curiositas.

This Nightcap "homage blend" is rich in Latakia and Orientals with some Virginias and a dash of Perique.

Outstanding cut, moisture level and burning characteristics. Burns to a lovely, powdery white ash.

Covent Garden delivers a luxurious and rich smoke yet it's not really over the top. (I find it similar to Artisans Blend in that it's almost a Lat bomb but the various varietals add enough complexity to keep it interesting.)

The Perique adds body and presence to the smoke but it's condimental and with no noticeable nic hit. There's a strong and lingering Latakia aftertaste.

This is an excellent, medium to medium-full English blend that flies under the radar of more trendy and over-hyped blends.

The first thing that appears to the senses upon opening the tin is the wonderful sour smell of the Orientals. The smell is heavenly. I am excited to give this a try after being a tad disappointed with Robert McConnell's Va/Pers. The Latakia leads when you light up a bowl, woody, smoky and herbaceous. The Orientals seem to be in equal measure to the Latakia, offering their characteristic sourness and floral notes. The balance between these two leaves is expertly presented. In the backdrop there is a little bit of fresh hay from the Virginias and a hint of spice on the aftertaste from the Perique. The Virginias seem to add a rich creamy body to the smoke. Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. This is an excellent English blend, and has me curious to try more of the genre from Robert McConnell. 4/4

Una excelente mezcla de tabacos orientales, virginias, latakias; permite perderse en el humo disfrutando el momento. Este tabaco ofrece un sabor constante desde el inicio hasta el final. No presenta problemas de humedad y es generoso en el aroma de habitación. Definitivamente será uno de mis tabacos de rotación constante.