Seattle Pipe Club Hood Canal

The smoky, woody, earthy, lightly musty, moderately sweet Cyprian latakia is the main component. The latakia comprises 41% of the blend, and due to creator Joe Lankford’s expertise, this isn’t a lat-bomb as all the varietals have their say in every puff. The blended Turkish/Orientals are woody, earthy, mildly floral, somewhat dry with some buttery sweetness and a couple pinches of spice in an important support role. The nutty, earthy, mildly molasses sweet Tennessee burley and other burleys also have a sugar note as a strong secondary player. The percentage of the plumy, raisiny, figgy, lightly spicy Acadian perique is less than the burleys, and by consequence, is a little less obvious. The citrusy, grassy, lightly tangy Virginia is a condiment that lurks in the background. The strength falls short of the medium level, while the deep, rich taste is a step past that, narrowly missing the medium threshold. The nic-hit is a hair past the center of mild to medium. No chance of bite or harshness exists here. Being an easily broken apart crumble kake, it will burn a tad slow with a cool, clean, well balanced, fairly complex, consistent flavor from start to finish. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires some relights. Has a very pleasant, lightly lingering after taste. The room note is not very pungent. Can be an all day smoke for the veteran, and is certainly repeatable for those less experienced. Three and a half stars out of four.

-JimInks