Wilke Pipe Tobacco Surbrug No. 176

The woody, earthy, dry, lightly buttery sweet, floral, herbal, mildly spicy, sour Turkish shag takes a little of the lead. The smoky, woody, musty, earthy sweet Cyprian Latakia is a team player that provides important support. The sweetened black cavendish offers some smoothing vanilla and cocoa in a secondary role. The tart and tangy citrusy, grassy bright Virginia is a condiment. The strength is a little closer to medium than it is to mild, and the taste is a step past that, falling short of the medium level. The nic-hit is just past the center of mild to medium. Won’t bite or get harsh, and has no rough edges. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with a semi-sweet and a little more savory, mostly consistent flavor all the way to the finish. Like most Wilke blends, it easily burns to ash. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a pleasant after taste, and room note. An all day smoke. Three and a half stars out of four.

-JimInks