Wilke Pipe Tobacco Wilke No. 222

The rather floral, herbal, woody, buttery sweet and rather sour, earthy, moderately spicy Turkish yenidje takes a little of the lead. The very smoky, earthy, woody, musty sweet Cyprian Latakia plays above its percentage in the mix, and is almost a supporting player. The Virginia provides some tart and tangy citrus, grass, honey, light earth, tangy dark fruit and wood, and a slight floral note in a competitive third slot. The natural cavendish offers tart and tangy citrus, grass, and a light cognac topping in a condimental role. The strength and nic-hit are a couple of steps past the center of mild to medium. The taste is a rung below the medium mark. There’s no chance of bite or harshness, though it does have a very light rough edge. Burns cool and clean at a reasonable pace with a very consistent, mildly sweet and sour, savory, light campfire flavor that translates to the lightly lingering after taste. The room note is a tad stronger. Barely leaves any dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Can be an all day smoke. Four stars out of four.

-JimInks