W.F. Monroe Cigar Co. Conway’s Private Blend Pipe Mixture

The various burleys offer a lot of nuts, some wood, earth, light molasses, a couple pinches of spice, and some rough edges as competitive components. The smoky, woody, earthy, musty, leathery, wine-like Syrian Latakia is their competition. Sometimes, the two varietals trade the lead by a very short step, but the latakia generally wins out. The lemon Virginia provide a fair amount of tart, tangy citrus, lemon, and grass in an important support role. The dry, woody, lightly floral and spicy, earthy Turkish is just above being a condiment. I notice a light essence of sweet rum - which may have been stronger when freshly produced - but it doesn’t tone down the tobaccos much at all. The strength and taste levels are medium, while the nic-hit is a rung or two below that mark. Won’t bite or get harsh. Burns cool, clean, and slightly slow chiefly because of the cube cut burleys. The mildly sweet and savory flavors sport a little richness. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires some relights. Has a pleasantly, lightly lingering campfire after taste. Can be an all day smoke. Reminds me very much of Barking Dog, and I suspect it was made to compete with that blend. Three and a half stars.

-JimInks