Wilke Pipe Tobacco Surbrug's Golden Sceptre

The smoky, woody, earthy, leathery, floral, incense-like, sweet Cyprian Latakia is the lead component, but not by much. The very nutty, earthy, woody, spicy, toasty, slightly molasses sweet and quite sour, sharp burleys also sport a bare hint of cocoa as strong supporting players. The red and lighter long cut Virginias offer a burst of very tangy ripe dark fruit, lightly tart citrus, earth, wood, bread, some grass, a little floralness and sugar along with a couple drops of honey. The Virginias are secondary stars. The very spicy, raisiny perique is just above being a condiment. The strength, nic-hit, and taste levels are medium. Won’t bite or get harsh, and barely has any rough edges. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with a very consistent, well balanced, complex, mildly sweet and rather spicy, sour, floral, savory flavor that translates to the lightly lingering after taste. Has a light campfire quality, too. Leaves little dampness in the bowl. Requires an average number of relights. Not quite an all day smoke, but it is repeatable. I suggest a wide bowl to capture all the nuances as well as the more obvious aspects this blend can deliver. Three and a half stars out of four.

-JimInks