Roland After Dark

A good friend of mine and I both moved out of Cali last year. He went to TN and I went to AR. Last week he was driving back from San Diego after visiting his family and since he was driving past where I live, I asked him to take a small 140-mile northerly detour and pay me a visit. He stayed the night and we had a great time smoking our pipes and swapping some tobacco blends. A relative or in-law not sure which was in Japan and brought back this blend for him. As I like collecting unusual tobacco tins, He was gracious enough to leave me the tin with about four nice size bowls to try. The blend was predominantly dark leaf with some medium-dark brown interspersed throughout. The tin note was an exquisite deep, dark, rich smell of leather. It reminded me of the Ricardo Montalban commercial where he exhorts the fine “Corinthian” leather of some elegant automobile. I know I am embellishing somewhat, but it smelled that good. This is one of those blends that after only having one or two puffs and love at first sight. I smoked all of what was left in the tin in one short evening. I almost sensed that this could have a mild plum casing to it as there was also a sweetness to the smoke but can’t ascertain for sure. This apparently is only sold in Japan according to the description. I might have me an Ace up my sleeve as I have a friend and coworker that is stationed out there and I might just twist his arm to get me a few tins. I also see that I am the first to review this blend, this has happened to me maybe only once before. To the Master Reviewers out there sorry I beat you to the punch.:)

I'd like to thank the previous reviewer for beating me to the punch and uploading this file (which is a pain to do). My last trip to Japan in 2019 brought me to Kagaya, a pipe store with a knowledgeable staff, and wanting to pick up something unique, bought a tin of After Dark. As the other reviewer pointed out, it is a German made exclusive for the Japanese market. Fast forward 5 years, and it is now time to crack the tin (as I am getting out of the business).

Lurking inside was an oiled-leather, charcoal, deep, spicy mix that certainly made itself known, though not the most potent or dry English I've come across. It smelled great. The ribbon mix of mostly dark brown and a few lighter bits, were stuck to the paper doily, releasing a nice tan stain. Despite being sealed for 5 years, the blend had a nice soft feel (light moisture), and was ready to pack.

The first few puffs were much milder than I would of thought (possibly due to thinking about Dunhill's Nightcap - and wondering if this was a match tobacco with Night in the name). There was some strength to it, so I can't recommend it as an English blend for beginners, but it certainly didn't taste like a fireplace (as some deeper Latakia blends are known for). Just a well made, middle of the road journey here, with some Oriental spice dancing in the background.

I wouldn't bother seeking it out for those living abroad, but would easily recommend it for those with access to it, whom are looking for a good all day English smoke. For me of course, it is something of an artifact reminding me of a wonderful trip.