Seattle Pipe Club Plum Pudding Bourbon Barrel Aged

You know I cannot speak highly enough about the contribution Joe Lankford made to our common passion while he was here in the present. If one just considers all the gems that came about as the result of this man’s skills and creativity, it is simply amazing if not truly admirable. One of the most pivotal entries in that accomplished collection, and perhaps for all purposes to the Balkan genre itself, was obviously Plum Pudding. Knowing that Lankford hit one of piping history’s most massive home runs on his first at bat with this creation still flabbergasts me. Being totally transparent, this singular blend just happens to be my most esteemed Balkan offering, no question.

So, how does one improve upon something that is already darn close to what some of us deem as perfection? Well, how about taking the very original and merely applying a few tweaks here and there, in hopes of arriving at a rendition that elevates the existing standard. Let me say, however, generally most humans tend to be creatures of habit to some degree, in that we like what we like. As such, often when a change is presented to an item that we are emotionally accustomed to, perceivably that can feel like a literal invasion, unseating us from our sense of order and uninterrupted happiness. Naturally when such developments occur, generally they tend to be a most unwelcome dynamic, being very difficult to process or accept. Personally, I am no exception to that rule. So, with the commitment to maintaining an open mind, I gave Plum Pudding Bourbon Barrel Aged (PPBA) a cautionary trial. Here is what I pleasantly discovered:

PPBA follows the very same original Lankford recipe as the popular precedent, mainly a select combination of distinguished Latakia, Turkish/Oriental, Virginian leaves, a standing of obligatory Perique and Black Cavendish. Additionally, the engineered production process is identical with one very important twist. Post mixing operations, the tobaccos are then tightly chambered within a seasoned bourbon whiskey barrel for a period of one month. After said duration, this infused mélange is finally pressed into the conventional cake form that is oh so familiar. Basically, the sub-operation inserted within the standard manufacturing router purposefully enhances the subject mixture with the residual vapors of bourbon promoted by the added compressed soaking procedure.

Key points of the assessment:

An overall 2.93 measured scoring based upon the standardized process used for formal assessment. Given the total points awarded, the blend places at the ninetieth percentile of optimum excellence. Like big brother, PPBA proved exceptionally strong in performance regarding critical mechanical features, the conformance to the posted standards of the subject genre, and finally qualitative flavor attributes. In relation to the common leaf varietals characteristics, this product showed impressive results specifically in reference to the comprising Latakia, assorted Turkish/Orientals and the basic Cavendish contribution. Essentially both the inclusive Virginian and Perique strains arrived at the measuring stick favorably, achieving an evaluation at a couple clicks higher than what I would consider the demonstrated average.

So, applying the follow-on subjective factors surrounding personal appeal and related cost, as I always do, the final grading finds this specific version of the pre-existing benchmark with an impressive 3.6 Pipe rating overall. Incidentally the blend really liked my Rossi Vittoria 8320 Author briar the best as the complexity of the flavor really stood authentically proud and absolute to the laurels of a Lankford-designed/Sutliff Tobacco production.

The series of trials revealed that the registerable bourbon influence really sets this version apart with a hosting of much more added sweetness. Additionally, I discovered a consistently pleasant malty quality and creaminess, in general, to the compilation of assorted tastes. I must believe that this detected change underscores the progression of the tobaccos incited to a more advanced state, chiefly enabled by the additive operation/fermenting duration. What is more, PPBA demonstrated a tangier disposition which further extended its noteworthy and incremental flavorsomeness.

Still, there was a nicer softening and rounding of the edges for the gathering of flavor streams that I noted as compared to the original. This featured attribute’s impact was most notable on the fore leading Latakia characterization. Overall, I am compelled to state that enhancements to the basic recipe’s common flavors are much more enriched. I also discovered that the lovely bourbon flavoring fully resonates in a delightfully spirited accent and residual aftertaste.

Finally, being the Latakia aficionado that I am, I wish I had knowledge of what specific Oriental leaf is used as the basis of the subject component because the celebration of its colorful savor proved it to be second to none. Scoring exceptionally well in the honest demonstration for the range of key leaf attributes, this varietal engenders a significant portion of the recipe’s critically impressionable taste profile. The vintage of the leaf included within, successfully achieved a measured brilliance to the respective variety standards with an encompassing 87% hit rate for the scope of its recorded nuances.

Strength/intensity: Respectfully I am going to call this one modeling a well-determined medium stature. Not quite extending into the fuller range but at moments it does entertain some stronger traits. The captivating aspect of Plum Pudding is that it feels earnest in its scaled spicing and headiness touching upon the quills of a cigar-like companion.

Baseline: Virginian – The resident Virginian offers a stimulating spicy orangish tang/citrus on the top lower band cradled by the supportive influences of the mixed varietals within. One will discover the fine flavor of aged salty grassiness coupled with the rich tones of darker skinned fruits and sweeter wood tones from the prouder Red. Evidence recorded also exposed a shy complementing trace of primal earthen tart.

Forward mid-band taste: Latakia and Orientals - Latakia leads the front-loaded taste pulling the exotic Turkish along in tandem complement. As a sweeter derivation, the representative Latakia demonstrates a singularly deep and ostensibly foreboding character overall. Namely, the registration brought an exceptional smokiness with a high degree of evolved smooth char. This notation is so developed that its affluence settles itself in provoking the imagery of still kindling blackened embers. Along with this character there is bitter sulfurous dankness to its essence, which poses a riveting effect. Tending to be more woody and slightly tart in mood, the leaf is further embellished with a bit of raw muskiness of leather and pungent darkening as the contextualizing highlights.

The Turkish/Orientals bring a customary floral eminence that bids a tasteful evergreen flair. There is also a footnoting of bright vegetal spice that is dill like in temper which endows a nice balancing contrast. These strains also verge towards the sweet spectrum although the sampling does entail streaks of sourness and tart. Furthermore, I did manage to pick up some interesting stewed black tea notes along with parceling of general must and/or crude earthiness.

Accenting: Perique - A dark fruity Perique adds a nice trailing accent of sweeter fig or perhaps a cultured date like flavoring. Moreover, the strain inserted a dash of some gentler peppered seasoning. Portioned at a precise volume, the Acadian adds a substantive bottom dimension to the profile. Its glazing presence is beheld with uncompromised reliability; not too forward to be rendered as distracting in any form . For the Cavendish element, its donation further shapes the confluent meld with woody earthiness and attracting faded walnut. And there is that typical full native zest bundled with a hint of brown sugar. Naturally this leaf facilitates the flow and cohesiveness of the various individual streams. The Cavendish does seem to pull more through within a cob, not sure exactly why. • The residing tin note is magnanimous. An embolden aroma of sweeter Balkan-centric spicing overtakes the actives senses. A full note of smart bourbon smacks with delightful grandeur and just an evocative strand of brilliant tartness fills the nose air with the finishing exuberance.

• A lot of moving complexity in an evolved character that is quite fascinating and mellowing. With each sip the celebration of nuancing keeps you engaged and alerted to the sheer involvedness of this blend

• Buttery sweet-spicey undertone abides consistently.

• A lot of dimensioning and depth to the rolling profile. It grows darker and denser with the progression of the bowl.

• The earthiness or call it peaty character renders a feeling of composted/weathered sticks, and oddly enough, aged native tree fallings fermenting within the elements, if that makes sense.

• Not sure about the casing but did pick up some minor molasses notes.

• Making no apologies on the airs of boldness, the very prominent, virile room essence is primarily seeded with the heavy perfumes of spend toasty Latakia, soured earthen/exotic spicing, deep woodiness of Red Virginia and Cavendish/Burley “pipey” sourness. Affectionally fertile, the fragrance is categorically beasty bordering barnyard-like, exercising utter permanence in staying power.

• Lovely cake presentation, very dimensional and regal in appearance with a host of rich dark hues

• Arrives a bit drier with regards to tin state moisture. The odd thing is, at times, I experienced some occurrence of a self-extinguishing tendency.

• Comes with a retained stave from the actual barrel, keep this within your Ball jar for prosperity and continued seasoning effects.

• No witnessed bite and very minimum nicotine effect.

• Pricing may be perceivably a bit hateful to some unfortunately.

• The experienced moral taught by PPBA: Letting go of our treasures often makes room for something better.