Reiner Yellow Star Blend

I seldom like aromatics. This is pricey, and just plain wanted one for the holidays. It is absolutely an aromatic with little tobacco naturally presenting itself. I still recommend it as It has no strange 'wangs'. Often I find aromatics do not taste like they smell, or taste like what they are. This is no doubt vanilla rum. For people wanting an aromatic, and some tobacco flavor, try Reiner green label (rum/raisin). Reiner is also nice for not frying your mouth, unlike most! to expensive.

Firstly presentation. The "don't-use-if-open" sticker along the tin seal was a first for me. The inner paper disc (that rests on the product) was turned yellow from topping and had so many bits to pick off, I was reminded of bugs on flypaper. The initial tin aroma leaned more on the Rum, giving off a sour musty flavor that overshadowed any Vanilla. Certainly nothing ultra sweet here, yet inviting on some level. The ready rub was mostly ribbon cut, but had a good moisture and sturdiness for immediate packing.

The first few puffs were promising. This was an aromatic that maintained presence once lit without relying on a bottle of cologne dumped over wet Cavendish - quality I expect from a good European maker. I can't say it was the sort of Rum I would drink, but it held my interest. I was getting some dittle in the bowl and had some relights, but maybe abilities were slacking that day.

Over the week, the aroma kept swinging between a tangy perfume and a much cheaper vanilla, suffice to say things started going downhill.

If you prefer a liquor Aromatic, you may want to try this. I don't feel I correctly assessed it, so you need to judge it yourself.

Reiner - Yellow Star Blend.

The aroma from this is very full of vanilla, the rum is a lot harder to get. As the mixture is of a good hydration it can be smoked straight from the tin. Mine lights with ease and then I find the flavour exactly what the aroma had lead me to expect.

Again, I find the vanilla is much easier to identify than the rum, there is only really a subtle sharpness from the rum addition. As the topping is fairly heavy it masks the idiosyncratic features of the tobaccos. It burns good, once lit it doesn't need too much attention. I must admit that I find the nicotine barely recognizable, nicotine folks will be gutted! I don't get tongue bite but on the negative side I do find the smoke to be quite warm, if really drawn with force it becomes uncomfortable. To finish on a good note I enjoy the room note, albeit it's moderately full! I'm sure many people will love this but it doesn't concur with my tastes....

Two stars.

Smells so amazing I want to eat it, smoke smells good tastes nice.

This tobacco made up my mind, cavendish is not for me. Far too weak in nicotine, otherwise pleasant. Quality leaf, doesn't smoke wet, tastes pretty good, a little sweet. Would probably go well sprinkled on your breakfast cereal.

Not for me.