Stanwell Rose & Crown

I purchased a tin of this tobacco as an added treat from Dan Pipe when I placed a pipe order. I thought I would try a new tobacco, a serious mistake. In describing this tobacco the operative words are berries and heat. Upon opening the tin, the fruity aroma of chemically enhanced berries hits you in the face. Immediately, I reconsidered whether I truly wanted to put this mixture in a pipe. It had a very attractive mottled appearance. I thought perhaps I will discover the first fruity blend that I am able to enjoy. I packed it in an old bent Peterson that I was planning to clean within the week and fired up. The flavor of berries was just as strong as the tin aroma now combined with an acridity in the mouth and nose that was similar to the experience of standing over a pile of smoldering leaves. I hesitated, but then decided to forge ahead. I did, for about half the bowl, and finally gave up. This tobacco is vile in every sense except its appearance. I think the lesson learned is that no amount of flavoring can adequately disguise truly inferior tobacco. I threw the tin away, and gave my Peterson a good salt and alcohol cleaning the next day. But it took some time before the cloying stink of the tobacco finally left the pipe. For those who like fruity, aromatic concoctions, you might want to try this. But remember, you have been warned. Paddy.