A & C Petersen The Chief’s Own Special Cut No. 736

The smoky, woody, earthy, musty, wine-like Syrian Latakia is the lead component, though it gets a lot of competition from the earthy, woody, herbal, incense-like, sweet and sour, floral and moderately spicy Orientals. The Virginias provide some tangy ripe dark fruit, earth, wood, sugar, light grass, bread, and tart and tangy citrus, a couple pinches of spice and a very light floral quality as a secondary player. There are some fruity toppings that’s hard to identify. They seem to be a mix of tangy citrus tropical fruit, and they mildly sublimate the tobaccos. The strength and taste levels are medium. The nic-hit is a step below that mark. There’s no chance of bite or harshness, and has few rough edges. Burns cool and clean at a reasonable rate with a very consistent, deeply rich, zesty, sweet and spicy, mildly sour, floral, campfire flavor that translates to the pleasantly lingering after taste, and lightly stronger room note. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Can be an all day smoke for the veteran piper, and it’s certainly repeatable for the lesser experienced. Three and a half stars out of four.

-JimInks