Rattray Winter Edition 2020

The very nutty, earthy, woody, bready, sweet burley is the lead component. The gold Virginias take a light lead over the broken dark Virginia, They provide a fair amount of tart and tangy citrus, bread, tangy ripe dark fruit, vegetative grass, wood, earth, floralness, some sugar, tart lemon, spice, and very light acidity. They are strong supporting players. The sugary, bready black cavendish is a couple steps above the condiment line. The Elisen gingerbread takes a small lead over the dried plum topping. The creamy Madagascar vanilla is a subtle additive. Their effect is a level or so below that of the tobaccos. The strength is a couple of notches past the medium threshold. The taste edges past that mark. The nic-hit is almost medium. There no chance of bite or harshness. Barely has any rough notes. Well balanced with some subtlety, it burns cool, clean and a tad slow with a very consistent, richly, sweet, fruity, nutty, floral, mildly spicy flavor that extends to the pleasantly lingering after taste. The room note is a tad stronger. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires a couple more than an average number of relights. Can be an all day smoke for the veteran aro smoker. Three and a half stars.

-JimInks