Cascadia Pipe Co. Trail Head

I agree with other reviewers that this blend is somewhat reminiscent of Erinmore Flake, albeit an immensely toned down version of that venerable blend. It has a familiar fruity chewing gum flavour imparted by its topping that remains in the foreground of the smoke throughout. This flavour is not overwhelming, and is closer in strength to the taste one has in one's mouth after emptying it of the aforementioned gum.

The flavour from the leaf itself is there, but just barely. In fact, I am quite disappointed that a plug should have such a mildness to it. There are notes of grass and hay from the virginia, along with some citrus (though this could also be from the topping). There are notes of roasted nuts, as well as a slight and not unpleasant bitterness from the burley. But these notes are so muted, leading one to puff away with increasing frequency, save that one should forget that anything is being smoked at all. Thankfully fast puffing does not yield the cigarette-like acridity that other Virginia/Burley blends are prone to in such circumstances, though one almost wishes it would, as this would provide reassurance that there is indeed tobacco in one's bowl. The one outcome that may result from fast puffing is a nicotine rush, or even headache. While Trail Head is minimal in flavour, it is surprisingly high in nicotine. It will not overpower the veteran smoker, or someone - like myself - with a chronic vitamin N deficiency. But those who prefer conventional Danish or American aromatics, or who do not but are nevertheless sensitive to nicotine, should probably avoid this blend.

This leads to the question of who exactly this blend is for. Burley smokers and plug enthusiasts will likely find Trail Head very bland, while those who favour milder tobaccos may find it far too potent. It is a smoke for someone looking for a nicotine fix which does not sully one's palate or one's clothes, in which case it must be asked, "why not just chew Nicorette?"

I give Trail Head two stars, as I reserve the lowest rating for truly terrible blends, which this is not. It burns well, once properly prepared; the flavours, subdued as they may be, are not at all unpleasant; and it is a genuine plug, as opposed to what so often passes for such these days. But, nevertheless, I would have a hard time recommending it, especially given its relatively high price.