Cobblestone English Plug

I love this stuff! Upon opening the tin you’re greeted with a savory, woodsy, smoky, and just a tad bit salty aroma. It looks like a dark brown brownie with very small yellow and light brown streaks and speckles spread across the top.

English Plug is a dense and somewhat heavy kake. When you first reach in and lift it up it crumbles and falls apart easily, practically under its own weight. It has a fine soft texture and to the touch the moisture feels spot on. In a way it kind of reminds me of peat.

Upon first light I immediately taste the savory smoky Latakia. The Virginias and Orientals brighten the flavor and amp up the incense component while the Burley extends the savory bass note. This is a very well behaved tobacco. It stays lit and smokes easily. There’s no bite, bitterness or harshness. As a matter of fact one could say this stuff smokes as smooth as silk. I didn’t experience any pipe gurgle and the flavor is fairly consistent throughout.

For me this tobacco is for special occasions. Smoke it too often, it may get boring and a person could get weary of it. I think it would be best right after finishing a big juicy savory steak with a glass of peaty, smoky, single malt Islay scotch, 16 yr Lagavulin would be my choice, all while sitting in front of a mesmerizing crackling fire…