Carroll P. J. & Co. Ltd. Velvan Plug

Summary: the mixture of sweet and dark Virginias in this plug creates a gentler version of the UK plug with a slight mixed fruit topping.

Three ingredients stand out: a caramel sweetness from the Cavendish, a lighter Virginia with its late summer flavors, and a darker Virginia which gives the nutty flavor some report. Blended together expertly, and topped with a mixture of fruit essences, "Velvan Plug" provides a gentler and smoother version of the classic rich dark UK plug that nonetheless delivers the full flavor and internal complexity smokers expect from this genre. Over the course of the bowl, the Cavendish and topping take a backseat to the rich Virginia, allowing the smoker to taper off from a casual smoke into a contemplative puffing experience which reveals its nuances in layers.

Thanks to Pipes Magazine forum member "misterlowercase" for this sample.

Except for the very light dark fruit-like topping (albeit a bit stronger than the touch of fruit I seemed to detect in the Yachtsman), unsurprisingly v like the Yachtsman Plug: In terms of the tobacco, a moderate, darkish flavor, rather more burley-like than VA. . . .

The plug is fairly easy to carve up and cut down. Once done, it takes a light about the same as the average plug, and stays lit very nicely. Well worth trying.

Whatever these former British plugs now made in Denmark might have been, they seem to me today to all be made from the same core tobaccos and process. I think they are mostly Red Vas with some Burley, to which more or less degrees of African fired leaf is added to tweak the strength between brands, and to which each brand has its identifying casing added. They all seem to me to be cased with molasses or treacle.

The identifying flavour of Velvan, and this is really only evident on the pouch note and for the first few puffs, is stone fruit, probably peach or apricot, but might also include plum, or any combination of these essences. It is one of the milder of its plug family and if there is any fired leaf here it is minimal.

I prepare these plugs all in the same way. Slice about 2mm from the end. Lay this down and slice against the grain to produce small cubes. A quick rub will help the separation. Pack loosely, and wait until ash has formed a layer on the top and then correct the draw with a tamper. After this, these tobaccos burn quite well thereafter.

This baccy has an enduring, rich, deep sweetness. How much is casing and how much comes from the pressed Va I cannot say, but the result is very tasty.

I would classify this as a light aromatic in the British tradition, which still means a lot of tobacco flavour and a reasonable amount of strength too. I especially enjoy these plugs in a warm kitchen on a winter's day, but that might be a luxury unavailable to others. Rugged up in the great outdoors, anywhere cosy, and this tobacco becomes a true comfort.

Velvan Plug is no longer made, but was another stroke of genius by the Carroll Company which made my all time favorite plug - Mick McQuid. Velvan was stronger and a little more cased (dark fruit essence). Like McQuaid Plug, it was a bugger to prepare for smoking but the effort was worth it. For those of you who have not ever had the pleasure of smoking a Virginia Black Cavendish, this would be a fun one for you. I have not seen any in years though. Strong stuff!

Pipestud

Carroll P. J. & Co. Ltd. - Velvan Plug.

This has to be one of the toughest plug's I've ever encountered. That said though, I find it a very enjoyable smoke; due to the hard work it feels extra rewarding!

The plug is contained in a cellophane bag inside the pouch. When I break this open I can't identify much, if any, aroma from the large dark plug of tobacco; it has to be cut and rubbed to release any and even then there's only a faint one. Preparing this requires an extremely sharp knife, and lots of patience; it's definitely not a blend to have on your 'quick smoke' break! Although it's quite robust, once some slithers have been sliced off they don't seem too demanding to rub out, then it's time to fill and light.

Velvan lights up easily, and then, as I said, gives a very rewarding smoke. The first enjoyable factor to 'leap' out at me is the feel of the smoke; it's really silky, creamy, cool and smooth; it seems impossible to not feel relaxed!

With the flavour, aside from the natural tobacco's, the main addition I get is a sort of floral one. There's maybe a kind of citrus note but that could emanate from the Virginia. I'd say it's about mild to medium in added taste strength with the flavours becoming a little more concentrated as the bowl burns down.

Nicotine doesn't fall into the same category though; definitely above medium, if not strong at times!

Velvan gives me a really good burn. I seem to be able to smoke, and smoke, and smoke it without hardly a tamp nor a re-light.

Despite the fact I detest having to prepare plug tobacco's I find this a cracking smoke. I feel this is very worthy of a full house!

Highly recommended.

It was a sad day when I leared that Velvan Plug was discontinued. It is a fantastic, easy smoking tobacco. Suble sweetness and earthiness from the viriginias, I also taste the classic dried fruits like figs, apricots, and raisins like you generally do with high quality ingredients that you always get from European made tobaccos. If you can get your hands on some, do it, you will thank yourself. Im glad I still have a couple of these left in my cellar!