Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) Velvet

The tub aroma of this crimp-cut burley is of licorice and that same sweet-sour topping common to Half & Half which is reminiscent of amaretto, though as another reviewer noted, it may very well be hickory.

The light and brown burleys are husky and full of character which the generous sweetening (old literature mentions maple sugar) and flavoring compliment well. Chewing a bit of the leaf reveals some licorice which does not translate obviously into the smoke.

Though an all-day blend, Velvet has the rugged and flavorsome character needed to stave off vapidity. This went well in a chamber of any gauge.

When I smoked a pipe in the '70's-'80's, this was my all day smoke. I just tried it this past week and don't know what happened. Won't stay lit and I don't know what burley they're using but it isn't the same smoke. Got through a few pipes and put it aside.

Velvet (revised)... This stuff is the all American hot dog with yellow mustard of tobaccos, there are times when nothing else will due. That's my Velvet. Smooth and almost too mild, but when that urge for a mild burley comes, its Velvet time. Other than maybe the application of a different topping, this one is not too different from what I remember from my youth. I always keep at least 1 tub around. I find it a first class blender, and use it for that purpose quit a bit... On the other hand, I can see why a newer pipster would find this stuff not very inspiring, as there is a much greater selection today, with the internet and all. But when you finally had your fill of spending money on tobaccos that make all sorts of demands for proper enjoyment. Remember there are still all day blends, that's only demand is that you have a pipe and some matches, one is called Velvet. 3 Stars. My personal rating 4/5

I smoked barrels of Velvet twenty or so years ago. I loved it. The flavor back then I would have described as unidentifiably "masculine" or "woodsy". Just bought a six-pack from JR's and I am very disappointed. The burley element is still there, but the casing is pronouncedly "Maraschino cherry", similar to Middleton's of that ilk (which, by the way, is still fantastic). This would be a good beginner's brand, but it's not for me anymore. Sorry. The Times They Are A-Changin'.

I couldn't get past the Play-Doh smell and taste. Both in the bag and in the bowl. Smoked one bowl, and threw the rest out!

I smoked this once ,only once yuck! sorry there are alot better burleys out there!

Open the pouch and it smells like play dough. Not kidding. Unless the smell of play dough has changed in the last forty years.

The taste is pretty much like the smell. I don't buy this often but always seem to have some laying around somewhere. It's something I smoke once and then put away for a month or more. In fact I've still got some of it jarred up from a couple of years ago. I just don't want it very often. It's not unpleasant but it's something you get tired of quickly.

Thirty years ago I can remember it coming with rolling papers. I even tried rolling a few cigarettes with it and it really wasn't bad that way. SWR and PA also had their own rolling papers. I think Americas Smoothest Smoke was meant to be a cigarette tobacco with added flavorings.

This is another one of my blends that i keep coming back to. Upon opening a new tin, you are indeed greeted with sun ripened burley that has this irresistable aroma that is much different than the regular burleys that come off with a sweetened essence. This one boasts a delicious cherrylike flavour that is fresh and sweet, mild and slightly fruity to the palette as you smoke down a bowl gently and carefully as to grasp its unique taste. Smoke this in a clean briar and you will experience its true worth. Simply delicious. I give this blend three stars only because it isn't considered as an all day smoke, though it is part of my rotation that i will always keep on hand.

i haven't actually figured out how to smoke Velvet. It'sa bit moist and gunks up my pipe. I can't taste it until it's way to hot to smoke. Iwould assume that you should leave the pouch open for a while to let it dry a bit so you don't boil your tongue. when you hit a sweet spot, it smells pretty good. Girlfriend likes it but i can't always find the "sweet spot"