Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) Skandinavik Regular

A while back, I had an opportunity (a missed one, regrettably) to acquire a tin of a long-lost friend, Amphora Regular. While some companies market a "match" for the aromatic variety, I grew nostalgic for my old standard, having long since moved on to contemporary offerings. On a whim, I ordered up a tin (not pouches) of this blend to rediscover good old cavendish.

As others have noted, it isn't Amphora "brown", but there are many similarities: the cut (RYO or "shag"- btw, do Brits chuckle at this?), the color (again, cigarette-like assortment of browns), strength (not) and smoke aroma. I miss the unique tin smell of Amphora because it surely had some type of casing, but this is likely as close as I'm likely to come to the old classic. The tin came surprisingly pressurized with the smell of dry hard cider. Once opened for a while, it settles to a familiar non-McClelland Virginia tobacco scent.

Many pine for the venerable and also extinct Balkan Sobranie, and I might too, had I ever tried it. If your tastes tend that way, move on, this is likely not for you unless you like a variety. I do, and that's where I find a niche for Skandanavik Regular. I find very few other non-aromatic cavendish options available. The smoke does have a bit of Virginia character, also burley. It's cavendish- this is what cavendish tobacco tastes like by itself, it tastes like mild tobacco. In a world of endless permutations of latakia, perique, burley, orientals, Virginias and more latakia, it's- different.

Because of its low nicotine and subtle flavor, I smoke it in my large bowl pipes where it shines: a mild tobacco flavor without artificial flavorings . It leaves little to no ghost residues to deal with, so I feel free to grab any pipe available. It suits a cob just fine, and feel free to thumb your nose and use that Medico filter that came with it. You rebel, you.

I can see where it could be a point of departure for those who like to use it as a blending base. I intend to do just that with some oriental leaf to create a cheap classed-up "drugstore blend" without fruity additives, but for now I just like it for what it is.

As others have mentioned, it does smoke hot, another reason for a large bowl and preferably one with thick wood. I have a love/hate relationship with the shag cut because of its hot burning characteristics, yet it takes few, if any relights. Shag cut requires a bit of experience to prevent overpacking (draw problems) and to regulate burning rate to prevent scorching your tongue and fingers. I agree with the reviewer who said this would make a good "training" tobacco, with the caveat that the beginning piper not be a former cigarette smoker who would puff hard for a nicotine rush.

The price is right: about $3 an ounce, without having to invest in a 14 ounce tub. I prefer the tins to the pouches for keeping qualities. Despite its alleged availability, my only source is online. I like this blend for my own fond memories of Amphora, smoked in my old $6.95 Grabow Omega, but it's worth a shot if you just need a change of pace.