PCCA Syrian Star

This review is for the original version of Syrian Star, and not the later GKCPC production. The matured orange, red and lemon Virginias provide a wealth of tangy dark fruit, earth, wood, bread, some sugar, tart and tangy citrus, very mild floralness, vegetation, tart lemon, and a few spice and vinegar notes. They are the lead components. The lemon Virginia is just above being a condiment. The smoky, woody, earthy, wine-like, leathery, sweet Syrian Latakia is a supporting player. Although the presence of Oriental is not listed on the tin, I certainly sense its presence, and claim some is here. It offers earth, wood, some herbs, spice, vegetation, floralness, some buttery sweetness, dry sourness, and spice. It’s a step or two behind the Latakia most of the time, but every so often it seems to be a tad more obvious.The strength and nic-hit are a step short of medium. The taste is medium. There’s no chance of bite or harshness. Has a few minute rough edges. Well balanced, deeply rich with some complexity, it burns cool and clean at a slightly slow pace with a sweet, fruity, floral, spicy, mild campfire flavor that extends to the pleasantly lingering after taste. The room note is a notch stronger. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires a couple more than an average number of relights. Can be an all day smoke. Four stars.

-JimInks