The Country Squire Tobacconist Ruins of Windsor

Bag note/jar note smells promising, but I find this rather lightweight on the palate. Without Latakia or Cavendish for mouthfeel, it seems to lack foundation and depth, and comes across to me like a livelier, spicier Newminster Va-Tur. That in itself could still earn three stars if it weren’t for some other issues . . .

First minute strong of chlorophyll, burning grass, and burnt almonds. Settles in on flavors dominated by the interplay of Turkish and Perique, emphasizing lively spicy top notes, notably pink Malabar peppercorn, toasted pinoli, and black sesame seed. At times the Perique dominates with its pepper and mustiness (no dark fruits). The second half of the bowl also sees some earthy tastes come and go, like unwashed potato peel, suggesting to me that one of the ingredients wasn’t balanced in terms of pH.

I do find this distinctive, it’s not just another run-of-the-mill concoction, and there’s no question it has a unique savory character about it. But I find an oddness about this blend, the earthiness combined with something that has been cased in a sweet style, the net result being like brown sugar and vanilla custard on a baked potato peel. Hey, this obviously passed an initial tasting panel before being released, so somebody found it a worthwhile addition to the Country Squire portfolio.

Those who like Perique more than I may derive more enjoyment, but it’s not necessarily the percentage of Perique that bothers me, but how it reacts with the Turkish. I find that Turkish and Perique require careful balancing. In my own blending I often combine Perique with sweet Basma, but I use very judiciously with toasted Smyrna, Izmir, and not at all with Soukham. Blends are all about synergy, and this one, while ‘interesting’ just doesn’t have the harmony I seek.

I tried in a variety of briars, cobs, and meers, with pretty much the same result, though this blend did taste a little ‘cleaner’ in a Falcon International, using the proprietary long wood cellulose filter. I will set aside the remaining amount of my supply to revisit in 18 months; maybe I will have a better impression then. For now: two stars.

This blend has a rich aroma of bread and cocoa. You would swear there is some sort of chocolate topping but the good folks at the Squire say this is a non-topped blend. Very easy to smoke - non complicated but rewarding. I particularly love the way it pairs with my black coffee. It’s in my morning rotation.

This blend is new, and it shows. I'd recommend grabbing an ounce or two because it is good and interesting in its incongruousness.

The name and blending notes of this tobacco make it seem like it is going to be a powerhouse, but this blend starts off as one of the more milder blends in my cellar. As an American blend (this Windsor references a destroyed manor in Mississippi, not that other Windsor across the pond), it starts especially light. There is no casing or topping that I expect from other American blends, like C&D's Epiphany. It's not heavy. Have I mentioned yet that it's a light blend? You wouldn't think that it would be.

At about half-bowl, the flavor of this blend nicely develops. The complexity of the blending bill finally starts poking through, and it gets a little bit fuller and a lot more interesting. You finally get the toastiness and nuttiness that you'd expect from a blend this rich.

Near the end of the bowl, this blend surprised me again by getting me so nicotine-sick that I had to put this down. I was probably 7/8ths through and it came down like a hammer. This blend didn't seem like it would have any nicotine at all, but that was incorrect. This one is sneaky.

I'd recommend this blend. I believe that this blend will age rather well. Its flavor is good enough, but this blend stands out because it's such an interesting and unexpected trip. Grab an ounce or two. Probably not a pound.