Erik Stokkebye Resolution

Erik Stokkebye’s 4th Generation Small Batch Resolution is a VA/Oriental blend that could hardly be more different than my previous new VA/Oriental smoke, GLP’s Geometrie. While Geometrie is a nouveau twist on a strong-ish, old tyme, contemplative blend, Resolution presents as a “luxury” blend. It is prominently topped, soft, broken flakes that smell great, and it loads, lights and smokes down comfortably, like a traditional luxury blend. I’ll say right away that I like the fact that Resolution is 2 oz. in a tin, because there is the option to age it in the tin, also there’s no premium for a large quantity or a fancy box (and who needs that?). Lighting up the first few smokes, there’s a better, more fragrant version of the tin note, soft and nutty hazelnut and plum and/or berries over damp silage and dry, late spring hay, along with well-melded, sour wheat/rye bread, baking spices, and aromatic woods and resins. After a week, the topping abates and IMO this blend is left wanting it. This is to say that I much prefer Resolution with its topping, as the tobaccos seem somewhat muddled and ultimately not special without it. Puffing lazily is best here, and this way the strength barely gets to medium; likewise the tastes. Room note with the topping is pleasant, and once the topping is gone the room note is barely tolerable. Aftertaste is a fading best of the smoke sans topping, drawn out by the VA.

I had high hopes for Resolution going in, and despite I am finally a little disappointed, it’s held on to 3 stars. While the blend may age well, it seems unlikely that the topping will re-assert itself in the future.