Century Century Merchants Folly Krumble Kake

Century - Merchants Folly.

The kake is a little denser than some, it isn't as firm as a plug but tough enough to not crumble into ribbons, but into 'chunks'. The vanilla is easy to identify in the unlit aroma, and the hydration quantity is right for smoking straight away.

The initial flavour to come over is the custard-like vanilla. This flavour is the stronger of the additions until a quarter. Then the whisky joins, being sour, slightly caustic, and somewhat 'fragrant'. This fragrance removes the possibility of the vanilla becoming too sticky, or overpowering. The red Virginia is ripe tasting and fruity; very succulent. I find the stoved Cavendish helps the smoke develop a 'drier' quality as a bowl burns, also abating any possibility of a sticky quality from the vanilla. So far, so good? Sadly the smoke can become a little warm, also biting a little; this removes a star.

Nicotine: below medium. Room-note: nice.

Merchants Folly? A lovely flavour but a touch too uncomfortable on my palate. So, three stars not four:

Recommended.

Smooth sweet vanilla & cream start. Reminds me of Barr’s American Cream Soda that you can buy in Scotland. You then taste the bready Virginia. A little alcohol topping comes through too. A lightly done aromatic where you can really taste the Virginia. The Virginia has some grass and a floral nature. Slight citrus tingle on tongue. Has good depth. Room note of vanilla buns. Whisky topping comes and goes through the smoke. No bite. A little rotting grape taste too briefly before this goes completely. Keeps lit well and burns slowly. Quite a floral sweet character but not cloying or as sweet as Molto Dolce. Just above medium nicotine which is good for an aromatic. This is a lovely blend with good depth- highly recommended.