Paul's Pipe Shop Likrish Stick

Coming to you for open-minded consideration is one unique aromatic original from the renown Paul’s Pipe Shop, perhaps one of the best spoils of palatial downtown Flint, Michigan. Introducing the subject blend of discussion, Lickrish Stick, tendering a reverent collection of multiple strains of toasted Cavendish chambered in a seeping of seedy, and emboldened licorice liqueur. And based upon the experienced taste registration, I do sense there are a few other unmentioned goodies sprightly influencing from within.

Taking a peek at this weighty bulk Cavendish extravagance, one gains an eyeful of a foreboding beefy mass of thick coarsely cut chunks of perfectly dark/blackened tobaccos. These ominous twisted pieces settle into a jagged mass of irregular shapes and excessively serrated contortions. Grainy, gritty, and gnarly to the immediate touch, Lickrish Stick’s impressive density leaves no doubt that a lasting smoking excursion is about to unfold.

Optimally moist, the blend throws a sweet spicey essence that renders a pouched nose stressed by imminent classic licorice and sassy liqueur cordiality. Furthermore, this primary fragrance is nicely bundled with the healthy support of creamy vanilla, suggestive hints of chocolate, and some non-distinct aromatic like seasoning. Lying on the bottom, an air lifts to reveal a looming tart vinegar aroma that fully envelops a calmer native earthiness, nutty wood, and the colorful vibrance of a charged standing of floral accents.

Fulfilling its branded namesake, this tobacco’s session-lasting flavor premiers the selective topping that has been generously applied during the process of blending. Principally a familiar bittersweet chord of hearty licorice occupies the expanse of the forward profile, projecting a general character that is exceptionally spicey, salty, and exceedingly dark. Circulating in complementing finery one can register a tasteful stream of classic liqueur endowing a distilled sweet herbal like quality. Therefore, I would offer that the true imitation recorded is very much that of the riveting hammer of Jägermeister. So, where is the Red Bull to go with this smoking shot, right?

Further colorizing the trailing finish of this leading enticement, a nuance offering a mixed fusion with what I deemed to be the impressions of either a strong root beer extract, proper sassafras, or common horehound perhaps, as they all are very similar in my mind, highlight the realization of savor. These affluences come together with lively brilliance in moving and suggestive importance within the closing folds of recognition. And finally, additional mid-tier accenting seemed to emphasize a fleeting note of fresh cloves, a slighter contribution of minor vanilla, chocolate, and a bit of honied sugar.

As to the bottom positioned native strains, in acknowledging their commenting, the collective Cavendish murmurs with a really limited voice. Namely dominated by the powerful imprint of the noted coatings and presumed casings, one can marginally discern the natural influences of the constituent tobaccos in the form of a slight sour woodiness bundled with a darker heady toasted earthiness. In addition, there seems to surface a satisfying smoky botanic zest paired with reduced cocoa and marginally more significant molasses annotations. Functionally, the subject Cavendish mix does lend itself expertly to enabling a superb merging of all the assorted taste streams overall.

As anticipated, Lickrish Stick proved to be a reasonably drier and consistent burning tobacco extending a continued smoking duration. I will state, however, that the bowl can and does engender a somewhat hotter temperature to contend with. Nevertheless, in practicing paused drawls, the mixture seemed to counter effectively with this less endearing feature. The nicotine effects are for the most part modest in potency as the smoke clouds produced were impressively thick and meaty in substantive body. Generally smooth and casually enjoyable, this licorice loved blend truly makes for an easeful aromatic treat.

With the noted hearty plumes of gray smoke, one will catch the aroma of what conveys to mind a dark cooked licorice. Spilling with this distinct fragrance is the completing sugary creaminess of vanilla, seasoned floral/herbal spice, and a pleasing toasty woodiness twisted with earthy exuberance. I should report that my wife complained that the blend’s presence was strong and overbearing. And even with identifying that the tobacco in question was one that was thoughtfully licorice infused, she remained quite unimpressed. Well I guess in the end receptivity really depends upon individual perspective, as personally I find Lickrish Stick’s consumed essence to be quite charming. Yet, she would tell you, I’m just another stupid man, so what do I know, ha ha. Deferring to that qualifying note, I probably should acquiesce in defaulting the median ranking to Tolerable, with a wobbly “t” just to keep the peace.

Ironically as I was fast rolling southward on I75 last night in hopes of reaching my home’s doorstep before the summer’s darkness set in, I just so happened to fly right by that familiar exit #7 that has graciously taken me so many times to downtown Saginaw Street in Flint. But, given my haste and tentative plans to attend the upcoming Columbus pipe show, I thought to myself, best conserve your zeal and hold your money. Although, the bothersome pangs of knowing that there are a couple of unknown targeted specimens freely lying upon Paul’s amply stocked tobacco shelves awaiting my inauguration’s smoking had me rather unsettled. Deep breath, Jim, grab yourself a bowl of this good Lickrish Stick for the now. Maybe the next time around? I do sincerely hope so. 3.0 Pipes