Sutliff Tobacco Company Pipe Force Episode V

Well Captain Ryan may be an alien but he has a superb and very human taste in tobacco as he has endorsed Pipe Force Episode V with his likeness. This episode has both of the tobacco’s unique to the Pipe Force, Stoved Rustica and Stoved Katerini in combination with some fine stoved Virginia, and the three way alliance is strong with the force but very easy on the palette and tongue.

Unlike Episode IV which was Oriental forward, this blend has the hot-pressed and then rubbed out and stoved Rustica in more of a balance. The Cavendish process smooths out its somewhat formidable reputation into a melange of flavors and in a more even balance with its allies. A light sweetness with sugar herbs and bread, spice, wood, earthy truffles, bbq, a touch of marmalade, tea and cigar and more. While the stoved Cavendish processed Katerini adds more earth, herbs, spice, dark fruitiness, and a floral incense and again much more. The stoved Virginia is just behind the other two with its classic citrus notes, bread, sugar, some mild acidity and tartness.

The result is a very rich deep tasting smoke with a very complex and well filled out flavor. Smooth and without bite, cool and with a rich deep mouth feel that is very satisfying on its own. Thick smoke ring level smoke with a long lasting and enjoyable aftertaste. The mix of stewed sweetness, spiciness herbs, smoky goodness that’s hard to describe but very easy to enjoy, simple to smoke like a burley with an amazing array of subtle complexity is very full. It’s not to be taken lightly as it’s not quite strong in strength, the nic-hit is not far behind. The room note is always hard for me being alone but I would say it lingers and is on the heartier side. It’s easy to prep by rubbing out the crumble cake and either shake as is or dry slightly which is preferred method. A few extra lights may be required. Definitely 4 out of 4 in my taste and not an all day smoke but close to it.

Over all I highly recommend Episode V as a rich, complex, enjoyable experience that keeps the Pipe Force flying in a galaxy not so far away and brought to us by our ambassador Per Georg Jensen.

Dave da Dragon

Went to a mason jar that I decanted it to when it came out. Mold. Lovely white mold. And I have other unopened tins. Yuk.

Anyone who has smoked Mac Baren's HH Rustica knows that Nicotiana rustica is some powerful stuff. Per Jensen has elevated this rustic loamy leaf to something smoother and more delicious without compromising that rich earthy flavour that is unique to Rustica. The stoving process has turned the nicotine strength down a notch making this a strong, yet very comfortable daily smoke. It has also removed the rough edges you'd expect, and instead elevates that 'soil' taste to something more like humus. If you are a gardener you know that lovely smell that rich fertile soil has, and that is the stand out flavour in this blend for me. The addition of the Katerini Orientals adds a lovely woodiness that intertwines with the earthiness of the Rustica. Pipe Force V offers a very smooth and balanced experience, which could easily become a genre of its own. I hope that this process becomes a mainstay in the industry. The possibilities opened up by stoving Rustica is a game changer. You just have to try this blend, it's bold, ambitious, and delicious — 4/4.