Cornell & Diehl Carolina Red Flake with Perique (2023)

A terrific vaper. Tin note is stewed fruit with bit of hayloft and bread. The perique, is out of this world. Sweet and tart dates, a bit meaty, earthy, vegetal, almost like a heavy bed of moss at times, I suppose you could call it umami. There isn’t much pepper or spice, but lots of body and I get a hayloft/barnyard essence. Terrific perique. Deep red virginias, I get lots of sweet grass, a very light citrus, fair shake of bread and malt. Red virginias don’t always agree with my palate and vice versa, but these reds are extremely tame, while still bringing an abundance of rich flavour. As vapers go, this is special. I am no C&D fanboy, but this one blew my socks off. Really nice. Shane Ireland and Jeremy Reeves hyped this blend up so much they essentially brainwashed me into buying it. I was skeptical, at first, but I am happy to eat crow here, as this is indeed the best perique I have ever smoked. I really wish I got more, much more. 5 stars.

Tin note of spiced figs, raisins and hay. Tobacco is a broken flake of reddish tan, brown and a little dark brown. Moisture content is great, no drying needed. Rubs out with a little bit of an effort. Burns slow with a few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild to medium. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium to strong and mostly consistent, with notes of dry dark fig, floral, zesty citrus peel, wood, tangy spiced plum, mild vinegar, fermented hay/vegetation, savory, bready, rich, a sweet earthy/grassy background note, and a moderately peppery retro. Virginia is leading with Perique supporting. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.