Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Dark Bird's Eye Vintage Cut

So now comes a convention of yore that just so happens to open the bird’s eye to the process of tobacco blending. A practice that seems, at least for the most part, all but forgotten given the void of current evidence of its continued existence. Yet back in 1890 when Charles Lamb published his work entitled Pipeful, this particular bird’s eye category of smoking product was quite fashionable within the bowls of pipers of the day.

To be more specific, a whole leaf is abstracted from an average Virginia tobacco plant, including ribs, stem, and all. When sliced, the remaining face portion of the supportive structure mirrors the appearance of a common bird’s eye, hence its singular classification. In reference to the featured commentary, Gawith, Hoggarth, & Co takes that very same leaf, proceeds to a dark-firing operation, and then finally rolls it with a portion of spicy Kentuckian strain. What evolves has been appropriately labeled as Dark Bird’s Eye tobacco. Identical to its original shag cut predecessor, the Vintage Cut version has been processed especially for those who enjoy the blend’s strong character yet hold the preference of a level-burning ribbon cut configuration.

Sold as a bulk varietal, Dark Bird’s Eye Vintage Cut projects an imminent face of austere murkiness as to be expected. Although it is of qualified ribbon-cut construction, the physical structure that is presented does not necessarily conform to what is deemed customary for the grade. In actuality, this tobacco appears to be just about a half step beyond what one might still consider a shag configuration. Essentially, a matting of bushy thinly cut strings forms its woolly anatomy.

Inspecting this blend, strong reflections of Sumatran coffee, cocoa, and prime umber fill the basis of standard coloring. This dark amassing is only lightly disturbed by errant threads of copper, russet, terra cotta and minor olive tones. Moreover, many of the leaves exhibit witness to advanced alteration while wearing an exceptional display of knobby tooth and a glazing of deep-seated surface oils. Convincing evidence of the reference bird’s eye feature is discernable, but its occurrence is not purely abundant. What is more this production poses with a state of expanded dryness thus making it fully suitable for pleasurable and immediate consumption.

Appraising a breath of the pouched essence the senses are initially stimulated with the forward scent of sweet hickory spiciness and peppered zest. Immediately a fuller characterization brings about the stirring of developed tarty wood and bright herbaceous/floral tracings. Lying lower in prominence the impressions of distant tangy grass and general stone fruit churn in colorizing support. And finally buttoning up the affair is a spin of improved earthiness that pulls with an element of dirty must. This convincing aroma is certainly determined in declaring the tobacco’s inherent boldness, which was soon to be discovered.

On that matter of boldness, the trial assessment demanded a more extended period for a couple of reasons. Primarily the aggressiveness of the high medium nicotine kick imparted was especially challenging. This aspect is only amplified by the inclusion of the pieces of the natural stem. Additionally, Vintage Cut affords an exceptionally satiating smoking venture at that, thereby leaving you absolutely quenched in fulfilled satisfaction. As such, it seems reasonable to assume that the blend may not be one for the fledgling piper nor the delicate natured as its backbone is strong in demonstrations of genuine potency.

Most assuredly Vintage Cut is not an overly complex mixture. I dare say that it is quite easy to decrypt its standard character. The profile is consistently rounded throughout the session, yet the Kentucky is a bit more commanding at the start of the bowl. This forwardness progressively relaxes in assuming a complementing join with the brilliantly spiced Virginian component. Extremely well balanced, the tiering of flavor bands seem to be appropriately configured leading to a common arrangement that is absorbing and full of tasteful appeal. Overall, the blend scored exceptionally high on all segments of critical measure that encompass mechanical performance, flavor attributes, genre trueness, and individual leaf properties.

In practical terms, this blend behaves well in endorsing that classic Gawith, Hoggarth, & Co Lakeland mystique. Although as stated, the involvedness of the recipe is of moderate construction, it is the presentation of the developed Virginian complex that perhaps defines its most critical feature. Essentially the celebration of assorted nuance brings forth a multi-plex of well distilled savor.

Principally the blanket of base character centers upon a sweetly fermented woodiness that is hurried with warm supporting undertones of weathered grass tinted by sugared tang and distinct sulfuric char. Moreover, both floral and herbal commenting combine to shine excitedly within this main profile. What seems to register are intimations of an herbaceous parsley that is acerbic and peppery in demeanor and the focused floral meshing of bittersweet pine and a softening honeydew-like ambience. Finally, complementing accents emerge with the brushings of burnt caramel and minor bready black tea.

Well-trained sharpness seems to dominate the mood of the resident Kentucky. Chiefly, it comes into the realm of flavor with a strong projection of tangy sour barbeque, but as I mentioned eventually conforms to its secondary function. As it settles, the expansion of varietal attributes bear the course of smokey hickory, earthy zest, and inflamed woodiness evolve in filling out its full spectrum character. With Vintage Cut, the feeling of this leaf’s vibrance is undeniably witnessed quite sensationally within the entire structure of the nasal cavity and that is foregoing any attempt of retro haling.

Burning optimally cool and with a moderate pacing, Vintage Cut spends to completion with little concern. In the process the tobacco emits medium grade plumes of spiraling white-blue vapors. The established aroma entertains a spicy sweetness that plays upon the prominence of the perfected Virginia components. Specifically, a personification of spend aged grass, tart earthen smokiness, seasoned timber, and a bit of that tangy sweet-sour hickory form the prevailing essence. Generally speaking, I would presume that most would find the character tolerable if not welcoming given its cultured worth.

So, as we see, splendor can be found with the casting of the bird’s eye. From its elevating effect, the mellowing of the spirit and therefore the wings of the mind are allowed to touch the sky just as Rumi suggested. And although we might be firmly grounded with merely pipe at hand in practical terms, true enjoyment soars to an achieved position of pleasurable heights with this tobacco from Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. You know it may be that Rumi was in fact a fellow pipe smoker given his insightful pontification on practical wisdom.

Objective Scoring: (basis: flavor, standard genre/leaf attributes & mechanicals): 137/152 ? 3.01 WAVG.

Subjective Rating: (factored for likeability & cost): 3.6 Pipes