Karl Erik Private Blend No.20
(2.36)
Aromatic Virginias from Central Africa and North
America treated in a special Cavendish procedure,
gently sliced into fine flakes. Mixed with spicy
Syrian Latakia. A very satisfying tobacco.
Details
| Brand | Karl Erik |
| Blended By | |
| Manufactured By | |
| Blend Type | |
| Contents | Cavendish, Latakia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50g Tin |
| Country | Denmark |
| Production |
Profile
Strength
Mild
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.36 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 11 of 11 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 06, 2001 | Very Mild | Very Mild | Mild | Tolerable |
I tried this blend on the recommendation of Tom Fitzpatrick of James Norman. Having listened to him extoll its virtues, I was excited when it arrived a few days later.
I cracked open the tin and was simultaneously surprised and intrigued by the aroma. The tin aroma is very, very mild. The latakia, though the predominant smell in the first sniff, seems almost muted compared to most English blends. It just doesn't seem to have the harsh, but pleasant, smokey nose that many others do. The secondary scent is slightly sweet, but barely perceptible. It isn't a 'Virginia' smell though...I found it, and still find it, difficult to place.
The cut is very unusual. There are large pieces of unbroken flake mixed with both ribbon and broken flake. I'm still trying to decide whether it's better to break up the flakes or leave them intact and layer the tobacco, but I'm tentatively leaning towards the latter. Other than the unusual unbroken flake component, it is a general mix of light and red Virginias and dark, near black Latakia.
The flavor is a touch unusual. The tin says that a 'special Cavendish procedure' is used, but I'm not really sure what to make of the flavor. It doesn't have the hollow sweetness that many cased tobaccos have, nor is the flavoring particularly noticeable. Through the first few puffs, I completely overlooked this odd flavor. I have no idea as to what it is, or is supposed to replicate and feel that it really doesn't add anything of merit to the blend. I find it more of an annoyance than an improvement. It comes out in the smoke almost as an afterthought. Hints of it are barely noticed and it is only distinctive when it is actually being sought out.
The immediate flavors come from the Virginias, which are neither particularly sweet nor full, and the latakia, which is not really in sufficient quantity to overtake the other flavors.
After about six or seven bowls in various pipes, I still don't really know what to make of this blend. It's definitely not unpleasant, but isn't particularly interesting either. The flavors are harmonious, but not symphonic. They fit together and are well-proportioned, but they just don't really play off of each other. I don't think it's sufficiently full and robust to offer the depth that it could have. I taste promise here, but only partially fulfilled promise.
I'll probably finish the tin as an all day smoke, but I seriously doubt I'll be purchasing more tins of this. Despite my minor frustrations with the blend, it would be an excellent introduction into the world of English blends for the smoker of light aromatics. For me, though, it just doesn't offer enough body, depth or complexity to hold my interest.
I cracked open the tin and was simultaneously surprised and intrigued by the aroma. The tin aroma is very, very mild. The latakia, though the predominant smell in the first sniff, seems almost muted compared to most English blends. It just doesn't seem to have the harsh, but pleasant, smokey nose that many others do. The secondary scent is slightly sweet, but barely perceptible. It isn't a 'Virginia' smell though...I found it, and still find it, difficult to place.
The cut is very unusual. There are large pieces of unbroken flake mixed with both ribbon and broken flake. I'm still trying to decide whether it's better to break up the flakes or leave them intact and layer the tobacco, but I'm tentatively leaning towards the latter. Other than the unusual unbroken flake component, it is a general mix of light and red Virginias and dark, near black Latakia.
The flavor is a touch unusual. The tin says that a 'special Cavendish procedure' is used, but I'm not really sure what to make of the flavor. It doesn't have the hollow sweetness that many cased tobaccos have, nor is the flavoring particularly noticeable. Through the first few puffs, I completely overlooked this odd flavor. I have no idea as to what it is, or is supposed to replicate and feel that it really doesn't add anything of merit to the blend. I find it more of an annoyance than an improvement. It comes out in the smoke almost as an afterthought. Hints of it are barely noticed and it is only distinctive when it is actually being sought out.
The immediate flavors come from the Virginias, which are neither particularly sweet nor full, and the latakia, which is not really in sufficient quantity to overtake the other flavors.
After about six or seven bowls in various pipes, I still don't really know what to make of this blend. It's definitely not unpleasant, but isn't particularly interesting either. The flavors are harmonious, but not symphonic. They fit together and are well-proportioned, but they just don't really play off of each other. I don't think it's sufficiently full and robust to offer the depth that it could have. I taste promise here, but only partially fulfilled promise.
I'll probably finish the tin as an all day smoke, but I seriously doubt I'll be purchasing more tins of this. Despite my minor frustrations with the blend, it would be an excellent introduction into the world of English blends for the smoker of light aromatics. For me, though, it just doesn't offer enough body, depth or complexity to hold my interest.
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