Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Dark Bird's Eye

I find DBE a wonderful, classic pipe tobacco. Once I learned to roll a torpedo-like shape between my hands with the shag cut and then feed the tobacco into my pipe, I became a big fan. It has a wonderful flavor and smokes effortlessly, even in difficult outdoor conditions. A real classic. The flavors are warm, slightly spicy, and even a little sweet, with no tongue-bite. Highly recommended for anyone who likes strong, natural tobacco.

An excellent African fine cut Va., just as advertised. A very full bodied and smooth smoke, never biting or hot. I find it best smoked in group 4 pipes, owing to the big nicotine hit. If there is a topping, I don't detect it. Good smoke for reformed cigarette smokers, as the fullness and nicotine satisfies. A good all day smoke, if you can tolerate the high nicotine level.

I must say that this is another creation from Gawith and Hoggarth that I have found to be a true pleaser. I really have an affinity for their natural tobaccos. As most say, these full bodied blends are for the confirmed pipe smoker but, I believe that they can be enjoyed by all. The flavor is much like Gawith's Kentucky yet embodies a mellow texture that makes this tobacco a full-bodied smoke that I can puff away on all day. The bird's eye cut is much like drum shag from holland, yet the width of the ribbon is about twice that of the forementioned. The smoke does light with ease and stays lit, rarely riquiring a relight. Overall moisture content is what I would view as perfect, in that there is no need for a pre-pack drying phase. Although this tobacco is natural in nature, I do detect a similar vanilla-caramel scent in the nose. The scent dissapates throughout the burning of the bowl, allthough never vanishes. Just as I stated in my review of G and H's Kentucky, I smoke this stuff both straight-up or use it as a base for blending. I love using these tobaccos as a base in blending because their robust flavor is never dimished by the presence of either latakia, perique, or dark cavendish. Give this blend a chance and you'll be swept away to the pipe smoking days of old. A true treat.

Dark Birdseye is a very spicy tobacco but not in the oriental sense. The spice-like sensation is probably derived from the high nicotine content. This smoke is very easy to light and keep lit due to the fine "angel-hair-like" cut. I love the hint of soap and strength of this tobacco. It is similar to G&H's Sliced Brown Twist but is earthier and without the sweetness.

This tobacco is not like any I've seen. It is ribbon cut, which makes it easy to pack, and subsequently easy to overpack, care should be taken. The tobacco is mostly brown in color with specks of gold. The tobacco is very easy to light, and maintain. The taste is of Va's, with no apparent casings present, it burns cool and smooth, with no bite, unless one puffs incessantly. Overall, I would give this tobacco a 10, because of the uniqueness, and the flavor. The only down side to this tobacco is that it would be easy to go through alot of it because of the fine texture.

I was given about two ounces of this as I am a Five Brothers smoker at least once a day and don't find it all that strong and no "N" moments and I don't tend to like VAs all that much. But, man this is a good one. Had my first "N" moment in years with this one! But I love it. It is very cool to me especially for a VA, and burned well all the way down and lit on first attempt. Very mild but with the kick and tastes a little spicy and dark chocolate or expresso like. I like it's cut, reminds me of the Flying Dutchman of old but much darker and not aromatic. I have to say, this one will make me try more dark VAs as I really like it. I also like the room note, but it mike make my wife run for the hills, I have not smoked it around her yet. I highly recommend this to try, especially those that can handle Five Brothers as it is a great alternative. And IMHO, G and H does not know how to make a bad baccy. I have never disliked anything from them. Will keep this one around.