Uhle's Non Pareil

Nobody does Burley better than Uhle's. And this famous old shop also has some remarkably good blends that many people have not heard about or tried due to Uhle's "niche" market. Back in 2008 I discovered this hidden treasure and purchased what was, at the time, tins and bags of all of their blends. I hope these Uhle's reviews will open the door for you to some really good stuff!

This one has no Burley, but the Virginia was exceptionally sweet and mild and did not interfere with the Oriental presence (as many Virginas do if not played with discretion in blends). The Latakia was good and did its job. Certainly a middle of the road English.

Tin Aroma: sweet and 'bright'. Perhaps a light casing of something vaguely fruit-like? Kind of smells like a cross between Orlik's Golden SLiced and Two Friends Valle Crucis. Odd, but intriguing.



Physical Characteristics: Almost exactly half light, half dark threads. A short ribbon cut, with a disconcertingly large proportion of tiny crumbs. Some of these crumbs are small enough that I feel like I am packing my pipe with fish food. Gravity fills well, but a bit too springy in the packing. Takes the charring light well.



First Light: Very light, with no hint of the tin aroma, as I had thought there might be. A vaguely sour flavor creeps in about a third of the way into the bowl. Really though, nothing very remarkable during the first half of the bowl or so, perhaps it will change in the second half.



Notes: Burns a bit quick, and hot, which really is too bad. I have tried every trick I know, and outside of adding Burley to it, this blend always bites me. A bit strong when exhaled through the nose, but otherwise, mild enough to almost go unnoticed, at least to my Latakia-haded palate.