McClelland Blending Perique

Just had to revisit this review, while smoking a pipe of pure Perique, to say, this is surely one one of the top 10 tobaccos in the world. It's smooth, tasty, with a unique aroma and fearsomely strong—what more could one want? I have always wanted to try straight Perique, having enjoyed its contribution to blends such as McClelland's St. James Woods. WOW!

Received as bulk, rather damp but smokeable. Odour in the bag reminded me of strong apple cider, tasting sweet/sour (another reviewer comments that McC generally adds vinegar to their tobaccos, perhaps cider vinegar). Highly recommend airing the tobacco out for a day or two both to rid it of the vinegar to reveal the real Perique musky aroma, and to improve smokeability.

Smoking it was a very different experience. Despite its dampness, my first pipe smoked smoothly with few relights until the bottom of the bowl (must have loaded it just right, as later pipes required frequent relights). Flavour musky rather than fruity, a little like an exotic mushroom such as shiitake; umami flavour, or should that be "Ooooh - Mammy!" STRONG - after half a small pipe, I felt like I'd smoked a Maduro Cigar, and had to pause to take a Valium & draft this review.

Later pipes revealed a light sweet aroma, a little like floral incense. I found the room note quite pleasant, but I have yet to hear from my housemates.

Surprisingly little tongue bite or mouth burn, but I did experience some brief heartburn - probably from the nicotine itself.

Of course, Perique is also the consummate blender; it even goes with Cavendish. I'm experimenting with a blend of Black Cavendish, Perique and a balanced English mix...mmm!

Don't be afraid to smoke this straight - just try a small quantity first. Not for the neophyte, but a real treat for the experienced smoker, especially one in search of a truly strong tobacco of unique character.