Paul Olsen Blue Queen

The smoky, woody sweet Cyprian latakia is the star component with able assistance from other varietals to create enough nuances to avoid lat-bomb territory. The various Virginias offer some dark fruit, earth, light citrus, stewed fruit and grass, little tanginess and a touch of fermentation. They form the base of the blend. The dry, slightly sour, woody, smoky, floral Oriental has an omnipresence that often overshadows the Virginias. The spicy, raisiny, plummy perique is a constant presence, but is less obvious in its force due to the competition from the spice of the Oriental. The nutty, earthy, woody Kentucky lurks in the background, and like the sweet cavendish, mostly underscores the experience, though more often than not, projects a whisper of their inherent properties. The strength and taste levels are a shade past medium. The nic-hit is mild to medium. Won’t bite or get harsh even if pushed. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with an inconsistent flavor as some taste notes wax and wane, and occasionally become a little muddled in their effect. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a pleasant, slightly lingering after taste. Is almost an all day smoke. Three and a half stars due to the aforementioned clash of tobaccos.

-JimInks