House of Windsor Argosy Black

The smell out of the pouch and the smell of the smoke were stronger than the vanilla and very light chocolate taste of the toppings. It wasn't tasteless, of course, but it lacked excitement because it was so mild. You could taste the tobacco a little, though. Had virtually no nicotine. Burned well enough, and didn't bite, but it tended to get slightly harsh and a little moist at the finish. Needed an average number of relights.

-JimInks

Visually, this is a deep, rich black color with a smattering of lighter leaf. A Vanilla flavoring is immediately evident at the match and never lets up. So, if that is a favorite addition to your leaf, then this will be your gold star blend of all time.

My first tobacco, circa 1980. It was probably the most heavily PG laden aromatic that ever existed. At that time a person could get this anywhere for 49 cents a pouch. I have read here by much more knowledgeable pipers that it was made with Maryland tobacco, which I’m guessing is why I haven’t seen it in years. Maryland grown tobacco I understood no longer exists. (? dunno ?) Another one for the room-note hall of fame! The ladies loved it. In its day it was known as “the other Captain”

I, like others tried this many, many years ago. It hasn't changed. This tobacco, like most aromatics, are made up of Maryland leaf, which is pretty much tasteless except for a faint tobacco taste, and the leaf accepts flavorings well. What you taste here is casing. Smells great, but so does a vanilla candle. But as in wine; Drink what you like. In tobacco; Smoke what you like.

I remember this from 30 years back, and have not seen it for sometime. Another vanilla excess aromatic with again nothing but its wonderful room note to recommand it. A great dottle generator if memory serves me.

Agrosy was a sweet iconic, vanilla cased aromatic smoke "back in the day." But this Argosy "match" I purchased from pipes and cigars.com (Habana) is a thorough disappointment stern to bow - a hot smoking, noxious tasting concoction leaving a foul aftertaste.

Maybe I can salvage this one with some strong vanilla topped cavendish or mix with it with a Moca flavoured blend. Standing by itself this one shows little promise.

The leaf was dry and without discernable aroma upon opening - maybe I got a musty batch. But even after hydrating it with a couple of aluminium covered clay moisturing discs the aroma was not much better, actually sour smelling. The nearest flavouring I could determine once lit was similar to a stale pack of the old grocery licorice candy "Nibs."

Sad cause years ago this was as good and some thought better than its chief popular rival - Captain Black.

When I was in my early 20's I loved this and smoked it quite a bit. Now in my 40's I tried it once again and was disapointed, either the tobacco had changed (plausible), of I have changed (probable).

Its not bad but it is rather bland and has no surprises in it, and is too desert like for me now. If you like a sweet mild blend that non pipe smokers will enjoy then this is it.

The tin aroma of this medium-width, cavendish-cut leaf is a basic and chocolate- like, while the vanilla component is conservative.

Regarding the base leaf, this is typically ingratiating and somewhat bland, though there are occasional sharp edges evident along with a slightly phenolic finish. Showing a tasteful restraint, the flavoring is gently applied, harmonizing well with the leaf.

Though Argosy Black is a road often traveled, restrained blending and scrupulous fabrication make it a pleasant diversion and a particularly good example of an American, aromatic black cavendish blend.

Chamber Gauge: Medium to Wide

Upon sniffing the tin aroma of this blend, I really thought I was going to be in for a smoking treat. Because of inclement weather (I'm a married outdoor smoker with young kids), I had to wait a couple days before trying a bowl. I'd peel back the lid and inhale deeply, just knowing it was going to be heavenly.

To my disappointment, it was underwhelming. While utterly well behaved in every regard--packs well, lights well, smokes well--the flavor component is almost nonexistent. There's *some* flavor there, but it's so subtle that if you're not actively looking for it, you'll miss it. Of the flavor that is present, it's all high end with no body, like a stereo that's all treble and no bass. The smoke volume is minimal. After two bowls, I went back inside for a tin of something else with a bit more presence.

In this vein of tobacco blends, I'd probably reach for Captain Black in the white or blue label before this. Even moreso, I'd happily pack a pipe with Evening Stroll or something comparable from my local tobacconist.

I wanted to like Argosy Black, and I suppose I do, after a fashion It's tolerable for an all-day smoke while laboring in the yard or workshop, but I cannot recommend it beyond that.

**/****

Creamy choco-nilla. This will either entice you to try it, or send you scampering! It is in the same genre as Captain Black, Royal Comfort, etc. It is however, better than most of them. It was worth a try, but I won't get it again.