Quintessence No.4 Curly Cut

Giving this now gone blend a quick review should anyone be wondering.

I opened a long stored tin and was greeted with the sight of sugar sprinkled discs, medium coloured with a dark centre. It's been a few years since I've smoked these, but I'd call this blend a near copy of Mac Baren's Roll Cake or maybe Dark Twist. Same presentation, same tin aroma (making allowances for tin age and memory) and same tangy sweetness in the pipe.

A nice smoke but I don't weep for its passing. I give it a two star rating instead of three because, given its likeness to a Mac Baren blend, it may be a biter; although I didn't have that problem.

So, should a tin or two come up on Ebay, or turn up at a swap meet, this should help somewhat.

I believe my tin was from the late 90s and any tin that shows up now will be well aged as well since this has been out of production for a bit.

The discs are all black with a few brown flecks here and there and what could be middle stem pieces of Virginia or what I believe to be burley. The smell is singular now and of old musty fermented tobacco and a touch of sweetness.

The taste is very tangy, sweet, citrus, musty and a hint of dark fruit and it is somewhat bold. There is also a nice tingle of spice from the perique. To me this is very close in taste to Motzek Strang and and another reason I think a little burley is in here. It seems to have a medium nic hit and burns consistent and clean to the bottom. Great stuff and a shame its not around anymore as it's in a somewhat unique category. If you can find it I feel it is worth it.