Wilke Pipe Tobacco Wilke No. 524

This is a superbly-balanced Balkan blend that has been savored by knowledgable pipe smokers for years. The exotic oriental component interlays perfectly with the Latakia (which is just slightly understated). The Virginia adds minimal support. This mixture packs and burns well and will arrive at your doorstep perfectly humidified. Easily 4 stars, this is highly recommended for Balkan and English lovers alike who seek high-quality mixtures.

For me this is strictly an after-dinner smoke, preferable with something to help “wash it down.” In general I like to start my day more gently, build with a crescendo, and save the biggest, boldest bowl for last. Unless you are the type of person who wakes up with a Parodi cigar in his mouth, I think most of us have a similar tendency to save the heavy blends for later in the day. Actually, I do know of one person on the forums who enjoys 524 first thing in the morning, but I’ve also heard he sleeps on a bed of nails!

Generally, I think a true four-star blend should be more versatile than that, but there are some iconic blends that are highly regarded that are targeted for Early Morning or as a Nightcap. This blend is not fussy or overly idiosyncratic, but the flavor profile simply lacks the kind of focus that I would give four stars to.

The savory jar note on this is most enticing. The pan-fired Virginias and Yenidge are enough to make the mouth water. The Latakia is of the soft-focus type, typical of every Wilke blend I’ve tried. The black Cavendish does somewhat muddle the mid-palate and mute overtones. My first impression is always of savory roast meats, with some roast celery and carrot, and the meat with some sort of slightly sweetening glaze (but not balsamic – no tangy notes here – possibly brown sugar and clove). Sometimes, at the end of the bowl, I get a note of crispy charred Cocoa Puffs. What I don’t care for in my mid-morning or mid-afternoon sessions is the overt flavor of dirty grill scrapings. What I do enjoy in my after-dinner sessions, with a hearty glass of Aglianico red wine, are the palate-coating flavors of dirty grill scrapings! Yep, a time and place for everything! But, I do think having something to wash down the charred fat is critical here. Any big red would do, preferably after a nice steak dinner.

This is my favorite in my short time of smoking pipe tobacco (cigars for years). Great flavor, smooth, smokes well, I don't get any bite. Great Job Carole!

I ordered this blend from Carol at Pipeworksand Wilke and enjoy it more than any blend I have tried to date. I love the aroma and the taste is excellent. It is OUTSTANDING in every way!

This is a good English blend. Its easier to smoke than many and just as rewarding. A Medium cut, well cured blend with just the right amount of Latakia, and the sweet virginia. A good smoke comprable with many other English blends.

WILKE No. 524. I opening the Pouch smells delightfully,and i smoke a bowl full a non biting mixture, the Virginia and Syrian Latakia taste and Turkish Yenidje delightful. burn cool all the way down to the bottom of the bowl, if you like Virginia and Syrian Latakia this is the tobacco for you. i love it I'am puting This in my tobacco cellar,

I smokes it consistently in any pipe,

It is hard to get bit by it unless you really puff it. traditional British mixture charming tobacco.

A.) I like it's complexity.

B.) I like that it's not biting.

C.) It is easy to smoke, and enjoy a all day smoke.

D.) The No. 524 lasts and lasts. the aroma in the room is delightfully,

this is a wonderful tobacco, and i give it 4 star

A very clean tasting traditional English. The musty latakia taste is not predominant in this blend. The virginia is the tobacco in the forefront. Burns evenly, and is not harsh or hot, and finishes to a mottled white ash. A pleasant change of pace to the overwhelming latakia English blends. A slightly sweet virginia flavor, with the latakia and turkish in the background.