Von Eicken Black & Gold Mixture

The smoke, woody, earthy, lightly sweet Cyprian latakia competes with the grassy, citrusy bright Virginia for attention. At times, one takes a light lead over the other, indicating an unbalanced blend, especially considering that the pouch claims “a touch of latakia” was added. I think there’s a “touch” more than that present. The sugary black cavendish provides a smoothing sweetness, and is between being a supporting player and a condiment. Orientals are not listed in the description, but I sense a little of its woody, floral, spicy, earthy, lightly dry and sour presence in a secondary position at times; a little less so at other times. The strength is medium, and the taste level is a step past that. The nic-hit is just past the center of mild to medium. Burns a little warm, and though it doesn’t bite, can produce a little tongue tingle if puffed fast. The sweet and lightly savory flavor is inconsistent. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. The after taste is decent. Not quite an all day smoke.

-JimInks

This one passed into my hands when I did a big tobacco swap with a friend from across the pond several years ago. Man, is this ever delicious. I'd call it a true shag cut. When you pop the tin and the aroma hits the nose, you know you've got a whole lot more on your hands than just your ordinary pipe tobacco.

I am not sure how long this has been out of production, but the years of sitting in the tin has really made it sing. Rich Virginia leaf complimented by Orientals and a dash of Latakia combine to make the old pipe hum!

Notes: Amongst some of my older tins, which I dip into from time to time. This one is no longer made, but you may see one for sale occasionally. I find it is pretty even in all sizes and shapes of pipes.

Appearance: Black and gold and brown extremely thin cut ribbon, almost a cigarette cut, rubbed out, shining with crystals.

Aroma: Ripe black cherries! Fig, grape juice, honey. A moderately cased blend.

Taste: Black cherries! Vanilla-cherry cream soda, fig, smoke, honey, stewed plums, baked bread, hints of sour-sweet flavor. A fairly monochromatic blend.

Comparisons: Lacks the complexity of Von Eicken's Three Stars, similar to Murray's Erinmore Flake, but much lighter. A bit like Imperial's St. Bruno sans the sour-smoky flavor.

Bottom Line: Not produced any more, of course. This blend is one for fans of cased and cavendished tobacco who seek a medium to full-bodied smoke. For those who enjoy Erinmore Flake, but want something a bit lighter-bodied.