Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Sweet Coconut Twist

This is one of only two rope tobaccos I've tried, the other being GH&Co. maple twist. I didn't expect to like this one as much as I did, but was extremely surprised. I will try to update the review after I smoke a few more bowls, but so far this is going to be a regular staple in my rotation.

Smells like Hawaiian tropic dark tanning oil. Topping interferes with the dark earthy taste of this twist.

This is the third rope tobacco I have tried and I like all of them however I love this stuff, it's fantastic. It is oily and firm in the bag and it prepares quite nice. I just cut a few pieces off and rub them together then fill. My only small complaint is that it can be a bugger to keep lit sometimes. Don't be put off by the coconut smell in the bag as I was. It took me quite some time to try it after I bought it and I was kicking my self for waiting so long. If you like Black XX or Sweet rum Twist you should enjoy this stuff; top notch!

I have become interested in furthering my tobacco experience by trying some rope tobacs, and so approached my local tobacconist. He is a long-time pipe man, and a lover of stout tobacs, including those of the rope variety. After a search through his back stock, he came up with G&H Coconut Twist. I hesitated, as I am not much of an aromatic smoker. He knows that I enjoy Samuel Gawith?s Chocolate Flake, however, and he urged me to give this one a go. I?m very glad I did.

Appearance: It?s a rope. It?s dark brown and oily, with a few blond strands in evidence.

Pouch aroma: My Good Girl sums it up best. This stuff smells just like an Almond Joy candy bar.

Preparation: I sliced off some coins of the rope with a cigar cutter. They were damp to the touch and very oily. I?m of the fold-n-stuff school where flakes are concerned, so I stuffed a few of the coins into a reliable flake pipe and left it to dry overnight.

First third: This stuff is dense, and so difficult to get going, but not anymore so than a flake. The first match brings a blast of the sweet flavor of milk chocolate and coconut, true to the pouch aroma. It?s very nice, and not at all artificial or cloying. That sweetness settles right down, though, and by the fourth of fifth puff the major player is the smooth and cool Virginia tobacco. It?s a little tingly, but this stuff burns so slowly, there?s not much of a chance of over-heating the pipe or dealing with any bite.

Second third: A re-light doesn?t give the blast of sweetness that the first light brings. What I taste here is the delicious flavor of a well-behaved air-cured Virginia. I always suspect Virginias of having a little Burley added for body, but I don?t think there?s anything here but the Virginias advertised. The sweetness, which is only that and now cannot be called coconut flavoring stays muted and very far in the background, greatly complimenting the VA flavors.

Rope tobacs have the reputation of having a high nicotine content, but in several bowls of this fine weed I haven?t seen evidence of this. Oh, the vitamin N is present, but no more so than, say, Samuel Gawith?s Full Virginia Flake.

Final third: The density of ash requires me to dump some of it for a final re-light. Virginia enthusiasts know that the last half of the bowl is the real pay-off, and this tobac is no different. This isn?t a highly-complex tobac, but it develops well, and the final third of the bowl is rich and satisfying. The tobac needs to be broken up with the pipe tool in order to smoke to the bottom. There is no dottle, only ash.

Recommendations: Highly recommended for the Virginia lover. Smokers of Full Virginia Flake, Dark Star and the like will enjoy this. Those who enjoy Samuel Gawith?s Chocolate Flake will feel right at home. Aromatic smokers will enjoy themselves and be treated to a fine Virginia tobac experience. English and Balkan smokers will find an enjoyable smoke that will bring no complaints from others in the room, and very likely compliments.

Ajaj, said it right. The coconut is just there and not too strong. Id smoke this more but I like smoking more than prepping the ropes. But its a good one.