Uhle's Blend 00

Just an ambiguous but related thought, maybe happiness in life can be attained by the pursuit of the simple and ostensibly deemed unexceptional. But let us be honest here. It is genuinely human nature to seek the duly ordained “best” and most extravagant, for we have been conditioned to believe that is where true greatness can be found. Putting this application into the perspective of we pipe smokers, it is the insatiable chase for that coveted unobtainable Penzance, as we overlook the field of potential gems that lie glistening at our steadied feet.

By chance encounter, however, a curious step forward is met with a sensible nudge from one of these acquirable nuggets, Blend 00. Looking down at the specimen of note, its apparent surface is plainly cut by facets of seemingly common construction. Being merely composed of basic unflavored Burley tobaccos, a minimized opinion begins to form of a foreseeably unassuming nature. But let us look with more discernment at this jewel mined from the brick-and-mortar operation, the Uhle Tobacco Company.

Before I get too officially underway, allow me to share a related exchange encountered in the early phase of my trial assessment. Being just a few bowls in, a credible source informed me that the illustrious blender Bob Runowski of C&D Burley fame personally declared that this simple offering is, in fact, the finest Burley specimen in existence. Just process that statement for a rational moment. This qualified viewpoint is hugely significant on all accounts, make no mistakes. Taking that personal disclosure under advisement, my excitable curiosity to vet out the reputable proof in the pudding naturally magnified as consequence.

Tendered as an exclusive White Burley offering, the bulk Blend 00 reveals a standard facing that is unimaginably decorative. With that, a lavish assemblage of quality prepared tobaccos form an expert configuration of rich ribbon-cut strands of varying features and extensive girth. Under the lens of magnification, evidence of the progression found in a pressed flake is discoverable as a showing of barbed, semi-distressed pieces fill the colorful bounds of the imaging. A seductive palette of autumn schemed hues greets the eye in a tincture of fainted tans, golden orange, complex variegated browns, rich dark chocolate, and affectionate drips of somber espresso. And the very feel of the tobacco itself is indicative of rested moisture given the credible suppleness of its physical texture.

Respectfully the blend’s pouched aroma evokes receivable sentiments that extend beyond the confines of a simple Burley. In particular, the characterized fragrance swells with earthen soured spices leaning upon a vivid meshing of herbal provoked wood and a bracken vegetal quality. Coming forth a movement of latent vinegar bundles itself with a modest inference of pungency, as the combination smartly envelops the blend’s primed footing of sweetened nuttiness. Clearly, the sheer fullness of branded character experienced is remarkably intricate. Therefore, fairly stated, Blend 00’s aroma is suggestive of an enriched tobacco destined to impart more grandeur than perhaps originally anticipated.

With the basal equity of Blend 00’s essential recipe, it is truly a moot point to deny its elemental modesty. Truthfully it does not take an Einstein to reasonably deduce that, in theory and in practice, this tobacco has limited facets with respect to the mains of its component ingredients. Largely, Burley is what Burley is after all, and in this case that would seem to draw down the synopsis quite concisely. Well think again, for in actuality, one single bowl immediately discloses impressions that are of a most contradictory nature. And that is where it begins but is most definitely not where it ends, my friends.

Incontestably, Uhle has unfurled a proficiently elevated specimen for the given genre. Depicting the common experience, Blend 00 stands forthright as a rudimentary Burley production all be it, yet the magnetism of the delightful character that is bestowed defies mere native simplicity. In terms of generalities, this blend engenders a milder intensity but sheds considerable depth and fullness to its celebrated flavor. Much to my chagrin, I cannot elaborate on the subtleties of the specific art or science deployed here, but the attained results in this particular blending are quite idyllic and extraordinary.

As experienced, the tobacco delivers a consistently polished representation of essential Burley. There is an impressive degree of stately smokiness and tasteful seasonality that creatively tantalizes the senses. And as the bowl progresses, the registration of flavor expands with the darkened resonance of engaging spice and earthy vigor. Ultimately, in smoking this blend, the common piper shall experience a mellowed and a charismatic digression in the undeniable savor that can be achieved through the usurped complexity and layers of elegant Burley nuance.

A warming push of toasty sweet-natured pecan generously primes the main band of registerable flavor. Spiraling beautifully forward, the nuttiness pulls with it a balancing complement of darker zestfulness trimmed by modest carbonized spicing which renders the sensation of smoky, oily dark roasted coffee. Supporting amid the bottom reaches of the profile, the comforting occurrence of spicy robust wood circulates accented by eased tartness, a progressed ginger herbal quality, and a lower mocking of dried fruits colorfully reminiscent of raisin and apricot actually.

As this well-rounded sphere of tiered flavor tapers to its tasteful close, the trailing comments endow an exceptionally delicate and smooth allusion of baked clove honey sugars. This sugary factor is so well remarked that it made me wonder in fact if there is a subtle but definite coating present within. And to further annotate the grand projection, embellishing accents of light anise and an exceptionally passive cocoa effuse through the mélange of noteworthy flavor.

Exceptionally profuse clouds of silky silver-gray plumes is a further hallmark to Blend 00’s innate attributes. Texturally, the smoke manifests a full-bodied creamy complexion with each enticing drawl. A calmed scent of spiced smoky nutwood met with perky sweetish sourness permeates to form its standard persona. Distinctly, there is an herbal aura sheathing the crest of essence, which is as pastoral in mood as the fragrant winds rolling off a settled country field. Still, a lightness in weight is observed and a common determination to dissipate with a promise of lingering attentiveness.

When all is said and done, the tobacco’s mechanical properties corroborate the manners of its inspiring substance. Principally, at the eased dropping of its optimally moist fibers within an array of pipes, of which I rather favored the companion Pot briar as pictured, Blend 00 demonstrates consistently moderate temperatures and an evenly founded cone. Additionally, the uniform pace of its burn facilitates an extended session of undeniable enjoyment. Being a solid Burley, what comes from the contribution of nicotine is plausibly of medium intensity for most takers I suspect.

In closing, within our modern, advanced society, time and time again we are reminded of the gaps in our collective awareness. In the moment, these circumstances can and often do unveil themselves as contradictions. Yet, with each incident we come to learn, and therefore we evolve to embrace what is so. Maybe this speaks to the pre-destined journey of man? Regardless of that eternal mystery, we can readily conclude that happiness in a life of piping can be secured in the quest of that which is obviously simple. Quite unexpectedly what is often discovered is a wealth of contentment and the elegance of true sophistication, which Blend 00 superbly exemplifies.

Objective Scoring: (basis: flavor, standard genre/leaf attributes & mechanicals): 112/130 ? 3.1 WAVG.

Subjective Rating: (factored for likeability & cost): 3.7 Pipes.