Astley's No.55 Elizabethan

(5/10/03) The aroma upon opening the tin is that of a musty sweetness with hints of figs and sometimes I pick up a peach aroma. The tobacco is a ribbon cut and offers all shades of color in the tan/brown spectrum. The moisture is almost perfect right from the begining, which for me, is on the dry side. I only let this sit open for about two hours before packing a bowl and firing it up. This stuff packs very easily and fires up like a dream. I like to smoke this in a medium size bowl. The first third of the bowl is kind of mild with the usual tangy / semi-sweetness offered in quality Virginias. There is also a subtle nutty flavor that comes to the front now and then. The middle third of the bowl is far richer than the first. In the final third the richness of the flavor profile stay about the same but there is a slight spiciness that comes to the front and picks up a little as you reach the finish. Nicotine content seems on the mild to medium side. I am an aggressive smoker and I kind of watched myself with this one. Although I never did get bitten, after a dozen bowls or so, I feel that this one will bite, if pushed too hard. This is simply another great Virginia Blend. I will always have some on hand.