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A medium to full strength blend of finest selected sweet Virginia leaf with a pinch of mature Louisiana perique for a pleasant rich aroma processed in accordance with classic English tobacco traditions.
Favorite Of 2 Users
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JimInks (3046) |   |
Medium to Strong | Very Mild | Full | Tolerable |
The Virginias are grassy with a bit of bold earthiness, a little tart and tangy citrus, light bread and floralness, and a lot of tangy dried dark fruit as the lead components. The perique is strong, offering some plums, figs and raisins with a sharp spiciness in every puff. There's a prevalent musty, leathery, bitter quality that, depending on your personal preferences, either clash with or compliment the very consistent, deeply rich sweet and sour flavor. Despite all of that, you'll notice a creaminess from the topping that keeps this from becoming harsh, though I suspect a pinch or two of dark cavendish is present. In some ways, it's a bolder, sweeter, spicier, rougher version of Dunhill Navy Rolls with some different flavor hits. The nic-hit is medium, and the strength and taste are a little past that level. Won't bite or get harsh, and has no dull moments. Burns clean, cool, and slow, and needs a little dry time. Leaves a little moisture in the bowl, and requires some relights. Has a pleasantly lingering after taste and room note. Made for the experienced smoker, and is not an all day smoke.
-JimInks
15 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30167) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
a "deep" tin aroma. quite a bit of perique, with its sour/sweet notes.
dark brown flake cut with lighter and even yellow streaks. packs and lights easily.
this is a fine tobacco indeed, with a very "clean" taste. the virginia is only semi sweet and with deep flavours akin to the fine lakeland virginias; it also makes me think of the kind of virginia used for will's medium capstan. or is it rather a bit like the ancient cut blended plug? medium/medium-strong. the perique gives it the typical stoved fruit taste and flavour. it burns slowly, as will all quality flakes, and it dgt's beautifully. i will certainly get hold of a lot more of this, for smoking as well as for aging.
a bonus is the kinda old fashioned tin; the same size, i think, as cope's escudo. very charming
ps: i should add that in spite of the fine flavours, it could probably do with a couple of months more in the tin, as there's a kind of rough edge to it. a bit of aging will no doubt even out that edge.
12 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| donmartinthree (22) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
My Girlfriend got this for me for Christmas last year and the tin was empty 2 weeks later. Another 2 weeks after that, I'd opened and half-smoked my 2nd tin...
I'm lucky enough to have quite a few very good tobacconists in the area that all have DTM tobaccos (I'm in Germany...), so this is easy to get for me and also relatively affordable. Let's say it's good value for money.
The tin note upon opening is very very sour and slightly sweet. The sourness coming from the Perique and assumingly partially the very dark virginias as well. It smells almost rotten, but in a good way, if that makes any sense at all... When I open a tin of this, my mouth immediately starts to salivate. The flakes themselves are also of a delicious dark brown chocolate or black coffee color with few lighter strips in between. They're loosely pressed, so they almost fall apart, hence making them perfect for fold and stuff after drying out for about an hour.
First light reveals a sweet, earthy, musty, creamy and slightly plum-like aroma. As the bowl progresses, it gets spicier and sweeter, but also slightly bitter and I like that. I prefer sipping this in short puffs, as that really gets out all the great flavors to be had here...
This is so so so delicious, I'm going to go have a bowl right now!
7 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| TallPuffO'Burley (633) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable to Strong |
I just finished a nice sized sample of this a friend sent me. I can see why he smokes this blend so much. It is a very well balanced VaPer and gives you everything you would expect from such a blend. By well balanced I mean that the blend has the perfect amount of Virginia sweetness combined with the perfect amount of Perique spice. It makes for a fantastic smoking experience at least as my tastes and expectations are concerned.
If I had to pick a negative it would be that judging upon my wife's expression after I finished my bowl, it must have a horrible room note. This would stand to reason as burning or even unburnt Perique are both pretty repulsive smelling and the perfect amount of perique to me is probably a little higher than what the average piper would prefer. I would put this right there with Escudo and would have trouble picking a favorite. As such it is four stars for me and I will be buying more for certain.
Similar Blends: Escudo.
6 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30167) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Really nice, full tin aroma. It's sweet, sour and grassy, with a good amount of stewed fruits. Plenty of Perique, both in smell and taste.
Some drying time required but not a lot. Packs and lights easily; burns at a slow pace.
At first, you get a lot of sweetness with hints of fruity perique (figs, raisins, roasted plums) and some spiciness. Then, the tobacco gets a little stronger, but also develops a nice, well rounded creaminess. The Virginia is always in the lead, but is not overly sweet and never bites. I get some bitter notes from time to time, but not in a bad way. Feels like a high quality smoke from start to finish. Leaves only grey ash and very little moisture in the bowl.
A very solid VaPer at a reasonable price. I can't really find anything negative to say. Flakes aren't as pretty as Mac Baren's, but who cares?
Highly recommended!
Age When Smoked: new
Purchased From: Dan Pipe
5 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Greekpipesmoker (201) | |
Strong | Mild | Medium to Full | Strong |
This Va/per differs from the typical taste other similar blends offer and you realize it once you open the tin.a strong sour and sweet smell comes out preparing you for a nice experience.the bright and brown flakes are dry making the rubbing easy.they also break easy if you prefer smoking a broken flake.either way the blend lights easy with a few relights needed.while smoking the flavours are natural and strong.virginias are sour,citrusy,earthy with some grassy notes.perique adds lots of sour and plumy notes accompanied from spices.a sweet topping softens the experience preventing it to be harsh.generally the flavours are married natural giving an almost full flavoured result.burns at medium speed,medium hot to ash with some unburned parts.the nicotine level is medium and the aftertaste sour.no tongue bite present if treated gentle with a strong room note.depending from your smoking mood it can be an all day smoke.generally this blend differs from the typical va/pers you mostly find in the market by giving a full flavour experience.
Age When Smoked: Fresh
4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| DenizBeck (323) | |
Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Full | Pleasant |
I ordered a sample of this, just to satisfy my curiosity why this is a blend a lot of german pipe smokers like and love. As a big Va/Per fan, and having made mostly good experiences with Va/Pers from Dan Pipe, I thought I'd give it a try.
From the first smell of the sample baggie I knew I chose right! A sour-fruity note is gushing out of the baggie, with a hint of fruity sweetness to it. I find it noticeable, that the smell is very acidic, but in a pleasing and refreshing, lemon-sour way. Reminds me a bit of "Black & Gold Crumble" by Motzek, which also has this pungent sourness to it.
The flakes appearance and quality is top-notch. Medium- to darker-brown, with golden/yellow inclusions. Pretty dark coloured, inviting a joy to handle. Comes a tad too moist and for my taste it needs 15-45 minutes of drying for a optimum smoke.
St. Bernard Flakes taste is very refined and rich. Pretty powerful for a Va/Per blend. On first light I perceive a slightly bitter and acrid flavour, which vanishes pretty fast and makes room for the deep fruity notes of the Perique, which are reminiscent of plums, figs and raisins. The Virginias contribute a fresh and pleasing citrusy, slightly sour and sweetish dimensions to this flake. There's a gentle, and never overpowering honey-like sweetness, as well as a toasty note. By times I perceive bready notes too, which harmonize well with the fruity flavours and remind of fruit-bread. This flake offers a lot of spice and tanginess. Peppery spice, slightly bitter-ish, pleasingly tart. The rich and creamy smoke it offers will also satisfy the smoker who prefers a full-bodied smoke.
I'm not quite sure if there's a casing or topping. If there's one I'd guess it's just honey, or sugar-water, something from that alley. I can't imagine there to be an artificial/chemical topping of some sort, as the taste is very natural and true to the unspoiled, pure tobacco taste.
To be honest, I diddn't expect that much of this blend, as I find a lot of Dan Pipes Virginia+Perique blends taste very similar and are rather mild to medium. St. Bernard is full of flavours, rather medium to strong in taste, upper half of the medium scale nicotine-wise. Gains a bit of spice in the 2nd half of the bowl. Not overwhelmingly strong, yet enough power to keep me satisfied.
3/4 stars, as it doesn't stand out between the countless excellent Va/Pers available. Recommended for anyone, who likes Perique and isn't scared of a Va/Per that has a bit of punch and power to it. It won't be a revelation, but it's a solid Va/Per blend.
Pipe Used: Clay Pipes / Various Briars
4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Pfeifenkopp (25) | |
Medium | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
I got a generous sample of this tobacco when I visited the Dan Pipe Shop, because I was curious about this tobacco, but I wasn’t sure if I need another tin of Virginia/Perique blend in my cellar. After the first few puffs, I have known that I need a full tin of this tobacco. It outstands the other VaPer blends I’ve tried from Dan Pipe. It’s fuller in taste and delivers a vaster flavor profile. The Perique, which is noticeable in all puffs, delivers pepper, raisins, figs and overall a pleasant spiciness. From the Virginia I got quite a bit earth and hay, but there is as well sweetness and some citrus notes. From time to time I even think I can taste honey. In other puffs there is a malty taste. Even the tin note is quite strong. It’s spicy, fruity and a bit sour.
If you are an VaPer fan, you should try this tobacco. I will probably order this blend in every Dan Pipe order from now on or I will buy it in the shop if I get the chance to swing by again.
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Stefanos (222) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
An archetypal VaPer, very spicy and dark flavoured and with full taste. Cannot sense any added flavoring. Quite bitter but very smooth. Excellent with strong black coffee. Not my first choice for early in the morning, though it's not particularly strong, but it’s a fine evening blend. The flakes in the tin were well formed and dry. Smokes well even if very dry without any harshness. If you like this sort of peppery tobacco, St. Bernard is for you.
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Big Train (118) | |
Mild | None Detected | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The last time I reviewed St Bernard it must have come from a bad batch . After reading the other reviews I gave it another chance and I'm glad I did . A very nice looking dark brown flake in nice little slices sort of lightly stuck together and perfectly ready to lite up . The virginia seemed very good quality by today's standards There was a very light perique presence , no more than a suggestion , not enough to call it a VaPer. I would say the perique flavored the virginias and made it a stronger smoke but no figs and raisons . A good VaPer should be balanced and this one fell short but there is some good news . This turned to be a hell of a good virginia flake smoke with a little kick from the perique . My 4 stars is awarded is on my enjoyment of the smoke as it was , not if it lived up to the description . I notice that I am more drawn to Dan products lately . This tobacco will become part of the day.s round to follow .
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Flinthills Tex (27) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The tin note is rather reminiscent of a light English mixture with a slight hint of dried figs. The flakes are chocolate-brown with some lighter golden brown striation. Out of the tin, this tobacco is too moist for my taste. I would recommend rubbing out a flake and letting it sit out of the tin for a day. Otherwise you may risk the tobacco packing too tightly to get a decent draw. I also find it hard to keep lit due to the moisture content.
Once dried a bit, it packs well and lights up just fine. This tobacco offers you a cool, dry smoke. I did not detect the Perique as much as I would have liked to, so I would not call it a classic VaPer. It is a good smoke, not sweet, but full, with a pronounced nicotine-kick. It smokes down to a fine gray ash, leaving no dottle.
As with all flakes, I would not recommend this to a novice smoker. But for the experienced pipe smoker it is a pleasant change of fare, definitely worth trying. If, however, it's a nice Vaper you're looking for, stick to Dunhill's Navy Rolls.
Pipe Used: Vauen bent billiard, BC Prince
Age When Smoked: new
Purchased From: local tobacconist
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Upon (15) | |
Medium | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
Like the old faithful mastiff with a keg of brandy around its neck, DTM's St Bernard Flake brings comfort to the pipester in the cold. Due to the stupid legislation, most of my smoking takes place among the fresh winds of the external atmosphere. During the cold portion of the year (appx. nine months) the subtleties of Va flakes get wasted and something with more strength is to be preferred. Here we have a tobacco that actually benefits from being smoked outside in the freezing breeze. Of course this applies to many a VaPer out there, but rarely in this price range.
The 7x3 cm light and medium brown flakes came packed in a 9 cm round tin of the cheap type DTM uses for several other of their own mixtures, e.g. Hamborger Veermaster. After opening, the low quality threading does not allow the tin to be closed tight. This is the single drawback I can find with this tobacco. The smell is intense, of rotten hay und das Sauerkraut, ripe tobacco. There are no fruity notes. Moisture level is perfect.
The folding method is not for me but I assume the flake will behave that way as well as slightly rubbed, which I prefer. At ignition there is the typical punch in the nose from the generous portion of Perique. The sharp VaPer taste has a fine rural nuance, that of cattle dung to be exact. Towards the end of the medium strength bowl the dry Virginia taste takes over. Usually there is little need for relighting or other tampering with the pipe during the St Bernard pass.
St Bernard flake does not quite push McClelland Beacon or SG St James down from the VaPer podium but Dunhill DLNR at a third higher price is one tobacco that will definitely have to watch out. The sturdy St Bernard delivers quality that you wouldn't expect at the medium price range. Will order more soon.
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Ondraash (13) | |
Medium | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The tin note is sweet sourish a bit more yeasty, fermented (almost like leaven) and reminds me more of honey than fruits.
When lit there's an instant perique kick unlike other VA/PER ones where you get usually virginias first and then the perique raises.
The taste is deep sweet with slight sourness and just a hint of light pleasant bitterness like in a dry wine. There is slight mellow creamy vanilla/honey taste that I think comes from topping (or is there a cavendish in it?). The perique peppery spicyness is strong and present through whole bowl. Aftertaste is plesantly sweet with a little tingle. Theres a pleasant nic-hit but I need to inhale to get some (I have very high N tolerance). I found it better to smoke this as a flake since the rubbed version was a little rougher.
It lies right in the middle of three and four stars but I think there are more outstanding VA/PERs so lets do it a three star one.
Smoke and drive: Doable but this one is better enjoyed in a chair.
Pipe Used: Jirsa, cob
Age When Smoked: fresh, 1 month
Purchased From: etrafika.cz
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Karam (59) | |
Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I love VaPer blends, I can smoke more of them than any other blend before I need a change of pace as I find them quite relaxing, not challenging like say Latakia blends, or too filling like some flavoured tobaccos.
At the same time they are interesting and filling, they have plenty of nuance to keep you interested.
This blend I had to try after reading JimInks's review, as Dunhill's DLNRs were my first VaPer, and remains a strong favourite. I was intrigued by reading "sweeter, spicier, rougher"'. It is also affordable and can be bought in 250g bags which is great for Europe.
Smell is classic VaPer, slightly sour, sweet, fruity (apricot, peach), hay. Perfect moisture out of the 250g bag, ready to shred or fold and stuff. A topping is obvious to the touch as the flakes are somewhat stiffer than e.g. Solani 633.
Taste is very honest, middle of the road in my opinion, nothing exaggerated. While this can lead someone to think that this blend is flat, it isn't, at least for me, it is simply a middle of the road VaPer, a chill relaxed VaPer that one can smoke and enjoy at any time, any place. I'd have some trouble distinguishing it from Solani 633, and that's a compliment.
I'll buy again, a decent amount, and cellar it, though what I got in my hands is perfect to smoke as is.
Purchased From: Estervals pipe house
Similar Blends: Solani 633.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| renwardhoop (177) | |
Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Very Mild | Unnoticeable |
I always thought this was Dan Pipe's answer to St Bruno.
It's not of course, it's a typical Dan Pipe virginia blend with, as the description says, a twist of perique. The only thing in common with said other blend is the St. in the name.
One of Dan Pipe's better tins is this. With a proper label this time, instead of the naff (and boring) simple square computer-printed white labels present on other blends of theirs.
The tin fragrance is a delight. Probably the nicest of the Dan Pipe virginia-based blends I've tried so far. Very tight flakes squeezed into a big pile that needs careful excavation with pipe knife, is what greets you inside and it's a wee bit crumbly and therefore rather dry, which seems to be the recurring theme here.
The flake breaks down very quickly which is fine if you are a rubber-out but not so great if you like stuffing you flake in whole.
The taste is disappointing. It's so well...neutral. A mild-ish tobacco with something - obviously the perique - dumbing it down to a degree. This addition seems to take much of the natural sweetness of the virginia away and replace it with a rather dull, peppery, dry tasting, somewhat dusty even, content that I am not wild about.
And it is so dry. So so dry it's leaves you gasping for a drink even after the one you had to accompany your opening bowl. It also leaves your throat like feeling like a dusty old broom cupboard. It likes a lot of relights, surprisingly enough and burns through so quickly you wonder where half the bowl has gone when you tap out the ash. It's fairly strong stuff this but not overwhelming even pushed hard. There is little or no room note and it's presence in the house has been unremarked by Mrs RW.
So, half a glass full of fluid later, you find yourself thinking about the next bowl and wondering if there were some nuances that you have missed, judging by the general positive consensus in here.
I'm giving this one the benefit of the doubt and not making a final prognosis until after the tin is finished. I suspect some smokers might enjoy this better with an alcoholic side salad, but I don't care for spirits (or any alcohol come to that) to maybe counteract the aridity of the blend.
Indeed It'll be interesting to see how this one keeps (round tin thank goodness), as I won't be smoking this every day.
Pipe Used: All large briars
Age When Smoked: New
Purchased From: DanPipe, Germany.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Adam Perski (9) | |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
It has kind of grassy virginia and to be honest in 2023 version i do not detect much Perique in it .if you like more mild VaPer this might be a good option.
Pipe Used: Peterson, Design Berlin, Radiator
Age When Smoked: Few months
Purchased From: fajkowo.pl
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Sangagor (79) | |
Medium to Strong | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Unnoticeable |
Sample had really fresh little grassy aroma directly after opening. Presentation is awesome. Nicely cut yellowish brown flakes with hint of dark perique. Taste is rounded and very similar to Scottish Autumn Flake, tangy, citrusy after small fruit, but more full rather comparing with FVF. Perique work like real spice here - very peppery and provide strength. Moisture is accurate, do not need relights. Nicotine is a bit higher for me, but still at acceptable level.
Pipe Used: BPK, Stanislaw, cob
Age When Smoked: new
Purchased From: etrafika.cz
Similar Blends: Samuel Gawith - Scottish Autumn Flake (Four Seasons).
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Tomcat (221) | |
Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Unnoticeable |
Dan Tobacco St. Bernard Flake - This blend starts out mild and ordinary but as the work your way down the bowl the flavors deepen and get sweeter , fruitier and creamier as you go . Some hay , grassy notes and light toasted bread . Very earthy and a little dark fruit and citrus. A little spice . Very smooth . Even a few chocolate notes . I assume a light topping as the blend is too creamy for a Vaper with a good bit of Perique . I have no idea what kind of topping it would be ? Very well done at any rate . I am getting something like Vanilla at the bottom of the bowl . Very nice blend ! 4
Age When Smoked: Fresh bag
Nobody has rated this review yet.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| taki (12) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
A really nice blend of Virginia and Perique, I haven't tried up to now. When its turn came and opened the tin, light aromas came out, thought this blend is not an aromatic at all.
I cut flakes in cubes, as I don't like folding and packing straight as is. I found tobacco nearly dry and I didn't let dry anymore; packed in pipe easily and got first and second flame promtly, started some puffing, to get a good taste of it. Maybe a bit strage as for its odour/taste, but gave back many aromas: figs, dried fruits, pepper, a little hay and fresh baked bread. Some of the time, I detected a strange odour and taste, that was somekind of dung left behind of sheep, strange thing, but it was'nt unpleasened at all.
Tobacco burns well up to half a bowl, pure after throwing away ash and naturally relighting, it needs several fires to go on, up to the end, that manages to burn out totally without leaving behind dottle and humidity.
The nicotine play is satisfactory the taste is full, natural aromas are beautiful. Doesn't give any bit on the tongue of smoker, though it's not that easy to make burn, for it's tendency to fade out, needing energical drows. Anyway its full taste gets somehow the problem resolved.
Its a fine Virginia tobacco, though not rich of Perique, that overwhelms in flavours, the first. Furthermore, has some difficulties to finish the bowl, as it needs various relightings, specially during the second half of the bowl.
Pipe Used: briars
Age When Smoked: fresh and a year later
Purchased From: Esterval's DE
Similar Blends: Escudo, Three Nuns.
Nobody has rated this review yet.
600 Perdue Ave
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