Cornell & Diehl Or Olam - Light of the Universe

Cornell & Diehl’s Or Olam suited me right out of the tin, but a month’s rest upped the WOW factor considerably, and over that time it’s become a daily smoker and a favorite. In the tin are moist ribbons and small chunks ranging from tan to red-brown, to medium and dark brown. Tin note is yeasty bread and fresh, musty silage with spices, exotic sawdust, and a very natural, fermenting tobacco smell. One month sitting in its oft-visited tin (with the re-closeable plastic lid closed) and the tobacco remains perfectly moist for optimum smokes. It handles, loads, lights and smokes down with ease. Tastes and smells are well melded, with the Orientals in front, quite woody, with subdued dates and fragrant, savory, zesty roasting and baking spices. I suppose this is where the sourness comes from, as well. Since I quite like all this I load it loosely into a #5 pipe with a very open draw, and if I want more, I pull harder. The Perique contributes spicy white raisins and a sort of sour, sharp, Burley mustiness, and some bitters. The VAs are mingled, including the VA Cavendish, yielding fermenting, slightly earthy, fragrant wheat bread and a little hay, with more zing than sugar. As usual for Orientals, the snork is where it’s at, delightful, slightly game-y, rich and slightly sharp at the same time. Strength and tastes are just over medium. Room note is tolerable. Aftertaste is a nice, slow trailing off of the best of the smoke as the VA sugars rise.

I see from the other reviews that Or Olam is not all that popular, and I am not surprised. Although it has a wide, fairly complex profile that includes rich “low notes”, it’s also sharp and bitter, as well, as though it has undeclared Burley in it. Because of this it seems best suited to more experienced smokers, and codgers more specifically. Withal, the quality is there; it’s a complex-but -not-too-complex blend that I find both relaxing and satisfying. 4 stars from me, and a place on my favorites list.

Def. taste the oriental blend and the virginas , as well as the smooth virginacavendish full strong taste zone out mellow feeling.

Excellent Vaper blend. Tin odor is extraordinary- very pungent, a bit sweet and for lack of a better description a bit "Urine" if that is acceptable. I find the smell intoxicating and mysterious. When smoked the flavors are satisfying to a fault. Very woody with full flavored. The perique is much present without being overwhelming but it could be even stronger for me as I love it. The sweetness of the Virginias is quite pleasant and goes well with the spiciness. A terrific blend for the Vaper lovers among us. Definitely one of my favorites.