Cornell & Diehl Constellation No. 411

I feel sorry for those who might be misled by ratings here and would disregard a blend like this because of silly numbers or stars.

The flavor matches any expectations one would have from the blend description. In other words, it tastes like a blend of Latakia, black cav, burley, and VA. And a very good blend at that.

The tobacco quality is top notch and the balance of flavors is superb. Each component contributes its fair share. There is a medium to medium-full proportion of Latakia flavor but none of the other component flavors hid behind it.

I like the saltiness from the natural black cavendish working with the Latakia. The Virginia throws in a little sweetness along with some tang, and the burley does its thing too.

This is fantastic pipe tobacco. The fullness and complexity does not take it out of the running for a great all-day blend.

I bought Constellation as I was trying all sorts of tobaccos looking for … I dunno … the perfect pipeful - or perhaps more accurately, the perfect pipeful for the right moment. The flavor seems a lot like what the components would bring together - unflavored black cavendish, Virginia, burley, and latakia. I don't get an overpowering sensation from any one of them. Maybe that means they're in equal parts - or maybe a little less latakia as it can overpower if there's too muck. This tastes kind of smokey with a hint of sweetness - probably the Virginias and Cavendish together, but it doesn't have any taste of casing or topping sweetness, and the latakia doesn't overpower the rest of the flavors. I find it to be a good evening smoke. It's a bit heavier than 965, by way of comparison. It is moving up from a semi-regular to a regular in my rotation. I like it a lot.