Five different Virginias, a touch of Java (cigar leaf), Latakia and Louisiana perique. This is definitely a world class English mixture, with extremely high quality tobaccos and all the talent that Hans is known to possess. At first you get a good whiff of Latakia which promptly allows the taste of the other ingredient tobaccos come in and join in the symphony! The taste is definitely spicy, and the aroma is most pleasing to (that is, in) the nose. The rather homogeneous cut of the tobaccos used results in an easy and regular combustion. There is a hint of bitter that combats the more established sweetness but consistently fails. A great after dinner smoke.
The smoky, woody sweet Cyprian latakia is the main player, though it doesn't drown out the other components. The Virginias offer some earth and ripe dark fruit as well as a hint of sugar, citrus and grass, and forms a base for the other varietals. The spicy, raisiny perique plays an important complementary role. The sweet, lightly creamy java underscores the experience. The Orientals have a little dry, woody, lightly spicy, buttery sweetness in a small way. The nic-hit as a step closer to medium than it is to mild. Won't bite, or get harsh even when pushed. Burns cool and clean at a reasonable pace with a very consistent flavor from start to finish. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and needs an average number of relights. Has a very pleasant, slightly lingering sweet and smoky after taste. Not an all day smoke, but can be repeated.
Zaffiro is well done English from the folks at Schurch. I like Latakia, but generally don't favor heavy Lakakia blends (I don't ever refer to them as “Latakia Bombs” as I think the term is riddled with condescension). Zaffiro is well blended and while its Latakia forward, it doesn't drown out the supporting tobaccos. The Orientals play a great supporting role and the perique makes the blend spicier than most Latakia heavy blends. The cigar leaf helps to add“creaminess” to the blend. It packs easily and burns cleanly. I think this blend would be enjoyed by all lovers of strong, somewhat complex Latakia blends. Zaffiro reminds me of a spicy Penzance.
Very interesting mixture, I bought it online from the swiss vendor Synjeco. Medium cut, more ribbon than broken flake IMHO. Latakia taste is predominant and I love it.
A bit spicy, very cool smoke, no bites. Definitively a must have blend. Enjoy!
I second the other comments. This mixture is also known as "129". This is great smoke. Nothing else to add to what previously written. Not sure the Java is cigar leaf, the Maduro is, for sure, in mixture 146. It is stronger than Dunhill Nightcap, for me. More spicy, given the Perique, and the latakia is just excellent. Smoked in any pipe, big or small, this is a delicious blend. Only one note: latakia and perique tend to bite , in this blend. But it is worth the pain. Absolutely!
Intresting mixture, that confirm the good tobacos used by Scurch for him proposal. A good english mixture but not so original or particular. Probably the perfect blend for who desire begin own experiece with em with a good product, good tobacos. Elegant, but not my favorite in Schurch blends (at the moment it's better, for me, the Blend N. 128).
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