Stanwell Melange

Nice aromatic tobacco, well balanced. It reminds me of Peterson's Connoisseur's choice, but it seems to me a little lower (very little). Good smoke, no bite, recommended.

I just got a sample of this from the guys at Iwan Ries. I found it to be very "FRUITY". I think that Apricots does best describe the flavor. Let me also say the flavor is PUNGENT. This is however, A European Aromatic not an American Aromatic. Translation- It tastes a lot more like Cellini Classic than C&D's Apricots and Cream. So, with that being said, We can proceed. A really visually appealing blend. Full of Color from light to dark. The aroma is heavenly. Takes the first light very well. Smokes very smoothly till the end. The Apricot flavor remains constant throughout the smoke. A very dry blend indeed. I find that If you add approximately 1/8 Iwan ries 3 Star Ebony to the mixture it greatly enhances the flavor profile and it gives it some depth. Actually, I rather enjoyed this offering from Stanwell. 3 of 4 European Aromatic Stars.

Strong and mouthwatering apricot scent coming even from the unopened tin. Definitely stood out among the tins from my last order.

Tobacco is slightly damp but can be used right away. Brief airing out for 5 minutes recommended but not necessary.

Easy to light. Smokes relatively cool and evenly. Almost no relights needed. Some gurgling, but not a nuisance.

Mild smoke throughout the bowl. Room note very pleasant, that's where the aromatics shine. Caught myself "sniffing" the smoke right after exhaling because it smelled so good. Wished the taste had been just as flavorful. Taste peaked at around first 1/3 of bowl but remained good and noticeable till the end.

Left the tin paper on my desk, it served as quite a nice air "freshener".

If I had to criticize anything about this blend, it's that the aroma smells a tad too artificial and you can definitely tell here and there that it's not fully natural.

I am a V and VP smoker. I very rarely enjoy an aro. This is the only one I currently use as a change of pace. I usually cut it with Five Friends. However even on its own it is not overly sweet or overly wet.

This is my first blend from stanwell and i have made a good impression about it!when you break the seal a really tense and nice aroma comes out between the toppings,some nuts and florar essenses.the moisture is proper,packs and lights ok.very few relights are needed.while smoking there is much complexity.the toppings are there from the beginning till the end very balanced and in a nice combination with nuts,grass,citruses.more rare some earth and floral notes come out.every puff differs without chance of biting.the nicotine level is almost medium.burns average and almost warm with some moisture being created.leaves some dumbness in the whole bowl.theroom note is very nice and special.definitelly a really nice,tence and balanced aromatic blend.the only negative i found was pipe ghosting wich is very bad specially for a new pipe that isn't burned.

I had no expectations with this one. I basically threw a dart to complete an order and it fell on Melange. I have to say I was happy the dart found it. Opening the tin was a mixed feeling, I enjoyed the sweetness, but was apprehensive to whatever fruit flavor I was detecting (maybe cherry) as that is not normally a selling point for me.

Sparked up great and the nice sugary taste remained and about midway through I forgot about the fruit topping. It reminded me of a less complex version of one of my favorite aromatics; Drew Estate's Grand Central, and for this reason I was a believer in the Melange.

Positive: Excellent room note, taste like capuccino, not expensive and available.

Negative: Not the highest quality leafs, a bit less topping would be enough.

Highly recommended to the sweet-toothed aro fans.

( Also recommended to similar aliens like me out there, who like to mix aro with latakia...)

3 stars here

Just a pleasant smoke. Gentle aromitc aroma that burns well and tastes sweet. For me there has been no ghosting of my pipes. The room note is always a positive. Melange has no great depth of character, unique flavor or aroma. Just a very good light aromatic smoke at what is usually a very reasonable price.

Aroma in tin translates to a smooth, buttery vanilla/fruit flavor combo. The very good base tobaccos are reminiscent of those in Stanwell Vanilla. Hints of citrus and raisin also come through, generating a somewhat Creamsicle flavor at times. Cool burn, very tasty when sipped. 3+.