Cornell & Diehl Poplar Camp

This tobacco packs easily and lights easily. I found that the perique makes its presense known a little more frequently than 3 friars or oriental silk. But I like the way the taste changes as you smoke the pipe. It has a sweet taste that exchanges with a somewhat nutty taste. Which makes it a fun smoke when you have the time to appreciate the flavor dance. One thing that is a must for me is smoke. I like lots of smoke and Poplar Camp has it in spades. Also, I like a smoke that ends dry and clean and doesnt bite my tongue. In these two aspects Poplar Camp excels. The only thing that keeps it from being an all day smoke for me is the nicotene buzz. I dont mind it, but is does get me staring at the walls if you know what I mean. Overall give it a try you wont be disappointed I am sure.

Embodying that noted graciousness of native Virginia within its very strands, enters a distinct alternative for a Virginia-Perique, Cornell & Diehl’s Poplar Camp. Honorably so, this blend poses celebrated Virginian tobaccos that have been continually stoved in order to achieve a formidable character of enhanced flavor. Essentially taking their successful Yorktown product as its principal base, master blender Jeremey Reeves enlivens the rousting by adding a charitable portion of singular Acadian Perique and the blessings of soothing Black Cavendish

Poplar Camp presents a developed ensemble of mixed tobaccos favoring the integral dependence of thoughtfully groomed ribbon cut pieces. Evidence of the secondary processing avails with a general casting of distressed, and well-tried goodness. Forming the palette of common tones are traveled yellow tans, rusty copper, soiled beige, burnt red-gold, and a shadowing of solemn knowing blackness. Moreover, the rested moisture level is characteristically drier in occurrence, which manifests in the experience of an admirably comfortable Virginia-centric smoke.

The appreciable fragrance of Poplar Camp’s fully developed character springs forward with an air that renders the cultured impressions of refined tart and gently settled sweetness. Effectively a spiced woodiness popularizes the main thrust of its essence, which is colored by the restiveness of aged grass/hay, controlled pungency, augmented seasons, and a soft docile fruitiness.

With an initial word from Cornell & Diehl, Poplar Camp is touted to be egregiously “muscular” in temperament given that its contents are laden with a twenty percent dosing of fiery Perique. In actuality, what I discovered through a series of focused sessions was, yes, the Acadian moves exceptionally forward as the big note at the incision of the bowl, but it does eventually level out in registerable magnitude.

Ultimately what develops in regard to the standard profile is a nicely balanced confluence of this determined Perique and the all-important Virginian strains within. In summarizing the basic character, this blend is essentially spiced by a mixture of contributing seasoned influences. Furthermore, the tobacco wants to be preferably woody in disposition, while being supported by some refreshing tang and a propensity of subtle sweetness.

My preliminary interest defaults to the subject Virginian leaves however as they primarily constitute the solid base line of Poplar Camp’s distinct persona. On a special note of merit, allow me to state that the quality of developed strains used within the recipe impart quite a palatable character. Chiefly, their principal taste profile divulges substantial evidence of the progressive stoving operations ringing within the tobacco’s advanced flavorsomeness.

What specifically transpires is a tasty envelope of Virginian savor that bundles an assortment of well-harmonized nuances. As it surfaces, the evolving profile concenters itself on an exceptionally spicy, stone fruited wood that carries forward the championing reinforcement of cultured sweet hay. Moreover, the embellishing remarks of plums, orange-like tang, wisps of gentle grass, buttery fermented caramel, and a node of congealing “breadiness” round out the delightful depth of its accomplished character.

And now with respect to the embracing Perique varietal do consider the distinguishing details what follow. Judging from the tone of the strain’s overall remarking, generally I deem that there are true effects of extended aging on the particular leaf deployed here. Mainly, the fundamental tenor is decorated with mature perfection. Additionally, this specimen of Perique is rather unique in behavior in that it comes to the taste sphere with a softened texture and deception of real magnitude. Gradually its influence patterns a widening crescendo on the trailing top layered finish, culminating with a final rush of determined grainy white pepperiness.

Even so, as it normally encounters, this Perique’s primary notation engenders a darker wooded tone that is earmarked with a degree of convincing smokiness, some settled prune-like fruitiness, mild pungency, and an aged musty soured earth. Similarly, it is worth noting that the felt residuals of the Perique leaf linger within the nasal cavity, in effect opening the sinuses, as it resonates with excited vibrance on the total palate for an extended duration.

The presence of the Cavendish is quite inconsequential to the composite flavor as would be expected. Nonetheless, I do manage to catch momentary previews of that basic smokey wooded zest common to the strain. Clearly its principle role is to meld the featured bolder streams circulating with authority and to assist overall in the attainment of textural smoothness. And although I cannot confirm this particular observation, Poplar Camp consistently invokes a gentle common sugar in the closing accents which made me suspect some type of insignificantly applied topping. But that assertion in itself, quite honestly, is pure speculation on my part.

For this general class of tobacco, Poplar Camp’s expenditure bears surprisingly thicker clouds of established dense smoke. Perhaps this speaks more to the contribution of the additive complemental strains than say the Virginian proper. Texturally the quality of this vapor shows an easeful temperance in that it is decisively smooth and mildening in nature. And with that the immediate smoking area is enlivened as a prime aroma of seasoned tangy sweet wood prevails most dominantly. Furthermore, the inviting notes of selective spicy dark fruit, toasted grassy hay, and well-behaved pungency circulate with complemental embellishing effects. All in all, the standing impressions afforded by Poplar Camp could be easily rated as tolerable to genuinely pleasant overall.

Mechanically this tobacco fares exceptionally well with the smoking. Aside from the medium influence of felt nicotine, I find that Poplar Camp has been precisely constructed to promote laudable functional features. Namely when I smoke this blend, I regularly encounter consistency in burn performance and an obliging coolness in temperature. Therefore, by my estimation and actual personal practice, this blend awards the pipe smoker with a memorable rendition of a classic and privileged Virginia-Perique experience.

“All mountain landscapes hold stories, the ones we read, the ones we dream, and the ones we create”, Michael Kennedy. And so my friends, it truly seems.

Objective Scoring: (basis: flavor, standard genre/leaf attributes & mechanicals): 146/170 ? 2.9 WAVG.
Subjective Rating: (factored for likeability & cost): 3.4 Pipes.

Definitely well beyond middle of the pack in a crowded field of VAPer blends!

The stoved and re-stoved Virginia leaf takes the lead. I’ll try to keep this brief and simple. Lemon/orange/bitter orange/bergamot oils. Just a touch of the citrus acidity and virtually none of the sweetness. Bread. Toast. Freshly baked croissants.

It is never rough/ bitey, but does pack some nicotine. In spite of the freshness of my sample, this tasted like a thoroughly matured smooth smoking blend. The long cut Perique is all dried red fruit and stewed stone fruit. There is quite literally a pinch of black cav, a few black flecks in a sea of brown leaf. I can only presume this will age gracefully. 3.5

This review is based off one year of cellar time. The appearance is the same as when fresh. The springy ribbons and chunks of black Cavendish pack well and light well. Minimal relights are needed. The aromas are distinctly perique and Virginia. The first flavors are full bodied Virginia's and figgy perique. The year in the jar has tamed this down quite a bit and smoothes out the rough edges. The perique is still spicy but has that prune/fig taste now which I am enjoying. I do prefer this belnd with a bit of time on it but I did also enjoy it fresh. Overall this is not an all day smoke but definitely a good daily vaper.

As a long time cigar smoker, this blend has a lot of similar qualities to a medium bodied Cameroon or Habano cigar. It has notes of earth, spice, and a hint of cedar. The cedar note as well as some cashew carry over into the retrohale as well. The blend seems to build slightly past the halfway point of the bowl but doesn’t pass the medium mark.

Poplar camp is a pleasant light English blend that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good tasting, light-hearted mixture. A great choice for the novice English smoker.

For me, I mostly get the red Virginia, with just some hints of the Perique. Those who really enjoy that profile should give this a try -- a straightforward but enjoyable . Since I know there are many tobaccos out there I would rate a 4, the question arises would I rebuy this particular tobacco, assuming my tastes don't change much more. In this case, the answer is probably not.

This pleasant VaPer tastes good and natural. Here is a Cornell & Diehl blend that is not the very best they produce, but it still clicks with me.

I can't detect any flavoring here. This burns well, also. Offers some complexity, too.

Give it a whirl!

Govern Yourself Accordingly, SmokeKing David