Cornell & Diehl Poplar Camp

This isn't bad but doesn't really stand out in any way for me. The virginias are good. A nice balance of brights and reds. I get the spice from the perique but not a lot of perique flavor. I am not a fan of black cavendish so I can pick it out in blends fairly easily and while I do taste it in this blend I actually think it helps. If it was not present I feel like the blend would be a little acrid or ashy tasting. It definitely adds some rounded sweetness which is needed. In the end I am glad I tried it and would not turn it down if offered to me but will not go out of my way to order more.

It starts off with a respectable Virginia base, Yorktown. The Yorktown portion of this blend delivers rich, bready and dark fruity notes (which is heightened with the perique in this blend). The cavendish does what it usually does in non-aro blends; it slightly smooths off the rough edges. Outside of that, it is little evident. The Perique is strong yet not over powering.

This isnt an unique blend nor does it win awards for "Best in category". There are a number of va/pers I prefer. However it is one you can puff away on without having to concentrate on flavors or keeping it lit. I added a bit of Old Dark Fired to it for a little more "kick" with solid results.

6.5/10 (I gave Yorktown a 7/10)

Cornell & Diehl - Poplar Camp.

As you can see from the picture Poplar Camp's made up of very fine ribbons. Being as it's from bulk there's no sealed in moisture to contend with, it arrives nicely aired in the loose pouch.

For the first quarter the smoke has more citrus to it, but as the pipe burns the citrus note fades. The Perique's tangy, zesty, and sharp, and is without question the most prominent of the leaves. The black Cavendish has been included very lightly and only gives the smoke a very gentle 'smoothing'. Poplar' burns consistently enough, but can be too fast if puffed forcefully. Vigorous puffs increase the temperature, too.

Nicotine: above medium. Room-note: strong.

Poplar Camp? A bit too heady for me. Somewhat recommended:

Two stars.

VaPer lovers will find this acceptable, but in general, a waste of time and money in their never-ending quest for the ultimare VaPer. If you're searching for that blend which unseats Escudo, this ain't it. This is more like Prince Albert with a little more pizzazz -- that's all. I don't find this particularly "stout", nor do I see the comparison to Bayou Morning -- which is what drew me in.

A two star rating may seem unnecessarily dismissive because this is an entirely serviceable blend (if you're flat out of tobacco), but there are many, many better blends to try. Don't waste you money here.