Low Country Pipe & Cigar Black

My tin of Black is from 2009 and I have not smoked it new. Based on that, this is a very tasty blend. The flavor is sweet and smoky. Although I am sure the Virginias have sweetened with time, there is definitely some added casing or topping to Black. But that serves the blend really well. The tobaccos seem to be in perfect proportion and in addition to the sweetness; there is a noticeable spice component to Black too. It doesn’t bite but it can burn hot if puffed quickly. That is the only thing that takes away a star for me. Black could be considered an aromatic English or a “crossover” English blend. Regardless of the category, this is a delicious tobacco and kudos to Smoking Pipes on this fine, somewhat unique blend.

Having been partaking of a 2014 version of this blend and a well-aged tin of Bombay Court, I much prefer Black.

Tin note is signature McClelland's, and hits the nose with wafts of wine, fruit, bbq'd meat, and smoke.

At the match, the dark fruit comes through, in a syrupy sort of way, bringing to mind flavours I find in a blend such as Dark Twist, quickly followed by a smooth, smokey push from the latakia. The tastes darken to a degree as the bowl progresses, but don't deviate far from the sweet, smoky profile that is evident at lightup.

I found I enjoyed this most when I'd consume 1/3 of a bowl, and then leave it alone for a day or so. Coming back, all the flavours had concentrated, offering a deeply satisfying taste experience, with a moderate amount of nicotine. Medium flavoured +, but very well behaved.

This is nice stuff, and unique, as noted by other reviewers. Recommended.

Smoky and swarthy are good descriptors for this blend. At match the initial flavor presentation is olive / bitter olive - elegant in its way but not suitable for a main course. The olive is gradually joined by a sweetness that starts small and builds until the sweetness is plump and beautiful at center stage like a big rack of ribs in the middle of the table smothered in tangy barbeque sauce - the sweetness stays here for the rest of the bowl. There is quite a bit of spice in here too - tasty and tangy, nicely paired to the sweetness. And at some point mid-bowl there is a solid but not overwhelming jolt of nicotine.

The sweetness sets this blend apart - special indeed. Unfortunately the spice is slightly too much for my palate and leaves my mouth sore the next day. If it weren't for that aspect I would smoke this all the time.

I was surprised to see only 14 other reviews of this tobacco. Most of those reviews are justifiably positive, this is a pleasant smoke.

This is a Virginia/latakia blend but the Virginia's are running the show. The latakia is noticeable but never gets in front of the Virginia. The latakia is most noticeable in the tin smell of sweet, smoky barbecue sauce. Once lit it adds a little body to the smoke but allows the sweet Virginia to shine through.

I see a lot of Virginia reviews that say good but....burns hot, tongue bite, thin smoke, one dimensional, etc. The addition of the latakia addresses those concerns. It slows and cools the burn and gives a little depth to the Virginia sweetness.

And if you are an English lover looking for something you can smoke first thing in the morning without being overwhelmed this checks that box too. You will get that familiar Latakia smoky flavor without the strength of many English blends.

In my opinion, I think this blend deserves a little more love than it's gotten so far. If you try it, I think you will like it. Not a 4 in my book, but certainly a very solid 3 stars.

The Red Virginia is the star in this blend, offering the delicate flavours of good quality leaf, the expected sweet bread notes are first to develop on your tongue. This sweetness is elevated by the woody stoved Virginias. The Latakia comes in second as a condiment right on top of those base flavours bringing an herbaceous smokiness that adds some interest to the smoke. The lovely sweetness of this blend lingers in the room note and is unlikely to get you any complaints. This is an easy and pleasant smoke, sitting around medium with nicotine content. Enjoyable all day without a sore tongue.

3/4 - I think this is a very good blend, but I hesitate to call it a great blend, because Low Country's Edisto blows this out of the water. The Red Virginias in that blend are absolutely heavenly. This is a great choice if you want a touch of smoky sweetness with your Virginias (or if the pleasant room note is important for you), however if you are looking for an amazing Red Virginia blend — I would go with Edisto instead.

Tin note of spices, mild Worcestershire sauce and sweet smoky. Tobacco is a Coarse Cut of brown and black with a little tan mixed in. Moisture content is great. Burns slow with few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium and consistent, with notes of smoky, floral, sweet-toasted bread, incense, dry musty vegetation, very woody, spices, leathery, orange peel/zest, peaty hay, savory, earthy, lemon grass, an herbal tart and tangy citrus background note, and a mildly peppery almost smooth retro. Virginias are leading with Latakia supporting. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.

Who the hell find the strength medium or even above!!!! This is a very light IN NICOTIN tobacco and this is what asked for. I often find latakia forward blends which are rated strong here on this site. Latakia is a very mild tobacco IN NICOTIN . I think many people here confused taste and streght here. Now to the blend. I find it boring. To me it is a average , lightly flavored english. I was really looking forward and when i openend the tin i was greeted by a rather dry tobacco which smelled tipically smoky with a little vanilla. And so it tastes. Boring and I smoked many blends in this manner. And not satisfying by the lack of strenght. By the way: Is there any american fellow who is interested in trading german tobaccos for us made ones? Mail me . I would send at first,so it is not risky for you

Update 2021-2-17 Now a few years later and after a rehydration I tried it again. The first third was really mild again but then it turned into something stronger and was really delicious. Also the hint of a danish flavour was really nice to me. 3 stars