Cornell & Diehl Perique

Don't know if there's a little of the real St. James in this or not, however it's a quality product nonetheless. When compared to McClelland's blending perique, which has more of a pungent vinegary scent, I find C&D's to be somewhat milder, more musty and mushroomy in aroma. Also, I find the granulated cut of C&D perique yields more flavor in the bowl than ribbon when used for blending. When smoking straight, smaller bowls work best because of the granulation, which for me is the only drawback as I'm typically a sucker for punishment in large doses.

Note: There are 2 types from available from C&D, granulated and long cut. This review is obviously about the granulated version.

This review is for the granulated perique version, but so far as I know it is exactly the same as the ribbon cut. Supposedly, Cornell & Diehl is selling this format now as it easier to blend with other tobaccos. Also, just to mention that I am reviewing this as a blending component as I have never tried it on its own, which is something I am not planing on doing. My red and bright Virginia blend has benefited enormously from the addition of C&D perique. At a 12% ratio, you really start bringing up all the natural flavours in combination with the pepery dimension perique will add. Appart from the Virginia blend I am using, I cannot detect much of a citrusy flavour here, but this perique has depth and plenty of flavour to play with. I have tried other blending perique tobaccos in the past, but C&D's proprietary perique blend is probably the best one I ever had by far. The tin note is kind of sour and fermented, which is something that shows quite apparently in your smoke. And I can detect plenty of blending potential here because of how forgiving this blending component is. I am certain it will perform just as well at higher ratios without spoiling your blend. To say I am over the moon with this tobacco is such an understatement. Highly recommended.

Perique is a blending tobacco, but it is good straight. It has a sour flavor that I quickly learned to love. Its best quality when smoked straight is that it has virtually NO tongue bite. I smoke it straight in a small (1/2 in. dia.) pipe, and I usually set the pipe down for a few minutes about half way through. When I blend it I never use less than 25%. Sadly it has little bowl aroma: Fifty per cent latakia will fix that!

Just so you know where I'm coming from, Nightcap is my morning smoke.

I am reviewing several C+D blending tobaccos as a precursor to some blending experiments. I know not many people blend, but these reviews may provide some hints to those wanting to do so.

Not the insanity inducing trip I had expected. A mixture of fruity sweetness and spice. I understand that the properites of perique enhance flavors already present, in addition to introducing the hallmark elements. This was amazingly smokeable and actually tasty. Of course I love perique so...

This tobacco is one of the only tobaccos that give me a good Buzz. Defenaitly a stronger tobacco. It is great when mixed with a mild or flavored tobacco such as Twain Berry

Granulated Perique is great for blending. Clean on the palate, burns well better than the ribbon cut.. and without the obnoxious vinegar treatment that Mcclelland uses. Pleasant to smoke by itself as well.

My favorite blend since its inception has been Chatham Manor by Hearth and Home. I have been super happy with it and content but I still try other blends just so I don't get bored. Well last week I bought a tin of McClelland's Grey Havens which has Burley, Virginia and Perique and it got me thinking, Hey why not add a pinch of Perique to Chatham Manor since Grey Havens is almost the same blend as far as the components and the light topping. Well folks the addition of 15% Perique has risen Chatham to another level! My next order I am going to ask Russ to add a tin of Blending Perique to a tub of Chatham. It brings out the sweetness of CM and adds a bit of strength Nicotine wise, the snork or blowing out of smoke through the nostrils is heavenly!! Dark, meaty, plummy and spicy, C&D's Perique is awesome for blending!

Great Perique! High quality tobacco like all of the C&D line. This is outstanding for adding to other blends in very limited quantity to enhance flavors. I got the granulated as opposed to the long cut. The cut is great and easy to work with. Top notch!!!

Very high quality Perique which I use for blending into some of my blends I feel need a kick. It's not something the average person would smoke straight. It will add strength and a Nic-kick to any blend. A must have for any serious pipe smoker.