Cornell & Diehl Red Virginia Ribbon

It's been a while since this was smoked, but what I remember of it is that there are more satisfying red virginias out there, such as McCranie's Red Ribbon. There are plenty of Red VA-based blends, such as Rattray's Red Rapparee and some Wessex blends.

Bought some for blending - obviously the first thing is to try it neat, so here goes.

In the bag is a fairly even ribbon cut reddish-brown to tan tobacco, aroma of hay and a hint earthy.

It lights with greatest ease, and the flavour is initially very mild. Hay, granary bread, a tiny hint of spice, just a touch of fruit. It burns evenly and without need for matches, can get a little warm and would probably bite if provoked. Gentle smoking is rewarded with a nice mild Virginia flavour and no bite. Delivers some nicotine but nothing strong. Leaves a little dottle.

All in all, a nice mild Virginia. I'd probably smoke it neat but I do prefer my Virginia in flakes.

My first impression is: Wow, this stuff is strong! In the spectrum of Virginias, this would be on the fuller and darker side. It is bready at the beginning, but the flavors develop as you smoke it... full, rich, earthy, and yes... grassy and hay-like. And it smokes cool and doesn't bite. I can imagine blending this in with some of my lighter aromatics to provide some earthy flavors and more depth. It is very good and I like it a lot.

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C&D Red Virginia Ribbon is a new tobacco for me. I usually enjoy a flake or broken flake style Virginia or VaPer. Fond memories of McClelland’s 5100 inspired the choice to pick this up. After a couple smokes of this I’ve concluded it smokes great, tastes great, and fills the place of a great daily smoke. It’s got a bit of a nicotine punch that I didn’t expect, but will likely grow to love. Seems like it would pair well with espresso or bourbon. I can’t wait to see how this stands the test if time.

525 - Red Virginia

Star Rating = 2.75

Rating Scores - 10 is the Best and 0 is the Worst

Pouch Note = 8

Room Note = 8

Flavor = 8

Bite = 7

Burn = 7

After Taste = 7

Raw Score = 45

Rated Percentage = 75%

Comment = Strong Flavor, has a bit of a Bite, This is not a very good smoke

I ordered one pound of the C&D Red Virginia. This tobacco is stronger than I anticipated. I put the whole pound in a crockpot and set it on low for 10 hours. I can now smoke it although it has a big nicotine hit. Good this way or to mix with C&D Virginia Flake.

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.

Sweet, deeply resonant and strong in flavor. Will bite if handled carelessly like most straight VA tobacco. Very smokey and woodsy - increases in cigar like texture down the bowl. Definitely some aging or stoving could bring out the best in this tobacco. But certainly good as it stands.