Cornell & Diehl Old College

I have learned to ignore most Names given to tobacco. The infamous fascination with the black arts, the references to dogs and even cochroaches and medeviel forms of torture, this OLD College is not well suited - but a REAL good tasting Latakia blend english. At the start, it is alittle acidy, and quickly mellows out into a creamy (yes creamy) smooth smoke. A Wine affect starts and contiunes for most of the duration - which I like alot. Caution: This is very strong and will whack you in the head. Also leaves a ashy coating in your mouth but, with most Latakia blends, par for the course. similiar to Gawith's perfection BUT MUCH STRONGER (not even Pirate KAKE gave the tummy turns like this did) and better quality.

This is an excellent mild English. The Latikia isn't overpowering; it's pretty light but present. The burley and black cavendish smooth out the Virginia, which gives it a bit of sweetness. I find this blend well-balanced. Nothing really overpowering the rest of the components. I like this one a lot, and I find myself smoking it more regularly of late.

A reliable though somewhat generic and bland English blend. Reminescent of Presbyterian. More dry in the package than I would prefer, like most C&D blends. Smooth though unremarkable. Low nicotine content and lacking richness.

Here’s a deep cut from the C&D catalog for those who favor American style blends and light Englishes. Nobody has reviewed this for 2.5 years!?

Smokingpipes describes this as being satisfying to the smoker while providing a “delightful fragrance for the crowd.” Indeed, when this first arrived in the mail 8 months ago, I could have sworn there was some vanilla or possibly anise in the bag note. Now, 8 months later it smells and smokes about as naturally and uncased as can be. This has the same component leaf as Americana and nearly identical to golden ash. It is an unflavored American mixture that creates a fragrance sure to disperse any crowd, smokingpipes copy writers be damned.

The pouch note is smoky, spicy, and musty. The rough cut leaf is appropriately 30-40% black leaf. The tobaccos come dry to the touch, and are ready to be packed upon receipt. The taste was savory with notes of leather, earth, and woodsmoke. There is a tiny hint of sweetness present if one really concentrates. Latakia is readily evident in the snork. This blend left wet dottle after each pipeful. I don’t want to knock this one too bad because it doesn’t do anything wrong necessarily. It doesn’t shine strongly in any way either. Kind of ho-hum.