Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) Schippers Tabak Speciaal

I really wanted to like this blend. Presented as a shag cut (Dutch baai) and fairly dry , it is easily packed and lit up with minimum effort. It burns quick but never too hot. The flavor is quite pleasant with an almost indiscernible added flavor that ranges from bitter almonds to cocoa. The nic hit is quite strong. With all of these positive attributes unfortunately, the quality of whatever is added to the tobaccos (conservatives and flavoring agents) is of very low quality and probably very artificial. After finishing a bowl I experienced a lingering unpleasant aftertaste on my tongue. This lingered for quite a long time, I smoked two bowls in the afternoon and woke up the next morning with a terrible coating on my tongue. I had to throw the remainder in the rubbish bin!

Strangely the last reviewer bought it in Benodet, Brittany, and I found it by chance also in Brittany, Lancieux. Local interest for the blend? Unfortunately I do not share the enthusiasm of previous reviews. The blend is rather flat without much interest unless you want to have a pipe in your mouth and not to take too much care about what is in it. I notice previous reviewers bought the blend years ago. Perhaps what was good then is not so good now.