D & R Tobacco Rowland Platinum Blend

The aspects of this blend as compared to Rowland Regular are much the same. The Virginia is grassy, citrusy sweet with a drop of honey. The burleys are nutty, earthy, toasty sweet in a supporting role, and lightly less obvious in this production. The Oriental is very lightly spicy, smoky and woody, and underscores the experience in a slightly lesser way than it does in the other versions. The very light chocolate topping is mildly sweet, and doesn’t detract from the tobacco taste, and is a little less noticeable here than in the Regular version. It has a mellowing affect that helps smooths out the blend. The strength and taste levels are mild. The nic-hit is very mild. Won’t bite, and has no harsh notes. Burns well and cool with hardly a relight, almost no moisture in the bowl, and a consistent flavor; pretty rich for a mild blend. Has a pleasant after taste, and is an all day smoke.

Essentially, this review is the same one I used for Rowland Silver, which is also lighter than Rowland Regular. The difference I find is this is the smoothest and mildest of the Rowland series, which pushes this particular version to three stars. I also think this has a tad more Virginia than the others.

-JimInks

A very nice comfort blend or for the occasional coffee break type of smoke. Drier than most but behaves well and doesn't overheat unless pushed. The logo reminds one of the 18th Century, as does the tin note. Looking forward to trying Vengeur Silver next. I have noticed in other reviews Rowland is being used for RYO. The tin states for pipe use only. So Rowland is not a pipe cut mixture/interchangeable, unless you are willing shred down to a finer cut. This might explain why people are having problems with filling their cigarette tubes or using rolling paper and being turned off by the flavor. Although Platinum has a very nice room note. Smoked properly it is very rewarding.

Reviewing as RYO or MYO tobacco. Very moist, chunky pipe cut, difficult to inject. Mine required extensive drying, does not seem to effect the flavor. For RYO tobacco, has a very heavy topping. Research says cocoa. I get more of a fruit type smell and taste, I guess plum/prune like. Research often likens to Marlboro in taste, I think not at all. Long but not unpleasant fruity aftertaste. For me, more of a pleasant "change of pace" smoke, too fruity for mass consumption. Gets an extra star for balance/body/smoking comfort, I think it's best attribute. Three stars overall.

Edited 5/28/12: Sampled second bag. No way near as much "fruity" bag aroma or taste, just cocoa like this time. Crazy "night and day" difference. Same moisture/cut. Overall, I like this much better, decent flavor/good balance. Dilemma is product consistancy. First bag a weak 3 stars, this bag a strong 3 stars. Second time I have had consistancy/quality problems with D&R flavored blends, must downgrade to 2 stars for this.