Cornell & Diehl Pirate Kake

Having wanted to go for a really heavy blend I decided I'd give it a try. Being mostly interested in English blends this really satisfied my love of latakia. I would recommend letting it dry for perhaps twenty minutes after breaking it up as the bars can be very moist.

Once I got it going I found it to be packed with flavor right from the get go. Powerful, smooth and very rich. Sweet taste and slight reminiscence of coconut. It can be a bit tough to get lit though. This is a real acquired taste.

Pirate Kake is what it is- a no apology latakia laden blend. I've gone through two ounces and while halfway through I ordered two more eight ounce tins. I absolutely love this stuff; it is smooth, dark, full and creamy. The taste on the palate apparently does not translate as far as room aroma; my wife does not much care for the aroma but she does not complain, bless her heart. I also love the sharp tangy latakia odor that is left on my clothes or hand - Pirate Kake is one of those blends I enjoy as my last pipe of the day (usually while in my pajamas and reading a book); I revel in the lingering latakia odor clinging to my hands and hair when I finally go to bed. While for me Penzance is for special occasions, Pirate Kake is the perfect last smoke of the day for every day. I don't believe it has much in the way of nicotine and I would imagine that it is the cavendish cut burley that gives it the dark and full flavor. Pirate Kake has a steady latakia impact throughout the bowl and burns down to a fine gray ash - no dottle and very little moisture if smoked slowly. Highly recommended for those that heartily enjoy latakia, like I do.

I have just finished my first tin of Pirate Kake, and feel like I'm in love! This stuff is fantastic with a very rich latakia taste and a elegant plume of white fragrant smoke. It is very similar to Old Ironsides but just a bit lighter in body.

I tried this blend which came recommended by my tobacconist, knowing that Old Ironsides is discontinued, and soon will be impossible to aquire. No need to worry because we have a winner for Latakia lovers.

The pressed cakes are good looking, somewhat moist and tightly pressed. The tin aroma is that of hay in a barn. Not bad, just different. The cakes are easy to break apart and rub out nicely. Lighting is relatively easy with maybe two to three additional lights after the charring light.

Pirate Kake will fool you with its robust and hearty taste. There is a relatively low nicotine content in this blend. I cant seem to tolerate the nicotine rush associated with the more fuller bodied tobaccos.

The taste is a rich, creamy, smooth almost minty flavor with latakia dominating the senses. The orientals make a nice showing with a nice spicy finnish. I think what balances out this blend is the use of burleys. The smoke is abundant with each puff, and I guess some would probably find offensive. It reminds me of a fireplace burning in the wintertime, and brings back fond memories. This is an ideal evening, or after dinner smoke.

I would HIGHLY recommend this blend to anyone who wants a latakia fix in a smooth, light english presentation. I plan to keep several tins on hand. Another winner from C&D. Four of four stars.

I will gladly "walk the plank" with this pirate anytime!

This is one of the very best tobacco I have ever smoked. Latakia in capital letters, but smooth, evenly burning, never to harsh. Leaves Penzance (also 5 stars) a mile behind. Has a strong room note but loved by everybody had the "luck" to experience it. I would not suggest it to an unexperienced mainly aromatics smoker but...if you enjoy classic english mixtures or perhaps good dark flakes do not miss it. Leaves my pipes dry as a bone. Beautiful gray ash. Easy smoking. My suggestion, as always, smoke it slowly,very slowly in little medium vintage pipes . A taste of old England! What a smoke! Psst...don't tell anybody ;). __________ must downgrade to 3 stars due to certain dullness after some tins smoked, or maybe compared to Penzance. Still very good.

Amazingly smooth and heavenly delicious! Superb taste and smell! This is THE blend for the latakia lover!

I like Latikia, but this may be just a bit over the top for me. I find that by the time I get to the last 1/3 of the bowl, I'm on overload. This is definitely a blend that calls out for a small bowled pipe and gentle smoking. As an occasional smoke it's ok, but when I finish the tin I probably will not purchase more. As the write up says, you must really, really like Latikia to enjoy this blend.

Love this stuff. This was the 1st time I understood "creamy" as a description for smoking. Exhale through the nose, and thats it. Taste is a bit like a cigar for me. Very ascertive, and smoky. Puff too fast and you'll think the plank is a runway...Great Stuff. Also a great mixer- See my C&D review of Jamaican Rum. ***5/30: Well- Seems tastes change- Latakias a little strong for me now, and I think I like it better as a side dish, rather than main course.Still quality stuff though.

I'm a big latakia fan, but this was even too much for me. Worth a try if you love the dark stuff, but be careful with it - it can knock you back.

Ahoy! As subtle as a cannon shot full o' nails and cast iron! A blast o' latakia smoke and sweetness that never gives quarter. So many of me maties have given a good review - I'll squander no more of yer time. But if you love the rich, black leaf you'll be jolly at the sight, smell and taste o' this kake! you may even be rogered! Avast!