1776 Tobacco Co Tavern

I requested and received a sample of this blend from Sterling Tobacco. From the sample bag, the tobacco had good moisture level and I loaded into a Brebbia billard without any drying or airing. I gravity filled to the top and lightly tamped (I have found too much packing results in gurgle for me). Charing light was even and caught quickly. After the charing tamp, the next light lasted me half the bowl before I needed to tap/tamp/light. Burned down with minimal dottle. I have never been a flavor expert, so how it compares from A to B is not my strong suit, but for me this flavor profile is very pleasing. What I like, is that the flavor stays very consistent from start to finish, which isn't the case with other English blends. What stands out for me is that I kept coming back to the sample, even two bowls in a row, which I haven't done with another blend. So far my top choices are Hal'O The Wynd, Sherlock Holmes Pipe Club VR Blend, Carter Hall/Storm Front, and Ennerdale Flake for reference. I purchased a couple pounds of this tobacco after enjoying the sample. It is expensive, so probably won't make my standard rotation, but I hope putting some age on it may improve the Virginia sweetness.

I concur entirely with Markw4mms' review. He is quite right in his description of a sweetness of marshmallows and caramel. However, as smooth and tasty this blend is, it became a bit boring after awhile. It just didn't have the complexity for me to give it a four star rating. Be that as it may, it was quite an enjoyable smoke and is well deserving a try. Recommended.

Soli Deo gloria!

This is an excellent English blend which burns clean and smooth and tastes fantastic from char to heel. I agree with Markw4mms though, it's not what I'd call a "Heavy" english either, the orientals are definitely too much in the lead at times. Hard to imagine a Lat fiend not loving this blend just the same, however, or anyone who appreciates the taste of fine leaf. Should be avoided by those who want absolutely no sweetness in their English blends, however.

Got this as my requested free sample and loved it. It is so far my favorite english blend and I will order more. It is comparatively pricey for Pipe tobacco, but I don't think the price should effect my rating and thus I give it four stars.

Perfect humidity level, a creamy dry, cool and leathery smoke that is, "Oh so smooth." In addition, Jack Peterson is a pleasure to deal with.

Edit 12/9/13 I have downgraded this considerably to two stars. I still enjoy this, but have since had many others that I enjoy as much or more than this one.

Edit 8/16/2017

I am leaving this one at 3 stars, but have grown much as a smoker since my previous review. I will still say this was a good smoke, but in some ways I feel it is just too much variety and maybe not enough of each or some of the elements if that makes sense.

To elaborate. There is almost every oriental and Turkish in this blend and perhaps I would enjoy this more if the Yenidje was a little less prevalent. This will lead to many shifting flavors which is a good thing, but to my tastes not enough of them are to my liking. When this hits about mid bowl it does more settle into a more nutty and woody tasting smoke which I do enjoy.

So three stars to my tastes, but this could easily be a four star blend to those who love the contemplative shifting smokes.

tastes great--easily packed and lit--burned down to a white ash-- there was a very slight gurgle, but the fault lies with the pipe, not the tobacco--

medium to mild english blend--would recommend to anyone wanting to try an english smoke for the first time--really can't describe room note as i always smoke outdoors--no casing flavor evident--

believe i will lay in a stock of this one--

update:--after several experiences with this blend i find it is extremely drying to my mouth and tongue--still a good smoke, but leaves me a bit uncomfortable afterward--dropping the rating to 3 stars-

it likely is my body chemistry reacting