Cornell & Diehl Pennington Gap

I must admit, the more I try the Cornell & Diehl blends, the more I become a fan. I've already added Frog Morton Bayou, Mississippi Mud, Cross Eyed Cricket to the rotation, with the sole exception of Canal Boat not quite meeting my tastes. That was a disappointment, as I was hoping to add a mild burley (besides a Captain Black type) to my collection. I've read the reviews here for this one, so decided to try it out, and was pleased from the start. I didn't get that green taste I often detect in a burley blend, and the dark fullness reminded me of a mellow slightly sweet coffee, with perique adding some spice. This brand is pretty expensive in my area of the woods, almost 15.00 a tin (ouch) but I don't regret the experiment, and have foumd a perfect after dinner smoke, particularly when sitting outside on the porch. The one caveat, it smokes a lot stronger when in a moving car, etc, and the extra heat seems to make the nicotine effect a lot stronger, even with a cap on the pipe. However, that's my experience with it.

I do not have the time to describe the attributes of this tobacco in detail as others do. However, as I do wish to contribute some feedback, I will simply rate this tobacco on a scale of 1 ?10, including tenths.

Absolutlely a great tobacco with nice flavor and extremely good burning qalitites, no doubt due to its fine cut. I rate this tobacco 9.9 out of 10. You can't miss with this offering from C&D!

Beautiful aroma in the tin, like berries of some kind.

First Smoke: First puffs are only the slightest bit sweet. There is a dry, astringent smoky taste that is probably the bourbon topping. I don't think I particularly care for it. If the underlying blend were slightly sweeter it would be better. Later in the smoke the flavor becomes somewhat sweeter and the bourbon smokiness lessens to bare detectibility.

Second smoke. Less smoky-bourbony this time and sweeter. Nice and sweet, gorgeous virginia flavor. You may ask why I said "virginia". Well to me this tastes like it has Virginias in it. Perhaps it's the Kentucky that tastes that way. Anyway this is a keeper.

Despite typically being a Virginia based smoker, as well as having had my ass handed to me by C&D’s Burley Flake blends, this has quickly become one of my favorites. The burleys are perhaps slightly green but behave themselves with the black cavendish holding the reigns while the perique adds a good deal of spice and stewed fig. The bourbon topping is prevalent throughout the smoke and is really enjoyable. This is one of those aromatics that tastes exactly how it smells.

I bought this one because the mix Perique, Burley, Black Cavendish caught my eye. Never had that mix before so let's go for it.

Opening the tin I was almost overwhelmed by the aroma coming out of it. Super intense, my brain fired: dark chocolate, dried fruits but surprisingly not much of bourbon - which is totally fine in my book. Nice dark blend with the - for me - rather unfamiliar cube cut, a bit moist but this did not stop me to try it immediately.

Packs easy, takes light easy - and WOW what a super rich and satisfying smoke! Nice Perique characteristic, nutty, aromatic, sweet. Got to get more of that stuff with the next order. It adds a nice contrast to my usual VarPer and European Aromatics rotation. Did not taste anything similar so far... but then always keep exploring

I've smoked this one for a few years exclusively,I loved it from the very first time my match hit the top of my bowl.The smell of this blend to me is fruity,which i find odd seeing that it doesnt have any fruit topping.It comes fairly moist but lights well and normally have to relight a time or two.All the ingredients blend so well with this tobacco,and the burley is right up front!I always have some on hand.

Very similar to Barbary Coast but fuller, with greater body. Pennington Gap has a "stewed fruit" quality, a little less nuttiness and, I think, a little less of Perique's tang. The difference is essentially a matter of style-- both are among the best Burley's around. If you like one, you simply have to try the other.

Pennington Gap is my personal favorite... by a nose.

INTOXICATING!!!When you need a change from Latakia this is the blend to turn to.A very enchanting blend,full of aroma and taste. The Bourbon is pleasant and actually quite sweet.Sweet-not cloying! If you like Canal Boat, which contains Latakia I think you will be impressed by its Perique-Bourbon cousin-Pennington Gap.It actually does have a bannana pudding smell to it! 4 of 4 stars!

Now here is a blend perfect for relaxing with in the recliner or outside on the patio after a satifying meal. Add a cup of cofee or a glass of Iced tea and the experience can be sublime.