Peterson Special Reserve 2010

This blend tastes just like Sillem's Black without the Latakia. So if you you have been wanting to try Sillem's Black but have been turned off due to the Latakia ingredient, then give this one a try. Very good for an aromatic tobacco but I'll stick to my Sillem's since I think the flavoring they use compliments the Latakia brilliantly. Not gonna give it four stars for lack of originality but I do recommend this blend.

*Update* 12-15-10. Okay, this blend only slightly resembles Sillem's Black. The more I smoke it, the more fruity it actually tastes. Still A pretty darn good aromatic none the less.

Typical of the annual Peterson's Special Blends, circa 2010 is quite aromatic with a mixed fruit and vanilla taste that is very pronounced. Not much strength in the tobacco, but awash with rich smoke. It also burns quite dry for an aromatic blend but can heat up if puffed rapidly.

This is a mild, mellow blend that is somewhat rough in cut. The tin aroma is one of fruit and vanilla. The tobacco lights easily and when sipped burns to a fine ash to the bottom of the bowl. Make no mistake this is an aromatic but it does seem to have good tobaccos at its core. The Virginia did not show up for me until the last 1/3 of the bowl. Overall this is a fruity flavored tobacco on a smooth Vanilla base. I only occasionally smoke aromatics primarily because most are too sweet or coying. I find this one refreshingly different. It makes a wonderful after dinner smoke. I do think that this one will have to be jarred as it comes only in a flip top 100 gram tin and I believe it would dry out very quickly. At around $25 a tin it is a bit expensive to buy just to sample but if aromatics are your thing or you have enjoyed Peterson's Special Selections in previous years this one is well worth a try.