Sutliff Tobacco Company Westminster

This tobacco came at a good moisture level. It is a long ribbon with a few dark chopped bits. It smells of latakia, but it smells fairly mild. There is no chemical or unexpected scent to it.

Smoked, I found this to be mild and it presents as a slightly sweet Virginia base with just a little latakia. It burned cool for me, and the flavor was pretty consistent through the bowl. I know there is supposed to be some oriental tobacco in this, but I am not tasting any.

For probably the first 10 years I smoked a pipe, I was looking for a mild English blend. I smoked a Lane blend off and on called #10 Downing Street. That was not it, but it was close and could be purchased in bulk. It was an OK smoke. I suspect this Westminster was what I was actually looking for.

This gets a solid 3 from me. It is a pleasant smoke, although it is not especially complex. I recommend it if you are looking for a light English blend.

The description suggests it is like London Mixture, and London Mixture has more depth and complexity. If you try this expecting a close substitute, you will be disapointed.

I prefer strong tobaccos- but I received this as a free sample- and although this is a mild tobacco, it can be surprisingly refreshing. It has the taste characteristics of a true English. It's base does not appear to be of the highest quality, but that base stays largely hidden by the other tobacco flavors, and can add a little contrast to those other flavors, which I think is what accounts for it's refreshing quality.

It can heat up a lot if you smoke at all fast, as I do- and it will bite. Burns quite quickly. I dunno- I wouldn't buy this one...but I'll smoke what I have till it's gone, on those rare occassions when I want a light smoke.

If you're new to English blends, and want something with true English flavor, yet that isn't too heavy or strong...this would work for you. Oh, and it doesn't seem to have any nicotine. (Me? I like a LOT of nic!)

In summary, I think it's a good example of a middle-of-the-road English.

Upon first opening the tin I noticed a similar note of that from "5" blend by Sutliff. although similar, just not as strong. Packed well in the pipe, good char light, taste and aroma. Not to heavy of a smoke like some English types. Relight was good and it burned well throughout the bowl. The Latakia is there just not the main player, the note of Turkish is there but not an overwhelming player either. I believe it is a Virginia forward blend with the other tobaccos playing small supporting roles. With this being said it is still a pleasing smoke and can be enjoyed all day if one chooses to do so. I will score this one a solid 3, and will cellar a tin to see what characters appear after a few months.

I had been wanting to try this blend for a while now. I am a big fan of Dunhill's London Mixture, and was very curious as to how similar Westminster is to London Mixture. What makes this blend stand out among other english blends is its turkish component. Just like London Mixture, the turkish is the star of this blend. Burns cool and relatively clean, this blend is pretty simple to smoke. Not too terribly rich, I think this blend would be a bit much as an all-day smoker. Compared to London Mixture, this blend is a bit lacking. It is missing that "Dunhill essence" that has brought smokers back to their blends. That said, Westminster is a great blend...

Very, very, very, enjoyable English blend.

I've tried countless blends in the short time I've been smoking. I've tried everything from the newer Frog Morton line to the old classics like Squadron Leader and everything in between. This is a nice English. It isn't heavy or NIC-laden but it is a very enjoyable, relaxing smoke.

Moisture level was perfect, which I have come to expect from Sutliff blends (with the obvious exception of Molto Dolce). This is a tobacco that you light and burn all the way down with one match. Perfect.

The flavor is very nice. Not overwhelming but balanced. One of my favorite English blends is their very own Blend no 5. Probably not a true English in the strictest sense of the word, but I like it very much. This blend is very similar. I would consider this a light or entry level English, but a great blend nonetheless. No tongue bite whatesoever. Light to medium smokiness with not much aftertaste. Personally, when I'm done smoking, I want to be done and not have it linger in my mouth for hours.

This is a really good tobacco. Probably not enough to satisfy the tobacco snobs out there, but I would say I enjoyed it as much as the Frog Morton line, and at a much lower sticker point. Recommended.

Like all of the Sutliffe blends, I like it. Maybe a little mild for my taste, but smokes very well. I do and will continue to enjoy this brand and blend.