Cornell & Diehl Founding Fathers

I realize to some in the pipe world, liking an aromatic is akin to someone telling a hard core foodie that they like sliders. I like a good gourmet meal, but sometimes a craving for sliders overtakes me. It's the same with me and aromatics. I get burned out on the Va-Per's and the heavy latakia blends from time to time and I want an aromatic. Founding Father's by Cornell & Diehl certainly has satisfied this urge.

When I opened the tin I was confronted with the standard burley based aromatic look. Loose ribbons in various lengths, with a couple of stems visible, with the various brown hues of the burley dominating the small ribbons of black cavendish. I could definitely smell the pomegranate topping when I opened the lid, and putting my nose to it was very satisfying. It was clean feeling to the touch, and slightly moist like most aromatics, so I let it dry out for about an hour before loading my first bowl.

An unlit sip brought a faint tartness of the pomegranate flavoring to my lips, and the initial puffs filled my mouth with the same refreshing tartness. After the biggest part of the flavor burned off I was left with a simple and uncomplicated burley/cavendish blend that delivered the occasional whiff of the topping. It did not burn too hot for me, and gave me no bite through various bowls, even when I became vigorous when I had it loaded in cobs and meerschaums. It left no residue in my mouth, burning to a gray ash, and none in my bowl. There was none of that sticky goop I often find from aromatics. The room note was very pleasant, very similar to the smell of cranberry oatmeal cookies baking.

I like this blend. It has no bite for me, the simple burley/cavendish mixture it becomes part way through the bowl was satisfying on the nicotine delivery level, and the pomegranate was a pretty refreshing flavor on these hot and humid Kentucky evenings. I would recommend this blend to anyone who likes aromatics or the flavor of pomegranates or for someone who is looking for an aromatic that doesn't deliver a scalding bite. If you are in search of a good cherry aromatic, the flavor is close enough to a tart cherry to be a nice substitute, and the room note is top notch. I will definitely be buying more.

Update: I found a 3 year, 3 month old tin in my cellar and decided to give it a go. The flavoring certainly did not hold up, and I prefer it fresh, which in hindsight is totally normal. It mostly tasted like a tart and sour top note that came in and out and the Cavendish dominated. By all means smoke it fresh, but I wouldn't recommend letting it sit at all.

An excellent mild aromatic.

It does not smoke hot or wet and and smells great while burning. I only notice the fruity notes of pomegranate occasionally but it very nice when I can and it gives a more exotic quality than just your standard vanilla Cavendish.

Plus, you can buy it in bulk for a great price. It's hard to beat that!

I was bummed reading all the so-so reviews on this blend, but I was really surprised when I tried it. The pouch note is sweet and bright, very pleasant. Several folks commented that this was the high point of the tobacco, opening it, but it's really a well-balanced note. Not sickening sweet, more of a fruity sweet with tang. On the light I noticed that exact same sweet tangy-ness then it subsided a bit... You have to pay attention to the flavor in this one, its not obvious enough to be in your face, but its also very present if you are dialed into it. Overall I really liked this, it lights easy, is not super wet and sticky, has a great flavor and easy to smoke. I smoked this in a small Calabash pipe and it was delightful.

Another quality aromatic Burley/Cavendish mixture from C&D! The sweet/tart pomegranate flavor is apparent first with a little vanilla added. I don't detect the same strong alcohol aroma that I find in Old Grove. The Cavendish is smooth and burns very cool. The Burley gives a great nutty background note. Not quite a complex blend but the shift between fruit, vanilla, cavendish, and burley keeps it interesting as the bowl progresses. Great flavor, room note, & burn.

Right out of the tin, this blend had a great aroma. I sat for awhile just smelling it. It is a fantastic taste of vanilla, and some fruity notes but not too strong. It’s a great blend of regular tobacco and aromatic tobacco. This is one of my favourites and it stays the perfect moisture in a mason jar. I will be buying this again.

taste of burly and cavendash, with a sweet fruit taste not too overwheelming but just right smooth a all day smoke