Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Sweet Whiskey Twist

It has been stated that we can only understand the rope of life by untying its knots. Intrinsic to this notion is an idea of trying the new and unfamiliar or being comfortably inspired by an adventuresome spirit, which ideally, is how we come to learn. And as it pertains to the very discussion at hand, if you give a man enough of this proverbial rope, he may resolve himself in loading up his favored pipe with the very same and happily smoking it.

You know it goes without saying, rope tobaccos are some of the most unique products available to tickle the curiosity of and satisfy many an average piper. By simple appearances alone, they evoke feelings of old worldly ruggedness and stern disposition especially in light of the maritime history surrounding their genus. Playing off these nautical roots, one must imagine the rolling sea as it hosts a rowdy crew of salty dogs, making merry alongside a compulsory cask of seedy rum, as they chaw profusely upon their cut plugs of seasoned Virginian leaves. Quite a mannish display of burly entertainment, wouldn’t you agree?

Perhaps therefore, due consideration must be undertaken to genuinely appreciate the specialty of a twist tobacco. Namely, in reflecting upon the elaborate manufacturing process engaged to produce one of these fine coils of seasoned tobaccos, the intrigue to be discovered is somewhat confounding. Being very manual by design, the raw dry leaves are skillfully steamed in order to pre-condition them with adaptive pliability. From this point these leaves are individually flattened and then crafted by hand into rolled layers much like a traditional cigar. Conveniently pressed as the final operation and then further seasonably aged, what emerges is a revered specimen of neatly twisted tobacco, dark of complexion and distinctly toothy and moist to the touch. Calling the demonstrated procedure undertaken an evolved craft is not far from reality it seems.

So for your consideration I now offer a representative case from the noted collection of classic twist blendings from the renown Gawith, Hoggarth & Company of Great Britain. Produced in their long-standing Lakeland operation, Whiskey Twist presents itself as an emboldened standard of choice Virginian strains neatly prepared in the age-old fashion of hand craftmanship while being doused with a complementing touch of essential spry whiskey. Technically classified as an aromatic due to the latter additive, this tobacco perhaps better stands as a prime disciple of the Virginia-based genre in my humble opinion.

One could argue that Whiskey Twist presents itself as a rather stylish and unconventional bulk varietal. Premiering with a foreboding manner, this one-inch coil of compressed rope tobacco demonstrates the structure and modeling of a fabricated cigar in many respects. Namely a characteristic outer binder leaf carefully envelops a refined yet densely hardened matrix of meshed filler. Wrinkled, spotted, and progressively distressed, the outer skin effectively speaks to the extreme rigors of the subject processing. A healthy cross-sectional view of the cut chord splendidly reveals a multi-hued assemblage of finely compressed and assorted Virginian leaf, texturally marbled by the lively swirling of determined colors ranging from distressed yellows, jaded browns, dirty orange-reds, and deeply fermented umber/chocolate.

Lifting the poly bag for a qualifying nosed registration, a foremost stronger whiskey note highlights the initial fragrance from the top surface of the pouch. This alcoholic notation is lavishly sweet and spicy in nature. Yet emerging from the depths the true bigness of character brilliantly arises, ultimately revealing the configured tobacco’s essential aroma. Principally, a wonderful celebration of advancing fermented Virginian delight makes itself immediately known. Notably its persona yields a forceful and delectable fusion of earthen spices, dominant piquant wood, genial tart, and darker fruits that are kissed by a wave of naturally enhanced sweetness wrought by the selective aging. With extended sampling of this aroma, a graceful trace hint of some seasoned fertile grass aids the pleasurable experience witnessed by the olfactory senses. Hosting no attempt to veil the real nature of the specter involved here, I should state that preparing this tobacco for smoking is a tricky natured task, meaning not small by any means but actually quite a considerable endeavor. By the recommended use of a knife’s edge, proper concession necessitates that careful preparation must be undertaken to first de-constitute the coil by slicing off a smaller cut plug.

With that accomplished, I myself then apply a guillotine style cigar cutter to effectively work down this plug into small coarse cut morsels, which does allow for drying, rubbing, and greater packing ease. And on the subject of drying, it is of my experienced opinion that you do want to let the prepped mound of cut tobacco set up with ample breathing. In as much, I have found doing anything less results in the troubling annoyance of the tobacco shunning a consistent state of flaming when smoked.

As a medium strengthened, medium to full flavored Virginia-based alternative, Whiskey Twist is not what I would deem as complex, yet the blend does offer some interesting nuancing that seems to vary throughout the entirety of the bowl. Granted, the whiskey additive is indeed registerable. However, this alcohol-based agent is well absorbed in the greater sphere of composite flavors, entering consistently as a mere highlighting factor that is not overly proud yet does evince its somewhat reserved sweet and malty spirit as a fine embellishing garnishment. Still, its presence seems to nicely flourish within the classic aftertaste, imparting a lingering residual foot printing upon the taste buds. What actually comes to surface in the foundational flavor is the mellowing influences of a deeply fermented sweetish Red wood base. Its standard tone is decidedly buttery and toasty, enlivened with a sprinkling of mild tart and a vibrant run of punchy earthen zest. The headiness of this energetic seasoning provokes a sensitize feeling that vividly resonates within the entire palate. As to be expected the mid registration is further annotated with the inclusion of some stove, darker fruit that evokes that essence of baked figs and extremely aged raisins as I can best qualify its recordable character.

As I suggested the quality of accenting within the experienced taste profile underscores one of the critical features of this twisted tobacco. Based upon the elements denoted within the greater registration, it is of my distinct impression that Gawith, Hoggarth & Company has been exceedingly generous on the inclusion of the gamut of individual Virginian strains. Although I cannot confirm I do suspect that Whiskey Twist’s recipe not only embraces the ingredients of Red and Bright but quite possibly Orange and Yellow varietals as well.

Specifically of noteworthy observation, the subject accenting encompassed a range of differing elements. The stoving and aging process does inherently advance the natural sugars while enhancing the deeper, darker tones of the resident leaves that is well understood. Of course there is just a trace murmur of some of those unique Lakeland superfluous seasonings that bring expanded decoration in concert.

Additionally Whiskey Twist encounters a rather nice bright floral masking that hinges upon the ambience of aged sage, colorized by brushes of fresh mint and crisp pine. Accompanying this vegetal feel, the registration does also project an offsetting herbal quality that is reminiscent of the flavors of tarragon, again sweeter mint, lemony and tinges of black pepper. What is more, there is something circulating within, perhaps a product of the resident Bright, that vaguely flashes as an altered citrus chord, sometimes a bit lemonier sometimes more orangish. Last, one is also able to recognize the parting flair of warming bread and markedly robust caramelized sugar. And as previously indicated this combination of colorful accenting moves in random fashion in effect capturing a tasteful montage of celebrated highlighting that is oh so pleasing.

Further complementing the blend’s toasty side stream note, the essential room nose of this tobacco is seeded with the importance of deeper tarty spicing and buttery sourness that meld prominently with a the dark earthen, sweet, wooded fragrance of the essential Virginian. Its temperance is a bit unrestrained therefore projecting forth an attendance that is categorically bolder in magnitude and dimension. With that development, Whiskey Twist may pose a challenge to those of a sensitive nature but as to the average piper, it is my feeling that the aroma most likely would be deemed rich, robust, and pleasantly gratifying. What is more, the permeance of its character seems to be extended for a duration within the immediate smoking area, as its definitive appeal stays determinately.

The only qualifying detraction worth mentioning is that mechanically this tobacco does impose a required effort in maintaining a consistent burn. In practical terms, there is an above average need to re-light the bowl periodically. Although, as it burns, the blend obliges enjoyability by rendering a cool and smooth encounter. For a straight Virginian constitution, Whiskey Twist does produce an impressively thick plume of luscious gray smoke, depositing a lovely white ash with its spent combustion. Still, based upon the trials, I felt the nicotine influences reveal as slightly heavier medium effect. And even though its overall rendering is mellowing and quite enchanting, presumably, this is not a tobacco that one should smoke casually. On a final point, I found Whiskey Twist best performed in general within the confines of a smaller bowled briar.

Given the extended processing lead time to fabricate this venerating twist of tobacco, and while being further challenged by its popularity, often the availability of Whiskey Twist is in short supply. Practically speaking the turnover for this product is rather quick, so do keep that in mind. Finally, I suspect that with a bit of further aging this tobacco would continue to season and progress its duly noted merits. Essentially scoring exceptionally well on overall flavorsomeness and distinguished presentation, I do recommend untying this knot for a thrilling and unique smoking venture.

Objective Scoring (based upon standard genre attributes, mechanicals, and cost): 129/156 @ 83% ≅ 3.3.

Subjective Rating: 3.3 Pipes