Hermit Tobacco Works Co. Captain Earle's - Diamond Head

I have been pushing a concept recently that we need more of a show of enthusiasm in our hobby/business, especially by we senior members, when talking to younger prospective pipe smokers. It was hard, however, to be enthusiastic about this blend. The tin presentation was attractive as a "brownie" of pressed tobacco in mottled browns and black that was reminiscent of G.L. Pease's Gaslight. The tin aroma, however, was much weaker with a strange sweetish component that I couldn't quite place. The smoking aroma and taste were of a weak and vague English mixture that could not quite be made to come to a definite conclusion. The bowls I smoked were weak and unexciting from rim to heel with a rare moment of taste in the bottom thirds that was, both, welcome and fleeting. When used in micro blending the same strange bottom third performance occurred consistently - pleasant but fleeting. I don't understand what niche this blend occupies in pipe smoking, but I still give it a somewhat recommended two star rating.