pipesandcigars.com Angler's Dream

This blend has a simple taste, is easy burning, and comes at a price point that makes it worth every cent. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of taste, having heard that this had a faint cinnamon flavor I was a little apprehensive. My experience from the tub that I ordered was pleasant, sweet toasted burley with a slight hint of cinnamon that occasionally shows itself (most notable when exhaling through the nose). This is what I was hoping for when I ordered the blend, something simple that is respectable in its own right. Well done Russ, you've hit the mark on this blend.

Well, I just couldn't resist being one of the first on this new offering from H&H. There are a number of Russ's blends that I find very tasty, chief among them being Stogie...and while this one is also quite good it's also quite different from Stogie...actually it's quite different from anything else I've tried! Is it the touted Cinnamon essence? Well, that is a difference...but not one that screams at you...being pretty muted...and surprisingly very pleasant. Other tasting notes I jotted down include terms like spicy, creamy, cocoa and musty. I don't know if it's at all accurate, but those taste notes would lead me to guess there was some amount of Virginia, some Burley and maybe a little Perique in there. If so, they are doing their jobs. The blend is ribbon-like in cut, just the right moisture level for me, packs and fires up very well and smokes effortlessly and with no bite. The most interesting thing was the shift and play of the flavors I mentioned, which kept my attention. All in all it's yet another example of Russ's ability to produce the quality, unique and tasty blends for which he is justly renouned. Also, it didn't seem like an aromatic in nature, though I guess bybdefinition it is...maybe more like what I would call a natual or semi- aromatic...having a very subtle use of a flavoring and with much of its character coming from the tobaccos used in the blending. Good stuff.

BTW: thanks for the generous sample.

To me this a mild aromatic that is a burley forward tobacco, but with several flavor layers. Tin note is nutty, a little sweet and touch of spice. My batch was good in moisture and not too dry as others have experienced. The taste is a nutty burley, a hint of brightness from the Virginias and the subtle topping of cinnamon was noticeable. The cavendish is also there and maybe that's what is bringing out the honey type sweetness. I am not a fan of cinnamon, however, I find it is not overpowering or off putting at all. It certainly adds to the layers of flavors from initial light to finish. The nicotine level is mild to me. The cut is an odd course cut. The batch I received had a lot of clumps that needed to be broken up/rubbed out. Packing is ok, I pack it similar to a broken flake with it being a thick, clumpy course cut. It lights easy, burns cool, but for me it requires more than the normal amount relights, which could be because of my packing technique. Never experienced tongue bite, even when smoking the pipe hot to the touch. I have found it smokes and tastes best in a cob. Prior to the re-release I only had one bowl to sample, but in talking with those who smoked this blend when previously available, it is exactly the same with the difference being, it is now only sold in bulk and not in tubs. Could be an all day smoke. I put this in the "cellar it" category. Hopefully it is a blend that will be continue to be available, but I cellared some "just in case".

I bought this because of the price and my particular fondness to american burley blends as of late. My can was opened promptly and the contents stuffed in to a good ole Missouri Meerschaum. The first bowl was a tad disappointing and I thought I was going to look at in my cellar until I could find some soul to give it to. Look at it I did after I put it in to multiple jars. There it sat for quite a while. I most recently pulled it out to give it another go. I've been going through all of opened stuff lately. However, this time I gave it a chance in a briar. It was not what I remembered at all. That wonderful nutty flavor that is so characteristic of burleys was up front and in full effect. This is a comforting and relaxing blend that you do not need to think about. It packs well, it lights even better, and not a slight hint of bite so you will want to smoke it to the end. This is great while writing or reading because it just pleases in the background. I think of it as that feeling you get when you have a roast cooking. It is warm, comforting, and you have the knowledge that everything will be alright.

I am not sure that the intense hype is warranted, but this is a great blend. It is definitely not the kind of tobacco that will require much from you. It packs easily and it burns evenly all the way down the bowl. If you decide to try it, and like the flavors, it will creep its way into your rotation. It is a great blend and one that is really mellow and requires very little attention from the piper.

The blend you wish you could buy at a drugstore - I had a two year old tub of this and opened it about a week ago - and I agree with the other reviewers - a great, simple, blend that has the quality and lack of overbearing flavoring even a Lat and vaper lover can appreciate - this blend is what it purports to be - a quality, old fashioned burley blend with just enough Virginia and Cavendish style to make it a pleasant simple smoke that pleases others in the area too with a pleasant room note.....wish it was still made - I'm rationing what I have left!

Since I do not have a highly refined palate, it's hard to describe tastes and flavors that I experience. I only know what I like and do not like. So here's my rating scale and a brief reason for the rating.

★★★★ = Excellent - Apocalypse blend, cellar worthy.

★★★☆ = Good - Not part of regular roatation but keeping a few tins/ounces is wise.

★★☆☆ = Fair - A smokable blend that is worth trying again.

★☆☆☆ = Poor - Do not smoke! Trade off or give away to the unsuspecting.

Because tastes and blends change over time and depending on what pipe is used, I reserve the right to change my rating at any time.

My friend gave me a bag with about half a pound in it.

It's not a complicated thing, it lights up easily, it burns slowly, I detect the aroma, but can't say it's aro, I understand aro is the flavor that can really have an impact on the people around me, this is far from achieved.

Having passed the clay test, I finally decided to smoke it with Calabash, as nicotine was a bit insufficient for me, and enjoy the pleasure of smoking through a large pot.