Sutliff Tobacco Company Metropolitain

This has an alcohol casing that's pleasant, almost like a medium-sweet wine. The grassy, citrusy golden Virginia adds a honey taste that reminds me a little of Blue Danube. The burley isn't all that noticeable, but I get a slight molasses from it, and almost none of the nutty characteristics I usually expect from burley. The black cavendish has the familiar vanilla. The toppings are light licorice/anise, plum, and light date notes. I find it a little milder and slightly smoother than Sutliff's Great Outdoors blend with more emphasis on the black cavendish. Has little nicotine, and won't bite. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with a consistent flavor. Leaves just a little moisture in the bowl, and needs an average number of relights. Has a nice after taste. It's a very comfortable smoke that gets three stars from me because I can't give it two and half, and it deserves more than two stars.This blend is almost like what would happen if you mixed Blue Danube with Great Outdoors without being stronger than BD is.

-JimInks

The smell of the tin is reminiscent of a mulled wine or cider - not necessarily in a good way. The tin note doesn't scream out yummy goodness. But who really cares about that, it's the smoke that counts. Thankfully, the tin note couldn't be further from the smoke experience. My tin was perfect on moisture content - no drying necessary, and smoked clean to the end. The tobacco has a sweet underlying presence that remained true throughout. The flavoring was mild and has enjoyable nuance characteristics - far from an over-the-top the aro. A sweet honey/sugary undertone keeps the blend balanced. A soft and I mean soft vanilla note is present. This combination makes for a very enjoyable smoke. The alcohol presence had little to no impact from a harshness standpoint but it does add an additional flavor nuance which enhanced the overall quality of this aro. I wasn't expecting a lot from this blend, but have to say I was pleasantly surprised enough to pick up two more tins to store away for the future. I would characterize this as a soft, smooth, consistent aro with enough interest to relax and enjoy as an alternative to heavier blends. As with most aros, cadence is key to enjoy. This is not an over-the-top goopy, wet, chemically aro. There is a slight nuttiness that weaves in and out from the burley as well. This blend has varying interest and I tend to like variation in the notes and nuances that pull through. If you are looking for a mainline, same flavor note type aro, this may not be for you and add enough punch. If you like to sip and try to identify varying influences, you will enjoy this one.