Edward's Colonial

Reviews for some of the Edward's blends complain of tobacco quality and / or overuse of artificial ingredients. I've only purchased Edward's tobaccos in early 2014 and 2015, but for this period good quality is evident and I don't sense any indiscretions with use or overuse of artificial aromatics. Colonial is a smart, discrete smoke and as the blurb says for the "seasoned" smoker which may disqualify me from reviewing this one ... move along to the next review please ... OK so if you are still here, as a non-seasoned smoker I like it, appreciate the quality Virginias, guess it's got a bit of Perique I'm told, but it does not excite me. After I've grown up and joined the "seasoned" ranks perhaps I'll cringe at that statement when looking back at this review. As an aspiring up and coming seasoned smoker, when I'm feeling smart tend to go for English blends with that smokiness and nicotine knock in the head, and when feeling like keeping it simple, fun and light go for the American blends. Colonial is enjoyable, but Colonial confuses me as an American blend since it's not quite Yank or Brit, not entirely sunny in the American sense nor entirely cloudy in the Anglo sense. If you are happy with that ambiguity and are seasoned enough to sail in these under-navigated waters, both confident of the New World and zealous for the British Crown, definitely give Edward's Colonial a chance. In all earnestness the blend lives up to the name, George Washington would have smoked it in his youth when he fought on Britain's side in the French and Indian War.

2016.09.23 Update: Not sure what I was rambling about in the previous review, but anyway revisited this tobacco and enjoyed it together in China with a retired London Barrister who left his pipes back in Malaysia, while we smack-talked the 'ol Spirit of '76 America versus Britain rivalry. Funny how good conversation always improves the tobacco. So moving her up from 2 to 3 stars, now off to fight more Red Coats with Washington.

Very strong perique taste, almost all the way thru, smokes very smoky. Not one of my favorites.

Update 12/3/2020:I went back and purchased 4 ounces about two years ago, forgot about it and recently found it , either I had a bad batch back in 06 and this blend have drastically, mild burley , with some kind cavendish and or Maryland, the perique has been tone down and the oriental just lingers on a sour note in the background, I kinda miss the rough stuff I got before, this blend reminds me of Prince Albert but in the worst way, still two stars but meh.

A perfect full burley blend, with some virginia and a little perique. A high rich burley content. Straight, natural, no frills, robust but cool.

Ribbon cut, the burley drowns the perique which is here just for coolness not added flavor.

Comparable to some of C&D's and one of Pease's (w/ 20 year old Kentucky no less).

Recommended to a burley lover. Among the best. Nutty with plenty of body.