Esoterica Tobacciana Cardiff

My dear friend Robin is an anti-tobacco zealot, so I was more than a bit surprised to learn that Robin's son, Edward, took up the pipe a few years ago. He reads my reviews on TR and wondered why I had never smoked this one, so he offered to supply me with some - about two oz. It looks like the picture posted here - kind of a dull reddish brown with some golden streaks. The smell in the bag was heavenly but descriptive words fail me. Sort of a spice rack scent with a lot going on.

In the bowl, I found this to be a disappointment. The flavor didn't live up to the aroma as far as punchiness goes. Light in taste, but with the expected grass, hay and citrus and some darker fruit flavors as well. Unfortunately, they weren't as playful as I prefer. When I think of Esoterica, I think of Stonehaven and Penzance, which have a depth of flavor matched by few if any of their competitors. Unfortunately, few if any of their stablemates exhibit this depth, either! There is a touch of flavoring to this one, but as usual, I can't determine what it is. It isn't intrusive, which is a plus, but it doesn't seem to add much to the experience, either. All in all, this is a light, mellow blend that shows no real faults but isn't terribly exciting, either. If you smoke multiple bowls per day, this might fit the bill. But with my busy schedule, firing up a pipe is a reward for a hard day's work, and I need something with more depth and punch. Sorry, Edward! But if I stumble upon any, at least I know where to send it! And thanks for the sample.

Cardiff is a shag cut from Esoterica which is usually overlooked compared to the more famous blends.

The bag note is sweet hay. The shag cut was moist upon opening the bag to jar. The shag is easy to pack, just be careful not to make it too tight so it drafts well.

The smoke was sweet hay Virginia. There is a light topping of somesort I believe giving some fruit notes (maybe apricot?) but it doesn't overpower the tobacco.

The shag cut wants to burn hot if pushed and can bite. Sipping is the way to go with this one. It's all top notes as there no deeper flavors here. Reminds me of an aged Orlik Golden (which is much easier to find)

It's a great summer smoke and worth picking up if you find in an Esoterica drop.

Sweet, grassy and citrusy, with distinct orange and lemon notes. Occasional notes of darker fruits, in the plum spectrum. And even a spicy tang.

This is a great smoke that I could enjoy any time of day. It burns slowly with minimal bite and mild nic hit.

Even with 8 years of age, this blend still just lacks that certain something that makes me say "Hey, I gotta get more of this!".

I like Virginias, but not this one. I had to pay constant close attention to it to avoid getting bitten. Even then, I didn't get away completely clean.

Flavor is mild, and just not worth the effort.

This is an odd one, I first smelled what appeared to my nose to be Three Year Matured VA -- but, wait! This one is actually worth trying! A bit sweet, but nothing that will get into your pipe. I am primarily a VA smoker, and this is one I'll save for a time when only "something different" will do.

This is a nice, mild, light Virginia, with a delicious butter toffee topping. I really enjoy it in the morning with a cup of tea or coffee.

Once this blend dries a bit, it becomes very prone to bite, and for that reason, I can only recommend it to the most experienced Virginia smokers.

This is my second Esoterica blend. Again, I am impressed by the quality of the leaf, the preparation of the blend and the care taken in the whole product. I would say this is a slight aromatic smoke, a bit on the mild side, but if smoked slowly it can deliver enough tobacco flavour to make it really pleasant.

The tobacco comes almost shag cut, so it can be easy to clog the bowl. I find it difficult to light. Once it gets going, however, I fin this a very civil, friendly, peaceful smoke. If anything, this could be close to the original Gold Block (not the PG conoction that's for sale now), except that this one has a more natural aroma.

It is a nice cavendished leaf, not exactly extraordinary, but quite tasty and friendly. IMO its a bit similar to Vanners mixture, without the tangyness. Every now and then, a very good smoke and a good introduction to less aromatic tobaccos.

This mixture of darker VAs is fully rubbed out and I normally smoke flakes. Although easy to light and even burning, it smokes too hot for me and was really too dry as received even from a reputable site. Perhaps it's technique, but I don't like to work @ enjoying a tobacco. The flavor, although sweet, is also milder than I normally enjoy.

Tin note of sugar, raisin and anise like. Tobacco is a ready rub of an orangish tan and reddish tan with a little brown mixed in. Moisture content is great. Larger pieces may need a little attention. Burns slow with a few relights. The strength is mild to medium and nic is mild. Flavoring is mild to medium, with notes of anise like. Flavoring is fairly prominent in the beginning and decreases a little by the end. Taste is medium and mostly consistent, with notes of sugar, tangy dark fruit, anise like, semi-sweet floral grassy, wood, fermented hay, rich earth, tart sour citrus, spices, bready, orange peel, a slightly spicy and savory background note, and a peppery retro. Virginias are leading with Flavoring supporting. Room note is pleasant to tolerable, and aftertaste is great.