Esoterica Tobacciana Cardiff
(2.73)
An outstanding, well balanced mixture of four Virginias, pressed until reddish-brown and then fully rubbed up. A truly traditional tobacco for the most discerning palate.
Details
| Brand | Esoterica Tobacciana |
| Blended By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Manufactured By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Blend Type | Straight Virginia |
| Contents | Virginia |
| Flavoring | Anisette |
| Cut | Ready Rubbed |
| Packaging | 8 ounce bag |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Very Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.73 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 21, 2002 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Cardiff is about as old world as you will find in a tobacco. No frills and a palate pleaser, for sure. Germain used four types of ribbon form Virginias and wove them together for further melding. Straight forward, honest and rather strong, this one will bring back memories of grandpa!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 2015 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
Little wonder Esoterica brands go out of stock so quickly. The note from the 8oz pack is not like anything I've experienced before. Not certain what it is but the fine, very light, shag-looking mixture sure had the aroma of a great wine - the best of any Virginia I have ever encountered. I recently got the tobacco from Iwanries and it was delivered to me today.
It was easy to load though it took two-three lights to get it going. Yet it had a great, rich taste once the smoke was underway. I do agree with one of the reviewers here that it would have been more stellar if the tobacco tasted anywhere near its fragrance. But this is not necessarily a handicap. There was some sweetness - not near as sweet as some reviewers have stated. I did puff hard and impatiently to be able to 'squeeze' out the taste but did not experience any tongue bite.
It's in a class of its own and, right now, though there was not that much complexity to it, I do not know of that many Virginias yet that I have smoked, more tasteful as they may be, that, IMO, have any much deeper complexity. I do believe that it will 'ripen' and achieve a certain distinction with age.
Until such time that I am able to savor it after some aging, I'll settle for a three-and-half star for myself but I'll highly recommend it to others, if only for them to experience the 'tin' note, that amazing aroma from an open pack. I have to add that the room note is not, well, so pleasant.
It was easy to load though it took two-three lights to get it going. Yet it had a great, rich taste once the smoke was underway. I do agree with one of the reviewers here that it would have been more stellar if the tobacco tasted anywhere near its fragrance. But this is not necessarily a handicap. There was some sweetness - not near as sweet as some reviewers have stated. I did puff hard and impatiently to be able to 'squeeze' out the taste but did not experience any tongue bite.
It's in a class of its own and, right now, though there was not that much complexity to it, I do not know of that many Virginias yet that I have smoked, more tasteful as they may be, that, IMO, have any much deeper complexity. I do believe that it will 'ripen' and achieve a certain distinction with age.
Until such time that I am able to savor it after some aging, I'll settle for a three-and-half star for myself but I'll highly recommend it to others, if only for them to experience the 'tin' note, that amazing aroma from an open pack. I have to add that the room note is not, well, so pleasant.
Pipe Used:
L'Anatra Hornsitter
PurchasedFrom:
Iwanries
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 23, 2018 | Mild | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
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.
This is a great smoke that I could enjoy any time of day. It burns slowly with minimal bite and mild nic hit.
Pipe Used:
315ks, 320ks
PurchasedFrom:
Allegheny Smokeworks
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27, 2020 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
After being unavailable, esoterica seems to be around again. Cardiff is a straight virginia, mild and wonderfully nutty sweet. For virginia smokers this is heaven. Its not complex...rather linear, but the quality is so good, and the balance so perfect that its hard not to give this four stars. I usually try to grab a bag of this and peacehaven....both knocked for being to mild or not complex enough....but you know what, complex is not always what one wants.
PurchasedFrom:
cup o joes
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