Esoterica Tobacciana Pembroke

Sweet cognac notes, orientals in the forefront, slightly spicy. Not much to say - it's an ok blend. Nothing spectacular jumps out. Burned easily with just a few minutes of drying. Fine white ash.

I liked this one a little better than Margate. Even though the Cognac wore off quickly the tobacco just seemed more interesting to me than Margate was. I don't know if this was due to age or what. Though I liked it better than Margate, it was still somewhat boring to me. I give this 2 1/2 stars out of four.

Soli Deo gloria!

A ribbon cut version of Penzance with a cognac topping. Classic latakia in all regards. I found to be a bit strong though.

The score I give this blend depends on how I choose to review it; as a cross over or as an English. Let me clarify, before going any further, that I enjoy English, aromatics, and cross over blends.

Someone recommended this blend as a cross over and, as that, it fails miserably. To me a cross over blend has a good presence of both the English flavor and the aromatic flavor, a good example that comes to mind is Samuel Gawith Chocolate flake. Pembroke has no aromatic flavor; the brandy is not even noticeable. As a cross over, it gets an F.

Judged as an English blend it's pretty good, but for the price there is much, MUCH better out there. Not much complexity and a bit on the mild side, bur really not bad. I'd say it gets a B- to a B.

The cut is also a pain in the butt to pack. Comes in very long and thin strings that tangle up and take some time to pack. I've had a much easier time preparing a plug or a rope than this.

Try it if you like English blends, don't waste your time with it if you want a cross over.

2 star rating to be generous.

I chose this blend over Margate because it says "French Cognac" in its description. However, as a fan for French cognac, I am a little disappointed. The alcohol is not as noticable as Stonehaven, or as Cross-eyed Cricket.

It is a ribbon cut and is with balanced moisture upon opening the tin, nice tobacco anyway. I have already fed my meerschaum with one 2oz tin and a 8oz bag, but the characteristic did not change over the 2 years. I would rate this blend as a 2-star blend since there are much better alternatives out there.

It's ok but not really my cup of tea. Well made and i'm sure some will love it. The smell of the French plonk is very nice but doesnt smoke as nicely.

This just doesn't work for me with the "Cognac" topping. It gives the mixture a sour/bitter taste, little to no sweetness. The Cognac acts like McC's Ketchup/Vinegar, only not as pleasant. The tobacco is similar to Margate in cut and flavor but with a heavier Latikia and less Oriental component, I don't believe it is straight Margate. No bite, burns easy, just an "off"taste. It will take me a long time to finish this tin, but I will finish it. I'll take Margate over this anyday.

Too strong for my liking. Don't get me wrong, I love the original Margate, but I find that even Margate alone is too strong. I've had to add more latakia to cool it done some (namely, Syrian Full Balkan from McClelland; that did the trick!)...it turned out to be a great blend.

Pembroke has all the complexity I look for in an English blend but the depth is too much towards the middle of the bowl. The nicotine tends to overwhelm. My tongue feels like it stops feeling altogether; not pleasing. Tin aroma is lovely. Pembroke also smokes well. I decided to blend Perique to my 2 ounces of Pembroke which adds a dimension that, interesting enough, has cooled it down a bit. It's easier to handle in small doses...

I'll stick to Penzance & And so to Bed the superiors from Esoterica.

It has to be a little dried so that you can smoke it pleasantly and to improve its flavors. This is also due to aging. A thin gold, brown and black ribbon. Aroma: fruity flavor of prunes and autumn fruit, French cognac and honey compose a very good tobacco, which in my opinion is very heavy. After the necessary drying it burns leaving a white ash without muddying at all. Very soft and fine taste. The more experienced say I should have smoked Margate first.

General observation: I was disappointed because I expected it to be much better.