Esoterica Tobacciana Scarborough

Mostly light brown ribbon with a few flecks of gold. A hay aroma in the bag. The ribbons were very narrow for the most part but I also got some hints of broken flake. No problem to rub those out - I just thought it was interesting.

I found this blend rather thin tasting overall. The flavor was most certainly of Virginia with an emphasis on the sweeter lemon variety but also hints of a darker VA. But it lacked a spine, almost as if it was cured either too long or not long enough. Picture how overcooked noodles taste, as this was the impression I got - kind of limp and bland with a thin texture to the taste. If the Deacon's Downfall I just reviewed is a stew, this one is a bouillon cube... a chicken soup with no body and no chicken. Very disappointing. Everyone is different but my recommendation is that if you enjoy FVF, BBF, the various McClelland Virginias and things of that nature, you'll find this one wanting. If you're trying to replicate the magic of Stonehaven with another Esoterica blend, this ain't it. Not really sweet enough to recommend to Virginia newbies, either. I guess I'm not sure what the market is for this but others like it, so I'll happily forego buying up anymore of this hard to find blend. 1.5 stars rounded to 2, but mostly out of charity.