Esoterica Tobacciana Woodbridge

This is another nice blend from Esoterica, this one being flavored a bit more than others. I like the tart, musty sweetness upon opening the bag. The flavorings are truly "lightly laced" being more of a compliment than something to mask inferior leaf. Colors range from light browns to nearly black w/some blond strands mixed in. The shag cut makes for easy packing and lighting. The pouch aroma is evident in the taste of the smoke w/a tart, mild sweetness that reminds me of a fruity, semi-dry red wine. I won't claim to be a wine connoisseur, that's just the best way I can describe how I taste this tobak. A somewhat citrusy note comes forth here and there, very pleasant to be sure. Virtually no bite for me, and the tasty sweetness/tartness lingers through much of the bowl. Obviously, quality VAs. are used and that rich VA. taste is evident all the way down. A minor gurgle about 1/3 the way down, no worries, one cleaner is all that's required. Nearing bottom the smoke develops a wee bit of a charcoal-like taste but it is not unpleasant in any way. Burns to a near white ash. I prefer to smoke this as well as other Esotericas in Grp. 5 or G, GG size bent pipes, mostly Italians. As the description states "a true luxury blend that leaves the pipe clean and dry." A most enjoyable blend that I can smoke most any time. IMHO, FWIW, another winner from the folks @ J.F. Germain. This most assuredly works for me.

I just want to take this opportunity to offer the Seasons Best Greetings to all of my esteemed colleagues. As we celebrate the birth of Christ and this joyous holiday time, my wife and I wish you Glad Tidings and Gods richest blessings to you and yours. Merry Christmas!!!!

Around 2009 as I was recovering from a case of PAD (pipe acquisition disorder ); I came down with a severe case of TAD (Tobacco acquisition disorder), so, a bag of this was one of the purchases I made during that time, I wish I had purchased a few more bags of this. This is a mild creamy slightly sweet and gentle aromatic tobacco, no rough edges at all. Perfect for the first smoke of the day. Note: this review is based on a sample that was stored for 10+ years.

Sample bag from a bag split with a friend.

The aroma of this tobacco might be my favorite aromatic tobacco smell of all time. Fig Newton cookies, port wine, sugar, vinegar. It smells amazing, aromatic, yet still smells like tobacco should. The tobacco is pretty moist but not sticky. I gave it some dry time. Long strands and some broken flakes in there.

Now the taste is no where near as potent as it smells. This still retains a tobacco taste. I’ll say mild to medium bodied. Hay, nuts, slightly floral (not in a Lackland way), stone fruit, sugar, red wine. It’s mild though and the sweetness is just right. This is sweet but it feels natural. Whatever this is topped with does tone down the tobacco considerably but not enough where you can’t taste the natural tobacco. I thought there was orientals in here but it’s apparently a straight Virginia. It’s an aromatic done right. I feel like I’m smoking tobacco but with added flavors that are coherent and add to the experience of smoking a straight Virginia. Smoked well, requiring few relights after only a few minutes of airing out time.

The flavor stayed the same through out. Sometimes more floral, or hay, or fruit come through. Smoked in the morning with coffee and no breakfast and the nicotine was fine so on the lighter side.

This was very good and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it again if I found it.