Fribourg & Treyer Waterloo No. 2 Mixture

Appearance and Tin Aroma: Looks like Squadron Leader in the tin with medium width ribbons of lemon, brown, and dark leaf packed tightly in the tin. Smells more like a VA dominant blend in the tin with the latakia well in the background. it also has a spicy, pungent odor uncommon to English blends but more akin to a VA blend.

Packing and Lighting: The moisture is perfect out of the tin, but is a hassle to get out of the tin when first opened. After about four bowls, the packing loosens up. Lighting is 2-3 lights max.

Initial Flavor: This tastes like a typical F&T Va dominant blend. Its German processing influence is noticable. In their Va blends it is quite delicious, but here, it tastes out of place.

Mid-bowl: This is, unfortunately, a harsh tasting blend. I can't seem to get it in the zone where flavor and temperature are in balance. There is almost no sweetness in this blend either.

Bottom of Bowl: I am actually glad when it is over because of the battle (pun intended) I had with this blend every bowl. It ends dry with mottled ash and with some strength build up, but nothing that will draw me back.

Overall: First, I have to say that I really enjoy some of F&T blends such as Virginia Cut Plug, etc.. Unfortunately, Waterloo did not do anything well for me. It always bordered on tongue-bite and when not too hot, had a harsh VA flavor with no sweetness to offset it. i won't be buying anymore of this blend and I can't say I recommend it. Stick to Chonowitch's T-16 instead for a delightfully complex light English...