Planta Anno MMXIII (California Dream)

The nutty, earthy, woody burley also sports light molasses and a touch of spice, and is the most obvious component. The citrusy, grassy bright Virginia plays a support role. The sugary black cavendish is almost a supporting player. The mildly sweet, light in strength orange topping does sublimate the tobaccos a bit, but allows their inherent aspects to make their presence known. A touch of some peppery spice is also added. The strength is just past the center of mild to medium while the taste does reach the medium threshold. The nic-hit is mild. Won’t bite or get harsh, but fast puffing can warm your tongue a mite. Burns slightly fast with a very consistent flavor. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and needs few relights. Has a short lived after taste. An all day smoke that’s a little less sweeter than your usual aromatic, though the smell the tobacco indicates otherwise.

-JimInks

Planta - Anno MMXIII (California Dream).

It's more of a mixture than plain ribbon. My pouch includes some chunky pieces and a few leafy ones. Obviously, being as this was supplied from bulk, the moisture of a tin becomes moot. However, I did find my pouch dry. The aroma from the blend gives a clear indication of the smoke about to present itself: strongly aromatic.

Of course, the ignition of MMXIII couldn't be easier; too dry. From word 'Go' the oranges rule the roost. I don't find them as bitter, sharp, or astringent as could be the case, but they are in charge. The tobaccos taste more like a simple VaBur, I get hardly any black Cavendish; mind, due to the appearance being mainly brown and minus many black pieces I expected this to be the case. Because of the dryness a problem soon raises it's head: it burns fast and hot. So, the number of relights becomes a redundant topic!

Nicotine: about medium. Room-note: quite strong.

Anno MMXIII? Rubbish mechanically, but the flavour is a slight salvation. Somewhat recommended:

Two stars.

Good but not great. I was expecting more of a summertime blend, but the orange flavor comes across more like an orange liquor than fresh oranges. almost a fall blend.

Very smooth...similar to Q more flavor...burns very well,but unlike Q drys out very fast..I pack it then let it sit for 30...perfect.cant go wrong with this one

The first special edition from Planta that I try and I like it!

Tin note is strong with the fruity flavoring quite noticeable.

A nice cool smoke with the orange addition well balanced, not too strong but leaving a good smell in the mouth.

Room note may be a little strong: something to smoke outside which will be appreciated when the weather is hot and one looks for something special and fully different from other aromatics: quite a change from the cherry or rhum aromatics.

So, who put Sour Patch Kids into the pouch? Because the orange zing really comes through. This isn't just some citrus flavoring, you will get a sour squirt in the eye if you squeeze too hard. In all seriousness, these large, mostly blond (Burley I'm guessing) leaf bits are seriously topped, so walk away now if you are looking for anything natural tasting (unless you want an orange of course).

I'm not a huge fan of packing a bowl with such large pieces (akin to fish flakes), as it tends to compromise air flow and cause a wonky burn rate. Even fire will not detract from the overwhelming flavoring once the bowl is lit. It reminded me of the incense smell when walking into a head shop, and it comes across as a candy product targeting college kids. No bite and not much nicotine, so again, it may be for the kids.

If the idea of orange tobacco interests you, you will get exactly that experience in the warm California sun here..