Bufflehead Old Squaw

I have two standards when measuring burley tobaccos; C&D Morley's Best and Pipeworks and Wilke's Nut Brown Burley. Both of these have been my favorites from the many burley mixtures I have tried. The description of Oldsquaw on the Bufflehead website intrigued me, so I ordered some. The first positive impression you get from this blend is the pouch aroma, which is marvelous. It has an aroma like a coconut creme pie (and I love those). It makes you wonder for a moment if Dave has mistakenly sent you one of his aromatic blends. Firing up a bowl will dispell that impression when the first nutty overtone of the fine burleys hits your tongue. A subtle sweetness lurks in the background that is the proverbial icing on the cake. It really begins to blossom at the 2/3 bowl mark, then stays there till the smoke is nearly done. Packing and lighting are above average and it smokes down with a minimum of relights, even at my slow puffing pace. The room note is pleasant, and I heard no complaints from my better half. This is a good one to use for breaking in new pipes, and is also a really fine cob smoker. Bottom line? My MB and NBB are feeling a bit neglected these days, as I'm reaching for the Oldsquaw on a regular basis. Highly recommended!

Sad footnote: Dave Windsor has gotten out of the tobacco business and Bufflehead tobaccos are now only a part of history. I will miss both them and doing business with Dave, who was a really nice guy and first-class businessman.