Middle Earth Tobacco Rivendell

It's a shame Middle Earth Tobacco seems to have gone the way of the dodo. I received a sampler of tins a while back and just now got around to trying them out, this being the first blend I've opened.

In the tin, it looks fantastic - light brown and red ribbons, very uniformly cut, nice and springy, and no sign of stems or chunks anywhere. The aroma was sweet, but in a completely natural way - you know, the way good Virginias and burleys smell when they're allowed to do their own thing without aromatic toppings.

In the pipe, this was straightforward but very pleasing. Sweetness with a little bit of depth from the Virginia, and some earthiness and nutiness from the burley. It burned nice and cool without much effort or attention and didn't leave a sopping mess in the bottom of the pipe. The flavor doesn't really change throughout the bowl, so it isn't a complex blend...but it's so user friendly and inoffensive that this would have made an ideal all-day smoke. It won't blow your socks off, but sometimes you're not looking for that, right?

And to note: the profile for this blend is listed as "aromatic." I can't, for the life of me, figure out why that is.

I wish I'd have cracked this tin earlier and grabbed some for to have on hand before it suddenly became unavailable.

I got a sampler pack from Nat and I have now smoked them all and in my book they all get 4stars! This particular blend is what I would call an "all day" smoke, as the description is dead on and I have already purchased more. The VA's and Burley create a harmony that I rarely find in this type of blend and while there is a bite if puffed too hard, one can easily control this as the tobacco is at perfect moisture level.

Got this, to be honest, based on the appealing name. Wasn't disappointed. Apparently, Virginias are my go to tobaccos. Really smooth tasting blend and an easy cut for us amateurs at loading the pipe. Nice and cool burning. Worth a try.

Heed my harkening to the glory of being a free-willed piper smoker as I present another from the so named Middle Earth Collection! Bestowed upon us by the blending enchantment of The Country Squire appears the Elves’ choice aromatic alchemy the illustrious Rivendell. An aromatic coming from Jackson-way, yeah you know it will probably be good.

Rivendell poses as a relaxed coarse-cut amalgamation of Black Cavendish, assorted Burley and savory Virginia magically dusted with notes of heavenly chocolate and soft walnut flavorings. Richly variegated colors of fawn, golden brown, copper, and stark ebony comprise an alluring mass of pipe weed that emits a slightly tart grassiness that is blanketed by a sugary essence of natural cocoa infused nuttiness. Sounds splendid right!

With the smoking, the profile rounds out to be a gently flavored taste reminiscent of soft creamy hot chocolate in the fore ground lightly seasoned with a subdued sweet tangy walnut dancing in the shadows. The peaceful intensity of this flavor has a very amiable feel that fosters an appealing gracefulness much like the ambience of Rivendell itself.

For whatever reason, I did register a lower presence that was evocative of fruity-apricot Riesling, although no wine casing is noted in the recipe per say. Perhaps some illusional Elfish mysticism influencing the experience. The native tobaccos do add some misty flair as tones of grassy Virginia, earthen sugary/woody Cavendish zest and full Burley molasses-nuttiness project through with accompanying grandeur. Mild in temperament without any harshness in tone or effects, Rivendell produces a freshening room aroma that is delicately sweet and tender in significance. A well balanced and nicely crafted aromatic, this mixture inspires enjoyable inner tranquility and obliging Elven spirit. So, draw up pipe and release yourself to its inherent magic. 3.5 pipes.