W.O. Larsen Limited Edition 2014

The Virginias offer a little citrus, grass, and earth, though they fight for attention with the topping, and come out second best. The same is true for the black cavendish, although some vanilla underscores the flavor for the entire smoke. The topping is fruity and I consistently get an alcohol taste with it. I'm wondering if one or all of the toppings are fruit flavored brandy? There are a few sour notes from how it's topped which get a little stronger after the half way point to the point of near bitterness. I wouldn't consider this to be an all day smoke. Burns slightly fast and cool with no bite, and little nicotine. Leaves some moisture in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. I kind of lean toward two stars, but the after taste is a little cloying and while not unpleasant, isn't attractive as it should be.

-JimInks

Well this is the annual contribution from W.O. Larsen to special editions. I have been following them for several years. Some where outstanding, most of them just on the average. The 2014 edition is rather on the average side.

In the tin there is a fruitful aroma mostly redcurrant or blackcurrant. Smoking it is rather nice, room note satisfactory (that is no complaints such as 'are you smoking jam?'). Nothing much to say about it. Worth the money for a good aromatic but one would expect something more with a special selection.

Sorry, I forgot the design of the tin: some where rather lousy in the past, this one is rather distinctive and will be much helpful for paper clips or that kind of things.

Bulk sample from local tobacconist.

In the bag, fruit and chocolate on the nose.

Flavour stays throughout the smoke.

Room note chocolate - positive results from two female noses.

Opening the fresh tin revealed an even mix of brown and black ribbons in various cuts and sizes. The moisture level was about right for me, and the only smell was of passion fruit. Both the unlit sip and charring light brought the taste of passion fruit to my lips and this taste dominates and lasts through the whole bowl. Every so often there was a hint of vanilla, but it was barely noticeable. It was pleasant when smoked slowly, and reminded me of a mango blend I purchased from a B&M once. The finish was short, but it left a cocoa aftertaste that I found strange. It also left one of the thickest gray ashes I’ve ever come across. The room note was pleasant enough and over all it was a pleasant aromatic. Unfortunately, the flavor profile was just not for me. If it can still be found, aromatic fans should give it a try and see what they think.

Really something great for the summer : exquisite exotic fruit flavour, slow-burning tobacco, without any tongue issue. And a great room-note…

I have bought some of these tins, which I keep in my cellar in case the next edition does not meet my expectations!