The Country Squire Tobacconist Riverboat Queen

As I have put in other reviews I have tried to find an aromatic I can live with for social settings. This aint it. Frankly, I did not finish my first bowl. I am sure this is a fine aromatic for many, but the flavor is almost all topping and little tobacco. To me, the walnut/amaretto flavor dominated. Not the thing for a guy who mostly does balkans and full English blends.

Paired this delicious, complex blend with a strong black coffee. The thick, tasty smoke was the cream & sugar (with hints of buttered cinnamon raisin toast in the mix)! A true delight to smoke in the morning and really anytime for that matter. Happy piping, gents.

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.

Having found myself straying from aromatics this is a nice change of pace from the other blends I have been enjoying. Easy going, no tongue bite, few relights. The nuttiness/chocolate is ever present top to bottom of bowl in each of the pipes I used, while not hiding the tobacco flavors either. The room note is quite pleasant - my lady commented it was lovely. If you are not an aromatic smoker and are looking for a change of pace that isn't goopy and those around you won't mind the smell - this may be a great option.