The Country Squire Tobacconist Parson's Blend

(3.56)
Meet Parson's Blend... developed for the parson himself! One of our dear customers, who happens to be an Anglican priest, asked for a blend that his wife would let him smoke indoors and that also would not lead to tongue bite. Parson's Blend is our effort to deliver these characteristics in a mild, aromatic blend that leaves your mouth feeling soft and smooth and fills the room with a delicious, warm note. Customers often say that Parson's Blend's smoke is "thick"; our experience is that it leaves you in the midst of a very pleasant cloud. Delicious and crowd-pleasing!
Notes: Founded by Jim and Gwen Reeves in August of 1970, The Country Squire has been a Mississippi fixture and mainstay for over 40 years. As Mississippi's oldest tobacconist, we feature over 20 unique and interesting house pipe tobacco blends.

Details

Brand The Country Squire Tobacconist
Blended By  
Manufactured By  
Blend Type Aromatic
Contents Black Cavendish, Burley
Flavoring Fruit / Citrus
Cut Coarse Cut
Packaging Bulk
Country United States
Production Currently available

Profile

Strength
Mild
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Very Pleasant
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming

Average Rating

3.56 / 4
13

3

1

1

Reviews

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 17 Reviews
Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jul 28, 2023 Mild Mild Mild to Medium Very Pleasant
Anyways, thus entering for careful review, Parson’s Blend comes hailing as a perfection of assorted fruits and Burley contrived in the vein of an easeful and welcoming smoking treatise. This well-crafted concoction brings forth an assemblage of mixed Burley leaves interspersed with modest Black Cavendish, while entertaining the smoker with a sweet natured celebration of selective fruit-based coatings. Now, that may be the official billing on record, but truly, I sense there is much more within the cleric’s rectory which I will get to directly.

Configured as a mixed melee of handsome finer ribbon and dainty coarse cut morsels, Parson’s Blend, presents a promising display of opulent chocolate, blanched taupe, variable browns, red, and lighter fawns. Predominantly weighted and heavily clustered by White and Dark Burley strains, one will glean that about ten percent of the mixture is comprised of Cavendish and some other unmentioned leaves, of which I deem to be of the Virginian sort.

In reference to this bulk tobacco’s pouched nose, I guess I could say that the essence does evoke a reasonable facsimile of the flavors that are soon discovered in the smoking. Not necessarily complex, but more so involved and resolutely well fused in a fragrant bouquet of complementing colors. Namely, an overarching sugary ambience nicely introduces itself hosting elements of creamy vanilla, gentle caramel, a hint of cocoa, and a blissful commingled fruitiness that is all encompassing and abstract. Supporting this forward characterization, Parson’s Blend also endows some natural aromas of mild sourness and a healthy air of tart earthy nuttiness that fill the bottoms of its exacting attractiveness.

If I were to broadly generalize, I could suggest that this tobacco tends to be topping dominant for the most part. Qualifying dominant, however, in a tapered manner as their experienced intensity proved to be well-trimmed of overindulgent aromatic vibrato. In actuality, the composite taste profile eventually manifests as reasonably balanced between the noted coatings and the native strains that form its mass. Gently sweet and pacifying in magnitude largely, Parson’s Blend stands as a shining example of a refined and well-designed recipe on the whole. Likewise, I found the textural quality of body and flavorsomeness to be undeniably smooth and duly polished.

Having determinately smoked the bolus of my sample ounces into a mournful state of paucity, I think I have finally come to a resolve on what I believe to be the inclusive additives here on this one. Perhaps what follows is my best objective interpretation of the same, more so. The blend was unquestionably fruity to say the least. But honestly, the tobacco encountered as being characteristically elusive in demeanor. Could this be Mixture Scottish Blend’s down-home Mississippi cousin? Judging from my trials, I found this smoking adventure to be a truly similar exercise in contestable scrying.

More precisely, this little booger of an aromatic is painted up, down, and sideways with uncompromising obscurity. Therefore, being able to define what actual flavors were properly and succinctly coming through became a formidable challenge. Nevertheless, it is my experienced feeling that Parson’s Blend has been so well mixed that the assorted streams of fruity additives do arrive in a superbly orchestrated meld, making for a puzzling depiction to cleanly decipher, even for those pipers who are blessed with an almighty gold-standard palate. And given the coating’s gracious mildness this dilemma is indeed somewhat extended.

Overall, there is a definite base presence of a constant enjoyable plum circulating with a classic notation of sugary, ripe, dark-skinned fruitiness appeal. Accompanying this central note, I nicely recorded some form of a latent mystery berry element, which ultimately settled within my mind as the taste of a diluted blueberry variety. Further I did sense a brighter melon like essence that was reminiscent of crisp honeydew on the top trailing finish, offering a musky and sweetly floral garnishment.

Still, Parson’s Blend savory colorfulness was finely accented with a discrete wrapping of real vanilla, rich caramel, basic sugar and with just a tracing of some indistinct mulling type seasoning that borders on cooked cinnamon and cardamon. Last I perceived an occasional undertone that, oddly enough, I pleasantly associated with those little candied treasures of French burnt peanuts, weird but true.

As to the base native influence, I discovered them to be well rounded and of equal footing with the cited cast of secretive “fu-fus” previously discussed. For the mixed Burley itself, the blend projects a common walnut-centric nuttiness streamed with decorations of weaker cocoa and firmer molasses. With that, the registration revealed some modest earthiness common to a gentler cigar intertwined with a bit of placid wood coming from the Dark varietal. Tipping these strains base flavor was a highlighting nuance of lesser mint and refined sourness.

Despite the official listing, it is of my candid opinion that the Parson’s Blend recipe does contain a sprig or two of Virginian leaf. Again, denoting what I perceived upon the visual inspection and then supported by familiar chords of sweet Red wood and a distant parceling of citrusy grass, I do stand by that conviction. The succulent darker tones of Red in particular can be recognized as they seem to resonate deep in the bottom layers of natural tastings. And for the Cavendish, maybe a minor contribution of basic zest at best. So, as you would have it, Parson’s Blend is categorically a Burley favored smoking excursion.

As the bowl progresses, one will find the confluence of the assorted additives tends to calm itself allowing for the advancement and importance of the native strains. Although a pacifying and comforting sweetness still reverberates clearly, the essential persona of this tobacco grows deeper, slightly more robust, and definitely woodier in disposition. The remarking of darker wood, headier sourness, and spicy zest surface to project a lively sensation within the whole palate. This combination of natural sweet-sour savor and the blend’s toasty smokiness will be sure to find you well seated in a big poufy chair of delighted contentment.

Demonstrating optimum mechanical attributes respective to critical burn properties and obliging modest temperature, the medium nicotine Parson’s Blend is generous in its production of quality plumes of dense sweet aired “pipey” grandiose smoke. The follow-on room essence is nothing short of pleasantly appealing and I dare say that would apply to even the most susceptible or delicate natured onlookers. Carrying the essence of sugary nuttiness as the principal base, the tobacco shines with the mood of a sweetish fruited mantra, seasoned by the embracing of welcoming vanilla and warm caramel as a waft of passive wood envelopes its aroma. Attractive in a word, enough said on that matter.

In closing, I do recommend that you get yourself familiarized with the moralizing aromatic sermon of the Squire’s Parson’s Blend. Judging from my enjoyable sampling, I assess the pitch of oration to be of a truly redeeming nature. Climb aboard the taste train and have yourself a bowl or two. And with that smart action, I believe you too will come to see the light just as I did myself, ha-ha. 3.3 Pipes
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jul 05, 2018 Mild Mild to Medium Mild to Medium Very Pleasant
Parson’s Blend is one of the Country Squire’s more popular aromatic blends and I can clearly see why. Although, I have to admit that I was put off by the fruity aroma of the pouch note which to me smells excessively sweet. But as a few others have mentioned, once properly lit the peculiar fruit flavor sits comfortably in the background of the entire bowl and it creates a rather pleasant room note.

The taste of Parson’s Blend is definitely on the sweet side of the spectrum and what comes through is a fine balance of mild nutty burley, plum, a hint of clove and a light vanilla/caramel finish. Perhaps, the crowning achievement of Parson’s and the hardest thing to describe, is just how well this mixture is blended. The flavor is incredibly consistent throughout the bowl with zero in the way of weird off flavors. Moreover, Parson’s has an extra gear and gains a stronger, woody tobacco taste near the end of the bowl. The shift in flavor strength was a pleasant suprise and a testament to the quality of the burley at the core of this American style aromatic.

Parson’s Blend benefits greatly from being dried down, but as always this is a matter personal taste. Depending on the weather, 30 minutes usually does the trick for me but I do live in a drier climate.

Definitely the best aromatic that I have had from the Squire so far. It's mild but it's quite flavorful.
16 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jan 22, 2014 Mild Mild Mild Very Pleasant
From the Mountain Rambling Rusticator:

I smoked this for the fist time, in a briar Canadian, while walking the dogs in the snow on a spectacular bluebird day here in the mountains of Colorado. From the first puff I knew this would be a new favorite and a new addition to my Top Shelf list of tobaccos. This smoke evokes a pastoral stroll in a bucolic meadow. It's as soft as a Lab's ear, as comfortable as a favorite pair of jeans, and as congenial as an old friend. Four stars all the way.
Pipe Used: Briar Canadian
PurchasedFrom: The Country Squire, Jackson, MS
Age When Smoked: Newly acquired from the tobacconist
13 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Dec 28, 2019 Mild to Medium Medium Mild to Medium Very Pleasant
The aspects of the nutty, woody, earthy burley and sugary black cavendish are fairly sublimated by the toppings. It’s hard to define those toppings, but I notice a little plum, caramel, clove, and a few drops of vanilla in addition to another non-citrus fruit. The strength is a step past the mild mark, and the taste is a slot past that.The nic-hit is very mild. Won’t bite or get harsh, and has no rough edges. Burns cool and clean at a reasonable rate with a very consistent sweet and lightly creamy flavor from start to finish. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a short lived, pleasant after taste and room note. An easy going all day smoke. Three and a half stars.

-JimInks
11 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Dec 13, 2014 Mild Mild to Medium Medium Very Pleasant
The two best qualities associated with Parson's blend, excluding it's fruity taste, is its delightful aroma and the voluminous amount of smoke this blend produces. As the description notes, this blend was created to be smoked in the house at the approval of the wife or girlfriend. If your significant other is hesitant about your pipe smoking, then this may just be the blend to win them over. A soft but flavorful fruitiness makes this blend a great after dinner smoke. While fruit and spices are the main attractions of Parson's Blend, it's flavoring does not detract from the natural tobacco taste. I no point felt I was smoking a "syrupy" aromatic. Great blend that will have a place in my cellar for years to come.
Pipe Used: Savinelli Bing's Favorite
PurchasedFrom: The Country Squire
Age When Smoked: Freshly Mixed
10 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Oct 05, 2016 Very Mild Mild Mild to Medium Very Pleasant
I am not normally an aromatic smoker. Lately I have been on a big bold kick, smoky and chewy dark fired kentucky, big burleys, bright sweet virginias, peppery zippy perique, etc.

This blend surely surprised me. It is a gentle, comfortable smoke. If I had to describe it in one word it would be "soft". Soft in the manner of your favorite old flannel shirt, your best four legged friend kind of soft.

I got no bite at all, with a mild and unassuming light fruity sweetness. It burned clean leaving very little behind with none of your usual aromatic "goop". Quite a bit of fairly heavy smoke and an uncomplicated and thoroughly relaxing tobacco. As a bonus, this won't flog you with a bunch of nicotine either. This is the first aromatic I can honestly say made me sad when the bowl was empty.

Some reviews here mentioned cocoa and vanilla. I got none of that at all, just a nice soft rounded fruitiness that I couldn't quite put my finger on.

If I were ever to decide to become a dedicated aromatic smoker this is the blend that would convert me. As it is, I will keep this on hand for those times when I just want to sit on the porch, relax and watch the kids play with the dogs. I will definitely be ordering this again when my 2oz taster runs out.
Pipe Used: Falcon
PurchasedFrom: The Country Squire
Age When Smoked: Fresh
6 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Oct 28, 2020 Mild to Medium Extremely Mild Mild Very Pleasant
This was a part of my first purchase from The Country Squire. All of the tobacco I received from The Country Squire had the appropriate moisture level. No wet goopy tobacco here! It packs and burns well with few if any relites. No hint of tongue bite. The casing was light, perhaps a little too much so. As the bowl progressed, the fruity casing diminished even more.. Not a bad, smoke, but I expected more based on other reviews
Pipe Used: Hilson Volcano and others
PurchasedFrom: The Country Squire Tobacconist
Age When Smoked: New
4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Feb 07, 2020 Mild to Medium Mild to Medium Mild to Medium Very Pleasant
I am not a regular Aromatic smoker but this is no regular Aromatic.

Usually I can be found far away from people smoking some quality Balkan or English because they tend to not be too bystander friendly. I am simply not a big fan of Aromatic blends but there's something special about Parson's Blend.

The aroma from the pipe is very pleasant. People actually come around to find out what it is I am smoking, yet it still has enough complexity in the Virginias to thoroughly enjoy the smoke. They say this is a crossover blend but I think it stands on its own. It's sweet yet savory. There is body to the flavor and while smoking it, you know you are smoking something unlike many Aromatics. It's not gloopy at all and requires very little drying time. The smoke is thick and creamy thanks to the Burley which adds some strength and it's very easy to keep lit. It burns very cool.

The toppings are subtle and seem "natural" in flavor. I don't know how else to describe it. Like the opposite of some of the Sutliff blends out there which burn your tongue and leave a tar like coating on the inside of your pipe. It's kind to your mouth.

It would be very easy to smoke this one down to the bottom of the bowl without even knowing it so be careful not to harm your pipe. There is ZERO tongue bite even if you are really chuffing. Not harsh and leaves a nice aroma on your clothing.

This is a very satisfying blend and one of the few aromatics I really enjoy.

Solid 4 from me. I will never be without some of this blend in my cellar as long as it's made. If I am going to be around people, this is usually the blend I have in my BaccyFlap.
4 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Nov 12, 2015 Mild to Medium Mild to Medium Medium to Full Very Pleasant
Being a routine Country Squire Radio listener, I knew early on in my pipe smoking adventure that one day I would eventually have to give the world renowned “Parson’s Blend” a shot. I must say, I have not been disappointed. This blend of tobacco gives off large plumes of bellowing smoke that fills the air with a beautiful aromatic scent that almost everyone enjoys. It burns cool and does not leave any signs of tongue bite. I’ve put it through cobs and briars with much success. If you enjoy aromatics or you’re looking for a smoke that the misses won’t mind, I recommend this blend!
Pipe Used: Cobs and Briars
PurchasedFrom: The Countery Squire; http://www.thecountrysquireonline.com/pipe-tobacco/parsons-blend-fruit-and-burl
Age When Smoked: Upon Shipment
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jun 26, 2020 Mild to Medium Mild Mild to Medium Very Pleasant
I’m relaxing in my armchair with a bowl of Parson’s blend in my Savinelli 104 smooth finished Churchwarden. I take out a long “Por Larranaga” cedar match and initiate my False Light. Suddenly my senses of taste and smell transport me back to my grandparents small orchard. The dark cavendish offers up smells of apple, pear, and muscadine grapes. This fruity bouquet wafts over me. In the background hints of vanilla and a smidgeon of clove flit playfully around. The burleys are ever present lending their ability to slow the blend’s burn rate down giving a cooler no-bite smoke. The Country Squire’s website explains “How the blend got it’s name”. One of theirr dear customers, who happened to be an Anglican priest, asked for a blend that his wife would let him smoke indoors and that also would not lead to tongue bite. Parson’s Blend is the Country Squire’s effort to deliver these characteristics in a mild, aromatic blend that leaves your mouth feeling soft and smooth and fills the room with a delicious, warm note.
Pipe Used: Savinelli 104 Churchwarden
PurchasedFrom: The Country Squire, 1855 Lakeland Drive (The Quarter Shopping Center) Suite C 10 Jackson, MS
Age When Smoked: Bulk and freshly blended.
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Apr 13, 2017 Mild Medium Medium Very Pleasant
Another great blend by the Country Squire, this blend lives up to the expectations of those wives who don't stand stronger blends in da house 🙂 It's a really good mixture, with a fruity (but not syrupy) taste, easy to pack and to light. The room note is really pleasant, no tongue bite even if you draw too fast. The Aromatic Squire blends are blends which are... "reassuring", in the sense that, as soon as you decide to have a bowl of them, you'll know it will be a great experience.
Pipe Used: Bent Apple US
PurchasedFrom: The Country Squire shop
Age When Smoked: Fresh
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