Lane Limited LL-7

Based on the positive reviews on ASP and here, I decided to give this a try. I loaded my Don Carlos from the jar at my local B&M. The pouch aroma was typical of a cheap aromatic. It was slightly wet with what I believe to be PG or some other humectant. The flavor was so disgusting I dumped the bowl before I finished. The bottom of the bowl was soaking wet. It's been almost a week and my pipe still stinks and is only beginning to dry out. LL-7 is tied with Firedance Flake for the worst tobacco I've ever smoked. If this was the only pipe tobacco available, I would never smoke again. I might have to sell my poor Don Carlos. What was I thinking?

Like most Lane tobaccos LL-7 is not something you smoke for the nicotine. This is a very mild aromatic comprised mostly of Virginias and then topped with a mild chocolate flavoring. The chocolate is present but it doesn't stand out either in the jar or while it's smoking.

If I want chocolate this probably isn't the one I'd go back to regularly, I save that for 7 Seas. But this is a nice cheap tobacco that can be used to tone down stronger blends.

Flavor profile is definitely light grass/citrus from the Virginias, very much the earthy cocoa (this particularly on retrohale) nutty notes from the Burleys, and just a slight vanilla/chocolate note from the top dressing. The top dressing is probably more subdued for me since this blend has about 2yrs age on it. It's a very well behaved aromatic. Not too hot or wet. Could definitely see this being a go to aromatic or all day for aromatic fans. If you're looking for an aromatic to enjoy around others pick up an ounce or two of this from a local B&M or online retailer.

A delicious smoke that I find myself craving, especially on hot days. It has a good lighter tobacco taste that isn't too overly cased or flavored in the smoke. It does however give you just enough of the aromatic side to know you're smoking an aro by the actual smoke entering your mouth, not just the room note. Never bites even puffed hard until the end, leaves a pleasing aroma that my wife doesn't bitch about... both on me, around my mouth, or in the car etc. Many other tobaccos (even aros) she says I "stink". I do sometimes find it a bit light in the tobacco flavor department but if I want one to smoke while I mow or dink in the garage this is it.

DINGED IT ONE STAR DOWN... TOO MUCH HUMECTANT

This aromatic burns well enough and does not cause immediate tongue bite. It does tend to get wet in the pipe and tongue bite is noticeable the following day. The scent in the pouch is a somewhat chemical smelling vanilla. The aftertaste is simply bad. I couldn't detect any room note. Normally I'd forgive a lot, but in this case the aftertaste is bad enough for me not to recommend this.

Lane limited makes great mainstream blends. I enjoy RLP-6 very much and this seems to be similar except it is a ribbon cut. The cut makes LL-7 burn a little hotter in my opinion. The pouch note is sweet with a hint of chocolate. A little moist but not overly so. Upon lighting the nutty burley comes through and the smoke is on the mild side of medium. Very little nicotine. Can be smoked all day with no trouble. I would place it right between 1Q and RLP-6 on the flavor scale.

This is a great chocolate/vanilla aro. Awesome after taste. I mixed mine with about 1/3 granulated 5 Brothers, which I always do. This is also between 3 and 4. I might like it better than 1Q.

Received as part of the customer appreciation pack from P&G. Smelled very good in the pack. Taste was sort of hit or miss when I was smoking it. Was sitting outside a hotel smoking when some other smokers and non smokers came out and commented on how good it smelled. One asked if it was captain black, so it might have a similar room note. Overall I find the blend o.k. I will smoke out the sample, but will not order more.

Update 6/04/10: Can't stand it anymore, just to sweet and smells like a strong potpourri. Guess my tastes are changing.

Pouch: Moist, smell of chocolate and vanilla. Contains mostly cavendish with some virginia and some burly.

Flame: Burns well, medium body, smooth, no harshness. No tongue bite. Taste of chocolate, vanilla when the cavendish lights. Nice initial tingle which goes away quickly.

Nose: Smooth, creamy steamy chocó vanilla. Smells like the bag. Nice easy to like flavor. Like 1Q but chocolate not vanilla, bit more body and flavor.

Down Bowl: Stays somewhat dry, no bitterness. Flavor uniform as bowl progresses, mild N, no bite, slight nose tingle, no mouth tingle at all.

Aftertaste: Smooth chocolate, little tobacco taste, no bitterness, slight tingle in mouth. Flavor in nose is chocolate.

Conclusion: Mild strength, mild moist smoke, tasty but not like tobacco, nose smell is chocolate and pleasant. Try PS Nougat if you want more tobacco taste. LL-7 is a tasty morning treat with ice coffee flavored with cream liquor. Nice in hot weather.