Newminster No. 80 Norway Pipe Cut

Bag note is very light but burley forward. Tobacco needs to be pulled apart and allowed some dry time before packing but the cut is easy to pack in about any method you prefer. Initial light is very burley-ish, mild and very reminiscent of some older OTC blends (I.E. Half&Half). False lights rises and is easily tamped down for a quick and easy relight. the first 1/4 bowl is very mild and does not offer much by way of complexity. As the bowl progresses the burley gives a little nuttiness but there is not by way of sweetness from the Va., the Orientals had very little to add other than a very light tickle to the tongue and sinus. I was a little disappointed with my pairing of black coffee, the blend did not offer the strength and complexity to fit well with the stronger drink and the coffee tended to overpower the smoke. Ice water seemed to be a better palate cleanser for tasting the smoke. Overall the blend is pleasant enough and gets better as the bowl progresses but in my opinion lacks the complexity and natural sweetness that i look for in a blend. This is a "stuff and go" type blend, very easy to smoke while your mind and hands are occupied elsewhere as compared to blends that are more complex which beg you to sit and contemplate.

Very nice balance of burley & oriental. Burns well, not much relighting required. No bite, quite smooth. Medium in the vitamin N department. Giving it a 3 bcs to me, a 4 has to really move me, which this didn't.

I am new smoker and my reviews should be considered with this in mind. This blend was recommended to me by fellow blogger on PipesMagazine. This was smoked with my morning coffee with creamer and honey.

Tobacco has been cellared in jar for 30 days. Ribbon cut. Packed well and seemed a bit dry but almost ideal. Had to relight once halfway likely due to me slowing my cadence. I usually smoke a little fast and must slow down. As per other reviews this definitely burns fast.

Flavor was a nice mild flavor. The sweet nuttiness was predominant with hints of spice from the orientals.

I consider this a very nice tobacco to introduce new smokers to orientals. Virginia/Burley are very common and my first newby tobacco was Carter Hall which I love.

I can understand where more experience smokers rate this below a 3 likely because they consider it bland against the world of Latakia and Fired Kentucky and higher quality Va/Bur blends. I give it 3 stars from a new smokers perspective. So if you are a new smoker looking to start carefully and dip your toe into an oriental this is a good choice at a great price. I am certain this is why it was recommended to me.