Tinder Box Connoisseur

The initial sniff of this tobacco is basically an English blend of strong latakia--smokey, burnt tree branches. The aroma of the unlit tobacco also reminds me of old musty pine needles, but very faint. I cannot detect the other tobaccos in this blend. Once lit, the smoke aroma is pleasant. It's almost like a subtle wood campfire and sweetness. The flavors are initially very mild until about the third to fourth draw. Yes, the latakia is there and so is that maple pancakes sweetness. The flavors are very subtle and will gradually become stronger the more time spent with this tobacco. I dare say that a novice pipe smoker might enjoy this English blend. It doesn't bite and it has a subtle lingering sweet feeling the rest of the day. I've tried two other English blends offered by Tinder Box-- Sherlock's Choice and Special Blend. Those blends are more complex while Connoisseur seems rather elementary. If I were desiring an especially quiet and soothing session, I would definitely select Connoisseur. But, I would not rate either blends over the others. Connoisseur is an excellent blend, which I would purchase again.