McClelland British Woods
(3.27)
Full, rich and dark, heavy with fragrant latakia, spiced with premium Macedonian tobaccos. Lightly sweetened with matured Virginias, this distinguished Oriental mixture is slow burning and cool smoking. It offers richness and depth plus unparalleled smoothness and refinement.
Details
| Brand | McClelland |
| Series | Personal Reserve |
| Blended By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Manufactured By | McClelland Tobacco Company |
| Blend Type | Oriental |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin, 100 grams tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.27 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 42 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 12, 2005 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
Originally, I was not a fan of McClelland. Then again, I tried them about 25 years ago as a lad, too eager to try every sugarcoated aromatic out there. Since resuming piping, I find that McClelland is one great tobacco blender, and I am anxious to try more of them. I especially enjoy their Personal Reserve line. So far, BW might qualify for a desert island choice.
Like most of their blends, BW has that ketchupy, barbeque aroma in the tin, though not as pronounced as their mature Virginia series. BW is more along the lines of the Frog Morton series: relaxed, woodsy, mellow and campfirey. This is a spicier version of Across the Pond of that lineage.
This is the usual thickly cut, loosely packed mixture of dark stoved Virginias with Latakia making a subtle show in the background and tangy Macedonian tobaccos. If such a moniker exists, one might call this an American English. It?s subtly sweet and silky and leaves the room with a beautiful aroma. A friend commented that my living room smelled like a fireplace. Puffed slowly or aggressively, this is a chewy smoke. If there is a casing, it?s a very light top dressing that?s barely detectable outside of the tin aroma. This is a tobacco that I look forward to all day for that last evening smoke.
It?s amazing how each manufacturer has a signature that identifies them and yet, sets them apart from all their competitors: Wilke: molasses and baked spices; Dunhill: grass, peat and smoke; McClelland: barbeque and burnt ember. All of McClelland?s foundations are basically the same and yet subtly different. BW is a blend that I can smoke all day, and am bittersweet when the bowl and ultimately, the tin, come to an end. It always seems that there?s never enough tobacco in the tin. More and more, I am finding that this is replacing my usual default Dunhills. In an age of outsourcing and lower standards, McClelland remains true to form. Buy American? Yes, indeed!
Though not cheap, McClelland is a standard for quality in pipe tobaccos, and a brand that every loyal pipe smoker ought to sample at least once in life. I am sure that one or a few of them might become part of your standard repertory, as they will mine. Certainly, BW ranks right up there with the best of tobacciana.
Five of five stars
annual update 12/12/05
I bought a 100g tin of this magnificent tobacco last year & let it age in the tin. We're having an early winter & it's been very cold & dry. I promised to open this one around the holidays, and I'm so glad I did. BW emotes an almost nostalgic feel, like being home for the holidays with old friends & family. The ketchupy tin aroma has all but dissipated, leaving only a subtle mellowness. The leaf is satiny moist with just enough dryness to make it burn confidently but not like a fiery blast furnace. The aroma is smokey, with just the perfect amount of sun ripened oscuro-like spice. The taste is a delicious melange of exotic Macedonians & Orientals. BW is a meticulously blended chorus of celestial voices. While other blends I've revisted seem to go backward in quality, this actually got better. I will get another tin & age it for next season. BW is a richer, chewier Ashton Black Dog & a more muscular Frog Morton on the Town. The winner & still champion, & unless something grander comes along to sweep me off my feet, BW is probably my all time favorite. It doesn't get any better than this. Bravo!
Six of five stars
Like most of their blends, BW has that ketchupy, barbeque aroma in the tin, though not as pronounced as their mature Virginia series. BW is more along the lines of the Frog Morton series: relaxed, woodsy, mellow and campfirey. This is a spicier version of Across the Pond of that lineage.
This is the usual thickly cut, loosely packed mixture of dark stoved Virginias with Latakia making a subtle show in the background and tangy Macedonian tobaccos. If such a moniker exists, one might call this an American English. It?s subtly sweet and silky and leaves the room with a beautiful aroma. A friend commented that my living room smelled like a fireplace. Puffed slowly or aggressively, this is a chewy smoke. If there is a casing, it?s a very light top dressing that?s barely detectable outside of the tin aroma. This is a tobacco that I look forward to all day for that last evening smoke.
It?s amazing how each manufacturer has a signature that identifies them and yet, sets them apart from all their competitors: Wilke: molasses and baked spices; Dunhill: grass, peat and smoke; McClelland: barbeque and burnt ember. All of McClelland?s foundations are basically the same and yet subtly different. BW is a blend that I can smoke all day, and am bittersweet when the bowl and ultimately, the tin, come to an end. It always seems that there?s never enough tobacco in the tin. More and more, I am finding that this is replacing my usual default Dunhills. In an age of outsourcing and lower standards, McClelland remains true to form. Buy American? Yes, indeed!
Though not cheap, McClelland is a standard for quality in pipe tobaccos, and a brand that every loyal pipe smoker ought to sample at least once in life. I am sure that one or a few of them might become part of your standard repertory, as they will mine. Certainly, BW ranks right up there with the best of tobacciana.
Five of five stars
annual update 12/12/05
I bought a 100g tin of this magnificent tobacco last year & let it age in the tin. We're having an early winter & it's been very cold & dry. I promised to open this one around the holidays, and I'm so glad I did. BW emotes an almost nostalgic feel, like being home for the holidays with old friends & family. The ketchupy tin aroma has all but dissipated, leaving only a subtle mellowness. The leaf is satiny moist with just enough dryness to make it burn confidently but not like a fiery blast furnace. The aroma is smokey, with just the perfect amount of sun ripened oscuro-like spice. The taste is a delicious melange of exotic Macedonians & Orientals. BW is a meticulously blended chorus of celestial voices. While other blends I've revisted seem to go backward in quality, this actually got better. I will get another tin & age it for next season. BW is a richer, chewier Ashton Black Dog & a more muscular Frog Morton on the Town. The winner & still champion, & unless something grander comes along to sweep me off my feet, BW is probably my all time favorite. It doesn't get any better than this. Bravo!
Six of five stars
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 03, 2014 | Medium to Strong | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
This is McClelland at its underrated best.
Everyone knows McClelland for this matured VA's that pack most of their blends, that unmistakable ketchup/vinegary and sour matured goodness. That is their hallmark, but for this, they took that as the bedrock and added some wonderfully rich and sumptuous Latakia and Oriental to make the most satisfying English blend I know of. I'm serious, its that good.
A lot of English blends focus on the Latakia and have a huge dose of it, and add in some of the other ingredients almost as condiments, whereas British Woods gives the VA equal pegging, and as there are McClelland VA's in there, they pack a wallop and augment the Lat and the Orientals so well without being in there as "also-rans".
The result is such a rich a fragrant smoke. Its like Lancers Slices except with that Middle Eastern spice element thrown in, and all in such high quality and perfect cohesion that each puff gets better the whole way down.
Impossible to get it to bite, no dirty taste when pushed, no run-off in the bowl or stem, and unlike other English blends which can actually lose pop as they age when cellared, this gains a lot as the VA's continue to ferment and keep getting richer.
If someone held a gun to my head and asked me to choose between this or Black House, I would mutter "British Woods" under my breath. Black House opens to such wild and extravagant flavors that you just can't comprehend it, this opens quietly and builds and build to a wonderful finale.
Awesome. May it never go out of production.
Everyone knows McClelland for this matured VA's that pack most of their blends, that unmistakable ketchup/vinegary and sour matured goodness. That is their hallmark, but for this, they took that as the bedrock and added some wonderfully rich and sumptuous Latakia and Oriental to make the most satisfying English blend I know of. I'm serious, its that good.
A lot of English blends focus on the Latakia and have a huge dose of it, and add in some of the other ingredients almost as condiments, whereas British Woods gives the VA equal pegging, and as there are McClelland VA's in there, they pack a wallop and augment the Lat and the Orientals so well without being in there as "also-rans".
The result is such a rich a fragrant smoke. Its like Lancers Slices except with that Middle Eastern spice element thrown in, and all in such high quality and perfect cohesion that each puff gets better the whole way down.
Impossible to get it to bite, no dirty taste when pushed, no run-off in the bowl or stem, and unlike other English blends which can actually lose pop as they age when cellared, this gains a lot as the VA's continue to ferment and keep getting richer.
If someone held a gun to my head and asked me to choose between this or Black House, I would mutter "British Woods" under my breath. Black House opens to such wild and extravagant flavors that you just can't comprehend it, this opens quietly and builds and build to a wonderful finale.
Awesome. May it never go out of production.
Pipe Used:
Peterson Killarney
PurchasedFrom:
Pipes and Cigars
Age When Smoked:
4 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 20, 2009 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I first got into pipe smoking many years ago via nothing but bulk english blends and have only recently started to branch out into tins. I came across this one not too long ago, and it is a revelation. It has become my quintessential, supreme english blend. The search is over.
Like McClelland's Dark Star, this tobacco sometimes seems to me to transcend the sensual and approach the realm of high art. Incredibly smooth, silky, full, rich, subtle, even -- dare I say? -- close to perfection. It's everything I could hope for in a terrific, peaceful smoke.
Such a calmly joyous experience, like the fourth movement of Mahler's 4th. This blend is so good that I cannot consider British Woods an everyday go-to blend, but something to be relished when the mood is right, a Lagavulin rather than a Johnny Red.
Pipe smoking exists for blends like this.
Like McClelland's Dark Star, this tobacco sometimes seems to me to transcend the sensual and approach the realm of high art. Incredibly smooth, silky, full, rich, subtle, even -- dare I say? -- close to perfection. It's everything I could hope for in a terrific, peaceful smoke.
Such a calmly joyous experience, like the fourth movement of Mahler's 4th. This blend is so good that I cannot consider British Woods an everyday go-to blend, but something to be relished when the mood is right, a Lagavulin rather than a Johnny Red.
Pipe smoking exists for blends like this.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 20, 2017 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Slightly Oriental forward, but the Latakia and matured Virginia leaf is not far behind. A superior blend that has been a huge McClelland's favorite for many decades. The way the leaf combines for such a rich presentation is due to a special process by the blender that marries all the components in their natural juices for many months before tinning. Just a remarkable blend.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 03, 2005 | Medium to Strong | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
i was in a local tinderbox buying some tins of fmott.i was talking to the guy that worked there about how much i really enjoyed fmott.when he handed me the tins,i noticed that they were dated 2000.i was really happy to buy some 5yr old tins of fmott and made the comment to the guy that i could`nt believe how old the tins were.well he told me how alot of thier pipe smokers buy the tinderboxes bulk blends and don`t really buy alot of tins.
he asked me if i had ever smoked british woods? i told him i had`nt,and he told me he had some tins that were 7yrs old sitting on the shelf.well...i told him i`d have to try it some time,and i took my fmott and left.i got home, and alittle later i started thinking about giving british woods a try.so,i got on line and read the reviews on it,and they all seemed pretty good.well,i went back the next day and bought a can to try.i got home with my new tobacco,sat down,opened the tin,and packed my pipe.all i can say is...wow! i liked this tobacco from the first puff.
it smoked cool,with no tounge burn,and the flavor was great.after a secound and third bowl,it was back to the tinderbox to buy some more tins.maybe i was spoiled by this tobacco,due to it`s age,but i really like it.i`m glad i gave this one a try.its a great addition to my heavier english blends,ashton old dog and nightcap.i like my tobacco alittle on the drier side,so i let the rest of the tin air dry for a bit.i will keep some of this toacco in the cellar.give it a try,i don`t think you`ll be disappointed.
he asked me if i had ever smoked british woods? i told him i had`nt,and he told me he had some tins that were 7yrs old sitting on the shelf.well...i told him i`d have to try it some time,and i took my fmott and left.i got home, and alittle later i started thinking about giving british woods a try.so,i got on line and read the reviews on it,and they all seemed pretty good.well,i went back the next day and bought a can to try.i got home with my new tobacco,sat down,opened the tin,and packed my pipe.all i can say is...wow! i liked this tobacco from the first puff.
it smoked cool,with no tounge burn,and the flavor was great.after a secound and third bowl,it was back to the tinderbox to buy some more tins.maybe i was spoiled by this tobacco,due to it`s age,but i really like it.i`m glad i gave this one a try.its a great addition to my heavier english blends,ashton old dog and nightcap.i like my tobacco alittle on the drier side,so i let the rest of the tin air dry for a bit.i will keep some of this toacco in the cellar.give it a try,i don`t think you`ll be disappointed.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 26, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Much has already been said about this wonderful tobacco and by those who I would say are unmatched when it comes to reviewing blends. For me, writing reviews is cathartic. It reaffirms my love or disdain for said product. And British Woods I love! Upon cracking the tin your senses are greeted with beautiful, spicy, smokey latakia and just underneath that an exotic spice from the orientals, and of course the ever present McClelland Virginia tang.
As an early pipe smoker, I classified this as an English blend, but after a little experience and familiarization with the pipe I would throw this in the Oriental/Balkan category. The ribbon is a very mottled cut which is a little harder to work than some other blenders shag/ribbon cuts, but that's okay. This stuff is worth it! The charring light delivers a nice peat smoked flavor, reminiscent of a first sip of good whiskey. Once you light it for good the latakia gives way to the Virginia's and the blend settles down and delivers a relaxing interplay of sweet and smoke. At approximately one third of the bowl the sweetness takes over with a nice sour note mingled in and bringing with it slight smokiness from the latakia. At this point, British Woods truly is a joy to sip. So easy to savor and you don't have to pull hard for flavor, each sip delivers the tangy sweet, smokey, sour richness promised on the tin label. Very good indeed!
As an early pipe smoker, I classified this as an English blend, but after a little experience and familiarization with the pipe I would throw this in the Oriental/Balkan category. The ribbon is a very mottled cut which is a little harder to work than some other blenders shag/ribbon cuts, but that's okay. This stuff is worth it! The charring light delivers a nice peat smoked flavor, reminiscent of a first sip of good whiskey. Once you light it for good the latakia gives way to the Virginia's and the blend settles down and delivers a relaxing interplay of sweet and smoke. At approximately one third of the bowl the sweetness takes over with a nice sour note mingled in and bringing with it slight smokiness from the latakia. At this point, British Woods truly is a joy to sip. So easy to savor and you don't have to pull hard for flavor, each sip delivers the tangy sweet, smokey, sour richness promised on the tin label. Very good indeed!
Pipe Used:
Many
PurchasedFrom:
B & M
Age When Smoked:
fresh and aged 3 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 07, 2016 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A Latakia forward English supported by some sweet Virginias and the barest presence of fragrant, sour Orientals. There is enough Lat here for it to be into Lat bomb territory, but this far from monochramatic, having a great depth of flavour and a full cross palate flavour.
It is smoky, earthy, with pepper notes and an ever present sweet champagne like sparkle.
This is a classic. Too rich I think for everyday, but for those special moments.
It is smoky, earthy, with pepper notes and an ever present sweet champagne like sparkle.
This is a classic. Too rich I think for everyday, but for those special moments.
Pipe Used:
Lepeltier
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 22, 2014 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
I am, at present, a big fan of all things Latakia. On one hand, that might skew my opinions unfairly in favor of Latakia-forward blends; on the other, it might also give me a fair basis for comparison when I break them down. Maybe it's entirely irrelevant, but at least it's out there.
That said, I find this to be a fantastic blend. The tin aroma is leathery and smoky as one would expect from a Latakia/Oriental, with just a hint of the familiar ketchup/barbeque twang that we typically get from the fine folks at McClelland. The cut is a chunky, uneven ribbon that is a combination of quite black and rather dark brown leaf, and the moisture fresh from the tin seems maybe just a bit high.
With the moisture in mind, I was skeptical as to lighting the bowl and keeping it lit. I think the uneven consistency of the cut and the moisture may have contributed to a bit of difficulty getting it fired up, but after only a few extra matches it was off an running. Bowl after bowl has been the same, although once the puffing gets started I haven't noticed that BW has required any more (or fewer) relights or maintenance than any other ribbon cut blend.
As to the smoke - absolutely fantastic. The smoke is heavy in the mouth, but in a silky, creamy sort of way. Plenty of body, but very, very smooth. The tin description of "slow-burning and cool-smoking" is an absolute bullseye. Bowl after bowl I've managed to puff away without having to consciously concern myself with pace or the temperature of the smoke. It routinely takes me considerably more time to smoke a bowlful of BM that it does other ribbon-cut Latakia blends (in the same pipe), which is generally a good thing.
The taste itself is excellent, though not surprising. This is a Latakia-forward blend at first puff, and that never really changes. Some blends are enjoyable because of the ways they change throughout the bowl as different aspects move forward then step back. Others are enjoyable because they deliver the same, consistently delicious taste throughout the smoke and from bowl to bowl. BM, in my opinion, is among the latter. It is, simply put, exactly what I would expect a Latakia blend to be. Smoky, leathery, with a certain amount of creamy sweetness. Any additional Orientals are somewhat recognizable, but are certainly dominated by the Latakia, and if they are intended to lend any nuance to the overall experience, they fall short. Personally, I can't pick up any VA in the taste, so I'm assuming it's included to help with the base and body of the blend (not a bad thing).
I think that those who are looking for pronounced Latakia, a cool smoke, and a great overall smoke are going to be inclined to love this blend. On the other hand, anyone reading looking at the Oriental and VA on the label hoping that this would be a blend that complex and evolves throughout the bowl will likely be left wanting.
That said, I find this to be a fantastic blend. The tin aroma is leathery and smoky as one would expect from a Latakia/Oriental, with just a hint of the familiar ketchup/barbeque twang that we typically get from the fine folks at McClelland. The cut is a chunky, uneven ribbon that is a combination of quite black and rather dark brown leaf, and the moisture fresh from the tin seems maybe just a bit high.
With the moisture in mind, I was skeptical as to lighting the bowl and keeping it lit. I think the uneven consistency of the cut and the moisture may have contributed to a bit of difficulty getting it fired up, but after only a few extra matches it was off an running. Bowl after bowl has been the same, although once the puffing gets started I haven't noticed that BW has required any more (or fewer) relights or maintenance than any other ribbon cut blend.
As to the smoke - absolutely fantastic. The smoke is heavy in the mouth, but in a silky, creamy sort of way. Plenty of body, but very, very smooth. The tin description of "slow-burning and cool-smoking" is an absolute bullseye. Bowl after bowl I've managed to puff away without having to consciously concern myself with pace or the temperature of the smoke. It routinely takes me considerably more time to smoke a bowlful of BM that it does other ribbon-cut Latakia blends (in the same pipe), which is generally a good thing.
The taste itself is excellent, though not surprising. This is a Latakia-forward blend at first puff, and that never really changes. Some blends are enjoyable because of the ways they change throughout the bowl as different aspects move forward then step back. Others are enjoyable because they deliver the same, consistently delicious taste throughout the smoke and from bowl to bowl. BM, in my opinion, is among the latter. It is, simply put, exactly what I would expect a Latakia blend to be. Smoky, leathery, with a certain amount of creamy sweetness. Any additional Orientals are somewhat recognizable, but are certainly dominated by the Latakia, and if they are intended to lend any nuance to the overall experience, they fall short. Personally, I can't pick up any VA in the taste, so I'm assuming it's included to help with the base and body of the blend (not a bad thing).
I think that those who are looking for pronounced Latakia, a cool smoke, and a great overall smoke are going to be inclined to love this blend. On the other hand, anyone reading looking at the Oriental and VA on the label hoping that this would be a blend that complex and evolves throughout the bowl will likely be left wanting.
Age When Smoked:
3 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 31, 2004 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
This Christmas I gave myself the present of purchasing tobaccos that I have had my eye on for some time: Country Doctor, Rennaissance, and British Woods (which is the blend I am reviewing here).
There are absolutely no tobacconists within 200 miles from me so the internet, and this website in particular, have been a tremendous aid to my learning experience. Alas there is still no good substitute for a knowledgable tobacconist. Therefore, being new to the gentle art of pipe smoking, please forgive my extremely inexperienced descriptors and haphazard approach to reviewing.
My first attempt with British Woods was not very satisfactory, and I attribute it to poor packing and power puffing. This really made for a hot and wet smoke. No fun.
My second attempt was 100% better. I took a helping of tobacco out of the tin to let it dry out some. It is -15 F outside and the air in the house is dryer than a bone. It took no time at all to reduce the moisture content in the tobacco. This greatly aided in an easier time packing and lighting. Because the tobacco held the fire better, I could also relax and not puff like a hyperventilating dragon, and all stayed dry to the bottom of the bowl.
British Woods starts off mild, but that's OK. If I wanted an eye opener I would do like my grandmother used to do and knock back a jigger of Jim Beam (purely for medicinal purposes). The first third of the bowl reminds me of incense that is used in church. It is very faint and subtle and definitely present, but never becomes overbearing. It immediatley put me in relaxation mode.
After the first third of the bowl and approaching the halfway mark, there is a noticable taste and aroma of fresh sawdust. This is not a negative. It reminded me of when my Dad used to get fresh lumber for home projects and after all morning of cutting the wood the air was permeated with an earthy and sweet aroma.
During the last half to third of the bowl the taste became increasingly spicey, but not zesty. Think of sweet curry as opposed to hot curry. The crescendo of spice continued all the way to the bottom of the bowl. I wonder if a churchwarden would enhance the taste even more? (I don't know, but if any of you do please let me know.)
Everything about this tobacco was warm and comforting. Very relaxing. While it is not an aromatic, my wife didn't object to it in the house. I can easily see this tobacco enhancing a beautiful autumn day spent outside.
Some smokes stick to your clothes and skin and make you smell like a stale grandpa, but the lingering odor of British Woods on my person is a very pleasant reminder of a good time spent enjoying a simple pleasure.
UPDATE 10/31/04. As I gain experience in this art of pipesmoking, I notice my perceptions are gradually changing. I stopped smoking British Woods at the begining of spring (I ran out plus it seemed it tasted better in colder weather). Now that I have begun smoking it again this fall I notice British Woods is not as full as I remember. It is still very good and of very high quality. It will always have a place in my cabinet, but it seems a bit milder. In some ways this is good (I will smoke more of it!). Medium is a good descriptor.
The nicotine kick is definitely small (markedly less than Old Gowrie). This, for me, can easily make it an all day smoke.
There are absolutely no tobacconists within 200 miles from me so the internet, and this website in particular, have been a tremendous aid to my learning experience. Alas there is still no good substitute for a knowledgable tobacconist. Therefore, being new to the gentle art of pipe smoking, please forgive my extremely inexperienced descriptors and haphazard approach to reviewing.
My first attempt with British Woods was not very satisfactory, and I attribute it to poor packing and power puffing. This really made for a hot and wet smoke. No fun.
My second attempt was 100% better. I took a helping of tobacco out of the tin to let it dry out some. It is -15 F outside and the air in the house is dryer than a bone. It took no time at all to reduce the moisture content in the tobacco. This greatly aided in an easier time packing and lighting. Because the tobacco held the fire better, I could also relax and not puff like a hyperventilating dragon, and all stayed dry to the bottom of the bowl.
British Woods starts off mild, but that's OK. If I wanted an eye opener I would do like my grandmother used to do and knock back a jigger of Jim Beam (purely for medicinal purposes). The first third of the bowl reminds me of incense that is used in church. It is very faint and subtle and definitely present, but never becomes overbearing. It immediatley put me in relaxation mode.
After the first third of the bowl and approaching the halfway mark, there is a noticable taste and aroma of fresh sawdust. This is not a negative. It reminded me of when my Dad used to get fresh lumber for home projects and after all morning of cutting the wood the air was permeated with an earthy and sweet aroma.
During the last half to third of the bowl the taste became increasingly spicey, but not zesty. Think of sweet curry as opposed to hot curry. The crescendo of spice continued all the way to the bottom of the bowl. I wonder if a churchwarden would enhance the taste even more? (I don't know, but if any of you do please let me know.)
Everything about this tobacco was warm and comforting. Very relaxing. While it is not an aromatic, my wife didn't object to it in the house. I can easily see this tobacco enhancing a beautiful autumn day spent outside.
Some smokes stick to your clothes and skin and make you smell like a stale grandpa, but the lingering odor of British Woods on my person is a very pleasant reminder of a good time spent enjoying a simple pleasure.
UPDATE 10/31/04. As I gain experience in this art of pipesmoking, I notice my perceptions are gradually changing. I stopped smoking British Woods at the begining of spring (I ran out plus it seemed it tasted better in colder weather). Now that I have begun smoking it again this fall I notice British Woods is not as full as I remember. It is still very good and of very high quality. It will always have a place in my cabinet, but it seems a bit milder. In some ways this is good (I will smoke more of it!). Medium is a good descriptor.
The nicotine kick is definitely small (markedly less than Old Gowrie). This, for me, can easily make it an all day smoke.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 11, 2003 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
British Woods is a pleasantly cultivated English-Oriental tobacco blend. A truly woodsy, cool weathered, medium mixture companion.
The tin aroma is wonderful, and only improves with age. A slightly choclately sweet, earthy/smoky aroma characterizes this refined blend. British Woods is composed of Virginia, Oriental, Latakia, and Macedonian tobaccos. This mixture of tobaccos yields a dark color of lavender/brown interspersed with small cuts of orange. A very slight topping is added if any.
This blend has a slightly rough ribbon cut and requires no rubbing. Packing of this blend is accomplished without any inconveniences. The initial moisture is on the high end but an hour or two of drying will place this tobacco within the ideal moisture level. Removing the excess moisture of this blend is essential for an optimal smoke.
Lighting occurs fairly easily and the burning is consistent and quite complete. A lovely full white and very much tangible smoke is produced by this blend. Being a more full Latakia blend, the room note of this tobacco is certainly not an aromatic, as one would expect, yet it is by no means offensive.
A very harmonious English taste dominates this tobacco. In no manner does it ever seem harsh. Although being comprised of a great deal of Latakia tobacco, British Woods is never over bearing, but rather has a well-proportioned smoothness. About half way through the smoke, a slightly spicy, medium strength taste announces itself. Hardly any tongue bite occurs during the smoking of this blend.
British Woods? silky smooth balance of sweetness, spice, and smokiness is worth great praise. This tobacco blend is certainly an autumn day?s true counterpart. British Woods would probably benefit greatly from some aging. Recommended highly.
The tin aroma is wonderful, and only improves with age. A slightly choclately sweet, earthy/smoky aroma characterizes this refined blend. British Woods is composed of Virginia, Oriental, Latakia, and Macedonian tobaccos. This mixture of tobaccos yields a dark color of lavender/brown interspersed with small cuts of orange. A very slight topping is added if any.
This blend has a slightly rough ribbon cut and requires no rubbing. Packing of this blend is accomplished without any inconveniences. The initial moisture is on the high end but an hour or two of drying will place this tobacco within the ideal moisture level. Removing the excess moisture of this blend is essential for an optimal smoke.
Lighting occurs fairly easily and the burning is consistent and quite complete. A lovely full white and very much tangible smoke is produced by this blend. Being a more full Latakia blend, the room note of this tobacco is certainly not an aromatic, as one would expect, yet it is by no means offensive.
A very harmonious English taste dominates this tobacco. In no manner does it ever seem harsh. Although being comprised of a great deal of Latakia tobacco, British Woods is never over bearing, but rather has a well-proportioned smoothness. About half way through the smoke, a slightly spicy, medium strength taste announces itself. Hardly any tongue bite occurs during the smoking of this blend.
British Woods? silky smooth balance of sweetness, spice, and smokiness is worth great praise. This tobacco blend is certainly an autumn day?s true counterpart. British Woods would probably benefit greatly from some aging. Recommended highly.
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