Brebbia Serenata (Mixture No. 28)

Update: May 2018. After experimenting with some top notch American English blends I wanted to update this review. This tobacco stands the test of time, at least my relatively short pipe smoking time line....Peretti is to me the world heavyweight champ of American English blends. To me that is defined as the expert application of Burley to the traditional English equation. It is also knowing how to use Turkish/Oriental tobacco's (which ones and in what proportions). That said, the paisans over at brebbia know what they are doing. The Burley leaf, Turk/Oriental's are blended with skill and the light application of Syrian Latakia harmonizes this blend. I have a few tins cellared and may seek a few more.

I have found the Brebbia line of tobacco's to be on par with the best in the industry, their Balkan Blend being the best Balkan I have ever smoked. Serenata has a very full tin note with a McClelland like vinegary sweetness from the Virginias in the foreground and the smoky Latakia in support. The ribbon cut shows the lighter burly and darker brown Virginias mixed with the dark Syrian Latakia. The strength is medium, the burly has a nutty and strong presence balancing nicely with the Virginia's. The Syrian Latakia is not heavy handed but is the main focus in this smoke. As the bowl progresses past the half way point the Latakia and the and Virginia's meld together to give a graham cracker like flavor to the smoke, which may also be in part from the top notch burley in this blend. Much sweeter than expected with no noticeable flavoring added. It seems that the burley, Latakia and Virginia harmonize to create the sweetness. The bottom third of the bowl starts to taste like caramel corn thrown in a campfire. A really enjoyable smoke. This is like a dessert tobacco as the sweetness is quite surprising given the blend but very pleasant and welcome.