Missouri Meerschaum Country Gentleman

Whether you are a fervent cob smoker or not, you cannot deny that Missouri Meerschaum (MM) has to a large degree capitalized on the noted pastoral sentimentality. With an impressive line of affordable quality smoking instruments made from the byproduct of agriculture, the basic cob pipe has won the dedication of generations of pipe smoker since the mid 1800’s. The Country Gentleman pipe, one of the company’s leading sellers, stands as a venerable monolith in the market of cob products. So, pairing its namesake with a complimentary blend, you must believe that MM’s effort was prudently undertaken with a specific objective in mind.

Leaning on the blending magic of one of the finest tobaccos cooks of our times, Russ Ouellette, MM tenders for considered enjoyment the pouched Country Gentleman mixture. Bolstering the accolades of the celebrated moniker, this Virginia/Perique recipe is now the subject of this week’s personal reflection.

Keeping in the spirit of humble country simplicity, the commercial packaging of this blend is quite ordinary. Essentially, a plain no-nonsense envelope resembling a common paper grocery sack with graphics that are perfectly unpretentious and to the point. Pulling back the folds and popping the mouth of the pouch open, astonishingly, I was warmly greeted by an enticing mound of cultured tobacco.

Country Gentleman is a classic looking crock of coarse cut and shaggy ribboned prime trimmings. Casting variegated hues of ruddy brown, copper and mottled black the kindhearted fellow presents a generous initial impression. Splendid patches of the flue-cured Red and Bright Virginia form the critical mass of the heap, while earthly Dark Fired Kentucky and a skillfully metered dose of Perique fortify the balance of the space indiscriminately.

Grabbing a hearty wad of the mixture, I was immediately taken back by how singular the texture felt. Namely, the bolus of Virginia is of ideal humidity, yielding yet at the same time dense and hearty, while the other condiments are almost bone dry and grainy to the touch. An interesting sensation to say the least making the blend more heartening to taste.

The nose of the dutiful pouch smacks of a wonderful field of natural sweet grass, the essence found so commonly along the country wayside. There is slight Virginia lemony tartness and an intense spicy aged woodiness that stands proud from the DFK; Marlboro-like if my memory holds true. To fill out the registration properly, the base aroma is delectably topped by a trace of soft raisin/pungent prune-like fruitiness.

As I reached for my faithful CG cob, anticipation of the blend’s character began to dance around in my palate’s mind. Yes, a cob of course, to do anything to the contrary would be sadly misplaced if not unfashionably rude to the welcoming chap. With the charring spark, the initial flavor profile began to float in obligingly; a soft sweetness beautifully spinning into just a succulent robust full-bodied earthy-woody tang, as good if not better than some of the more expensive tinned VaPers that I have smoked.

Keeping with the theme, there is a citrus barn-like hay cast to the underlying Virginia base flavor that squares up brilliantly and evenly with the smoky spice of the DKF as both work together prevailing in the overall taste. The top accent notes of the varietal combination are particularly notable bestowing tones of brown sugar, ginger, and musty dark fruit from the lesser Perique. The matrix of flavor eventually tapers into the registration of black tea braced by the feel of the aftertaste of those cinnamon candies I loved as a child. At least that is how my oral cavity’s memory flexed.

And although the recipe does not cite any alcohol additives, I could not help but register a couple of distinct nuisances here and there that had me wondering. Like Russ’s Anniversary Kake, this mix produces a zesty feeling finish, reminiscent of the presence of a slight rum topping; maybe? Furthermore, a soft tannic red wine finish like that of a mellow Merlot occasionally drops in producing a lovely parting effect.

Customarily the blend burns cool and complete with no affronting bite and modest nicotine effects. The inviting aroma that I was greeted with was an ideal fragrant manifestation of the noted taste profile. Essentially Country Gentleman advances its room presence as amiable bouquet of a toasty wood-laced redolent tang, graced by soft timbres of sweet hay and verdant spices. Pleasant, warm, and charming overall, while producing a handsome plume of smoke that is quite proper and impressive.

In saying that there is a lot going on here with the old boy is modest affirmation. Bottom-line, Russ has done an exceptional job of balancing and cultivating the overall composition on this one. MM could not have played their cards better. Consistency and preponderance for enjoyable savor is present for the entire smoking encounter. Noteworthy as the more expensive tinned VaPer product offerings, Country Gentleman is good-natured, heartwarming, and authentic in character.

As a VaPer, MM’s entry with its bold complement of Kentucky tobacco, inobtrusive Perique and tasteful selection of accents presents somewhat of a different twist in the standard genre experience that is a clear. A simple blend that extends an interesting and colorful character that brings a polite complexity.