Peretti 125 Burley Slices

I have the good fortune of living within a fifteen minute drive of Peretti’s and over the years have tried many of their offerings. I must confess that my preference is toward the English type blends but there are those nights when a simple straight forward blend is just what the moment calls for. On those evenings burley slices hits the spot. I keep a half pound stored in a humidified, air tight, glass jar and since I don’t smoke it regularly it will usually last quite some time. I find this tobacco improves greatly with ageing. The sourness decreases decidedly so you get more of that burley nuttiness. As an English smoker it isn’t what you think of as a complex blend but burley slices produces a very consistent and delightful smoke throughout the bowl. Like many flakes, if you get aggressive you can heat up the bowl quickly so it’s a smoke to be savored slowly but it will respond well to slow deliberate draws and not require constant relighting. I don’t think this blend is the equal of Solani’s Age Burley but it is still quite good and as I said given a little time to age in the jar is a wonderful smoke on those nights when you just feel like a burley. What makes me keep this blend in my rotation is that the price point is so attractive. Peretti’s will sell you an once or a pound and at a lot less that you will pay for similar blends. That means you can afford to jar a half pound and have it handy for those nights when you really want to enjoy a true uncomplicated burley. It’s a perfect complement to a tumbler of Honey Jack on a cold New England winter’s night. When aged I give this blend a 3 star rating. Fresh out of the can a little less. I certainly think it a great addition to your rotation.