Orlik Tobacco Company A/S Dark Strong Kentucky

In this past few months I'm rediscovering the good things about smoking Kentucky and Burley. In Italy we have some kentucky-based blends, but they're rough and not at all refined, though good for blending, due to their strenght. On the contrary this kentucky based flake shows a nice personality supported by a fine display of high quality leaf. At first sight I was expecting a stronger smoking experience; not that the nicotine content is low, but with that name I was waiting for a real punch. I suggest to rub it out, partially at least, to obtain a regular burn, and to leave it dry for some minutes. The taste is something to remember: deep, nutty and smoky. Recommended.

Since I am a Dane I have tried every Danish blend available here except from this one, until now. I regret that I am so late because this stuff is really, really good!

DSK is definitely an aromatic. I suspect that the dark "Kentucky-stripes" in the flake are actually Black Cavendish, because this blend blend is cased and Kentucky is hard to detect. Normally I avoid aromatics, but the casing-work, done here, is a masterpiece; subtle, natural and non-goopy. The nicotine level is medium and high enough to satisfy me.

DSK reminds me of W.O. Larsens Selected Blend No. 32 Curly Flake (compare review) but instead of being cased into unrecognizability DSK remains true to the leaf. Oh yeah by the way, the tin is cool and the flakes look really sophisticated. (not that it should be very significant, but anyway.)

One of the best Danish baccies ever made.

Jakob Kiilerich, Denmark

Notes: I was amused by the portrait of a barrister on the lid of the tin, accompanied by the quote: "Smoked by all shrewd judges." I tried this in a number of pipes. I found that it was best fully rubbed out in a Size 3-4 Dunhill briar.

Appearance: Square-cut tightly pressed flake, about 3 cm on a side. A 50-50 split of golden leaf and dark brown-black leaf, which makes for an attractive looking flake.

Aroma: Baked fig bars, maraschino cherry, dark chocolate, clover honey, rosemary, pomegranate, danish pastries, blackberry jam, grape juice concentrate.

Taste: This is very much a Danish aromatic, but stronger. Strong, sweet flavor of figs and dried cherries. Round flavor of pain au chocolat and fresh-baked brown bread. Standard strongly nutty burley flavor. Burns quite well without any bitterness.

Comparisons: Agreed similarities to W.O. Larsen's Curly Flake No. 32, but not as heavily cased. Similar to Collins Cut Plug but more austere, less playful. Similar to Black Man's London Club Mixture, but not as rounded or creamy.

Bottom Line: If you enjoy a deliciously full burley blend with a substantial cherry-chocolate flavor, this one's for you.

I have at last found another burley blend which I not only can tolerate, but actually enjoy. It is rather stout (not overwhelmingly so, however). and the topping - if one exists at all - is very light.