Peretti Black Virginia

I'm not a huge fan of aromatics. That having been said, I have a growing admiration for Peretti tobaccos, so I was inclined to try this aromatic. I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

One of the problems that often dissuades smokers from trying aromatics is that many of them use inferior leaf, relying on flavorings to mask the shortcomings of the tobacco. Not so in this case. This is good tobacco, and it shows. The flavoring (vanilla I think) seemed strong on smelling the pouch, however I found it very well balanced on smoking. I dried it for two hours, however I don't think this blend will ever truly dry naturally due to the amount of propylene glycol it has. It didn't seem to affect the taste, though. Still, I would have added a bit less--I like to dry more "noble" aromatics to mellow out the flavorings and let the tobacco through.

Despite feeling moist, the blend burned well all the way through, needing no re-lights. I did grind it up somewhat between my fingers prior. Also, it didn't goop up my pipe as I'd feared it might. Among the simple aromatics, I'd consider this to be a very good quality one.

My experience with other Peretti blends as far as after-taste is the same with this blend. Magically, no Pertetti blend I've smoked so far leaves any after-taste, nor does it irritate my tongue or give me a cough. I have no idea how they pull this off. Perhaps they spare the addition of other chemicals, or use organic tobacco. All guesses.

Good stuff. Good quality. Excellent choice for someone who wants an aromatic without fouling up a good pipe.