Peter Stokkebye Optimum (No.31)

UPDATE: 02102019 I received 2 ounces of this yesterday in an order. This is what Optimum is supposed to be. Fruity, mild. It does need some drying time, but the taste is what I remember. I think someone in my local B&M put the wrong blend in the Optimum jar. Ordering this from P&C insured the right stuff got sent. The fruity flavor and room note come through, but the tobacco flavors come through, also. All in all, this would be an excellent beginner blend or a good blend for the aromatic lover.

UPDATE: 01062019 Has Peter Stokkebye changed the blend? I purchased 2 ounces of this yesterday. I loaded and lit a bowl just now and it seems different in room note and flavor. It seems like cinnamon has been added with a heavy hand. It's not bad but it is different. A little tongue tingle, a different flavor. If this is what Optimum is going to be, I won't be buying any more.

Peter Stokkebye Optimum was a surprise. I purchased 2 oz. from. Tobacco shop that specializes in cigarettes and the clerk on duty didn't smoke. I thought I was getting an English blend. That being said, I am glad I bought this because I like aromatics. Optimum is definitely a quality aromatic blend. The moisture level was good, so I loaded a bowl and set it ablaze. My daughter was sitting next to me and hollered, " someone is smoking fruit salad." She said it smelled very nice. Four other people in the house liked the room note as well. The flavor was a mixture of vanilla and several mild fruits. Even with the flavor of fruits and vanilla, the tobaccos were not hidden. Everything in this blend melded well with the other components. A char, tamp, and a light were all that was needed. I tend to smoke slowly and just need3ed an occasional tamp to keep it burning all the way to the finish. Near the last quarter of the bowl, the fruit and vanilla diminished, but the tobacco really shined through. I would recommend this as a beginner blend, an all day smoke, and even a good break from English and Va/Per blends to those who enjoy an occasional aromatic.

04202019- UPDATE- purchased more from local B&M. It turns out that someone put the wrong blend in the jar at the B&M last purchase. This new batch is Optimum as it should be. Mild, fruity, slow burning. I smoke more English type blends now, but this is my go to blend when I want something sweeter.

An interesting blend.

Upon opening the sample I got a combination of a slight rum note, citrus, tropical fruit, blackberries/raspberries, and vanilla. Moisture was slightly on the damp side of being spot on.

Initially it tasted like sweet black licorice. Then came the berry flavors, citreous fruit, and a very slight vanilla in that order. The berry flavor was by far the main taste with a slight sweetness. Not much tobacco flavor. Burned hot, on the faster side of moderate, and was warm on the tongue without being harsh. Room note was light. Flavor remained to the end. Slight dampness left in the bowl.

I could smoke this blend everyday, but not all day long as it got to be a bit much after awhile. Only going to be able to go 2.5 stars (C+) due to the burn characteristics.

An interesting blend.

1st impressions, one bowl. This is a better than average aromatic. I like the tobacco used and the casing is light but present and good... the flavor went well with iced tea (unsweetened). Overall it reminds me a lot of Larsen's Signature Blend except that it had less tongue bite. Will give updates

Update- I have found this very good as an early morning smoke with coffee. It is overall a very good mixed company smoke and one of the few aromatics I return to with anticipation of what new flavor I might detect.

Went into Just For Him looking for a rum flavored blend and they handed me this. It’s a pretty sad excuse for a rum blend (which it isn’t) and I certainly wouldn’t buy it again. Overall, it’s just another substandard aromatic for the newbie masses. No thanks, I’ll pass.

I am not sure why so many reviewers dislike this tobacco. Although it is not one of my favorites, it is a pretty good smoke. Fruit flavor takes the front seat in this blend with a slight vanilla note. Tobacco quality is good. Very pleasant room note and good aftertaste. I admit the first time I smoked it, it didn't impress me as much, perhaps because the taste was unexpected. The more I smoke it the more I like it.

I received tly pulled out a 2 year old jar of this to smoke. The toppings were delight and did not taste syrupy. The tobaccos seemed to have enough complexity to make the smoke enjoyable.

On opening the bag (sold in bulk) your nose is hit with the sweet scent of tropical fruit. Although vanilla and citrus are also included as a topping I couldn't detect them. Lights easily and burns well. Doesn't leave behind the goop common among lower end aros. Makes a good change of pace smoke.

Very nice aromatic to smoke when you want something light, has a light nutty taste with vanilla. Burns cool and doesnt bite.

An inexpensive blend that tastes very similar to 1-Q with pleasant vanilla and caramel flavor. Needs additional drying as my dottle is very damp. Also the last third of the pipe loses its flavor and takes on a dull ashy taste.