Rattray Buckingham

I have not smoked aromatics since I first started with pipe smoking some years back. I wanted to try it again and Buckingham cought my interest. But I had almost forgot why I started to smoke non aromatics. And now I was reminded again: the hot smoke, constant risk of tounge bite and not being fully satisfied by the taste. I think that whatever taste that is produced by adding aromatic flavouring is superficial, nothing near to the fullness you get from an english.

In relative terms, however, Buckingham might be a nice aro. But even if I can taste what I presume is described as "hickory nut" - but cinnamon and vanilla? must I conclude that my palate is not sophisticated enough, or are not these descriptive terms simply an expression for wishful thinking, wanting tobacco to taste like something that it is not? -, I must say that I nevertheless find the taste to be a quite typical and generic aromatic kind of taste. And it only took a few bowls for me to realize how much more I prefer an english tobacco. But I don't want to be unfair, I will try to judge this tobacco according to its genre. I will give it 3 stars, because in relative terms I think it is a nice choice. And yes, the room note is wonderful. Perhaps this ended up to be a general verdict on aromatics, but I am still curious to see if I can find an aro that satisfies me. Unforturnately, Buckingham is not it, and it might take a while before I decide to spend money on another aromatic blend.

This seems to be an aromatic that doesn't push itself as an aromatic. The flavors are there but muted and dry to the point that dedicated English fans might like this one.. It's not a weak or wet American style aromatic.. The burley and VA character are full and honest. There is true tobacco taste and strength here, and NO BITE. A simple and effective run at at flavored smoke without masking the HIGH quality tobacco that Rattray always uses. You'll get your money's worth here folks,, dry, medium strength, balanced.....

A very sweet, fruit-flavoured blend which is a soft, mouth-watering delight on the tongue and will certainly make you new friends with its appetising caramel/vanilla aroma. As soon as I took the first sip on my just-lit pipe, I knew this had to be a German confection by Planta or Kohlhase & Kopp. When I searched for information about it here on this site the secret was revealed; it is indeed a K&K blend.

It looks like a 'normal' tobacco mixture, rather than an aromatic. An attractive combination of ribbon, chopped leaf and cubes which I found encouraging.

Tin note - pleasant but not outstanding. I got fruit/vanilla and tobacco but no cinnamon or alcohol notes. There was also a fragrance I could not identify, I assume this is hickory nut.

Moisture level - absolutely perfect and ready to smoke without drying, which for an aromatic was a very pleasant surprise.

A char light, a true light, and that was it until the end of the bowl, apart from some tamping. It is quite a dry smoke, with a good balance between the tobaccos and the toppings. I got a vanilla, and nutty/floral taste but absolutely no hint of cinnamon. I did occasionally and faintly taste Baileys Irish Cream, which might have been the alcohol topping at work. I enjoyed the second half of the bowl more than the first as the fruit notes became subdued and the tobaccos asserted themselves.

It never bit and provided a pleasurable and relaxing smoke without ever threatening anything special. Nonetheless, it is the only aromatic that I have smoked so far which I would consider buying again. On a summers day, outdoors, in non smoking company, I think it would go down well.

Recommended for smokers on their way out of the morass of heavy aromatics, for those who want approval from non smokers and for those smokers of mild standard blends.

I cannot see this interesting those who favour stronger tasting tobaccos, nor those who like a noticeable nic hit. They would be barking up the wrong tree here.

A pleasant, moderately aromatic clean burning mixture -- the flavorings take the top billing but don't completely hide the Burleys, and the VAs show through now and again. There is quite the mixture of flavors here, but the top two are vanilla and the nut. The cinnamon and bourbon really just gave the blend a bit of sharpness rather than any distinct flavor of either for me.

This aromatic blend is nice and elegant. Includes very black cavendish as very pale virginias. Eventhough this has nothing to do with the "classic" Rattray's blends, it is a very high quality tobacco mixture. It is a mild and, yes, very fragant recipe, but with the right amount of nicotine. If you want a reference, I think the original Black Diamond was very similar, although this is a little more humid mixture. For the aromatic lovers this is a very interesting proposal. You might want to use an "aromatic" pipe with this, as I think a later detected the scent on a later smoke - for me this is not a scandal.