Rattray Dark Fragrant

A different cookie for sure, that one...The tin aroma is of molasses, figs, raisins and something like strong dark coffee. I could have sworn there was a topping added, but according to K & K website, there is none.

See, it has to do with the deep fermentation of the tobacco. Which is predominantly consisting of black ribbon cut tobacco with an occasional brown shade.

So this is Black CA with some perique, but just enough to be discernable with its peppery twist that enhances the sweet side of the CA.

Let the tobacco dry until it is dry before filling in your bowl, and don't stuff it too hard. It is kind of hard to keep lit and necessitates some relights.

Don't expect anything complex with this one. Smoke it quickly and it will be acrid. Smoke it slowly, give it some attention, and you will like the experience. It will encompass you to relax for sure!

Not a tobacco that will be part of my daily rotation, but I will regularly maintain my stock.

Definitively a keeper!

Regards, Davie

I love this stuff. It's an english cavendish crumble cake (rough ribbon) with a pinch of perique and light maple/rum casing. It is a very rich but smooth and relaxing smoke. The flavor is toasty, nutty and of dried fruit.

Dark Fragrant is my number two smoke after old gowrie. This is an excellent blend of the best tobacco.

The stoved Virginias of this tin have an unexpected lightness and sweetness. I think there is an extremely mild addition of casing in this tobacco which makes it tasty.

It needs to be dried a bit. I've tried to smoke it slow and gently, but I couldn't reach to keep the bottom of the bowl dry.

If you are looking for a different, sweet and effortless smoke here you go!

Second 100grms can of DF, the first was five or more years ago.

I will save You all from my "technical" report, and cut this review my shortest.

DF is surely a twin of Mc Connel's Maduro, I dare say it's the same blend minus the rhum topping.

I like quite much the sweet tongue this quasi black mild unsweetened Black Cavendish plus tiny Perique leaves, and learned how to manage the puffin' rythm in order to avoid hot & steamy smoke and the palate scorched.

Everything is mild in DG, so I do simply consider it as a pleasant morning smoke, or a change of pace from my more robust blends.

this is very good but i would not go so far as to rate it as good as Dark Star. it has a natural sweet flavor, packs easily due to being fully rubbed out, lights and burns well, and has a fair room note. i will smoke the tin completely to the end but i am not sure it is one i will seek out again.

this is like a rough cut McC dark star. similar in taste only dark fragrant has some kind of coffee taste to it that really hits the spot. i feel that DF smokes better in a pipe with a wider chamber, more flavors develop and i get the slightest hint of perique.

I bought two cans of this today. All I can say is this is one great tobacco. I wanted something to get away from the aromatics that I have been smoking in the past, and this was a great choice. I was tired of burning the inside of my mouth with the aromatics. This is great transitional smoke if you are wanting to get away from aromatics. It's a must try. I will be buying more in the future.

This review is based on a 4 oz. tin that is at least 25 years old,a gift from my friend Cris,it once belonged to his late father who was a pipe tobacco collecter and pipe aficionado.I smoke this in a hand made Ben Wade which was also a gift from Cris.

Upon pulling the ring on the tin there was a loud gasp of air rushing in,looking down the tobac is done up in a large broken flake style,very meaty jet black pieces heavily laden with sugar crytals,very impressive viewed in the sun light.

Tin aroma is very pungent and of well done and fermented leaf,earth and soil.Almost like a compost pile,but in a good way.

I'll let the tobac "breathe" for a few minutes then gravity feed the bowl three times,its then ready to smoke.It takes three or four lights to get things going,It has a medium body,its dark and very sweet and has some serious Va. tang,an excellent smoke indeed,no bite or even a hint of bite,I'm not certain if there is any oriental leaf used in this,but its for sure more than only stoved Virginias, there are subtle hints of Xanthi,the same condiment leaf used in Mc's 2025.I would say the nicotine is more on the medium side.

All in all a very good tobacco,the high quality is evident and a thrill to smoke,now to get a new tin and compare!Enjoy

That one was different! The casing must involve some cane sugars / molasses if I am not mistaken. A good smoke for those that like some orientals and some toping as well! I tasted a sampler and I can say that blend is in my list!