Rattray Old Gowrie

Old Gowrie is a very tasty blend. It is really a Virginia forward VaBur with a condiment-level amount of Perique. I would not call this a VaPer. The Virginia provides a sweet foreground. The Kentucky the woody, nutty creamy backdrop. The spice is from the bit of Perique. Burns easily. Sweet and floral tin note. Moderate nic-hit. For those who love Virginia and Burley this is a winner. 4 out of 4 stars hands down.

Phenomenal blend that will never disappoint. I had a mishap lately with a leaky jar and a batch of dry limited edition Va/Per from C&D. Once perique dries out it loses all its luster. I opened this tin of Old Gowie hoping it would lift my spirits with some spicy smoke, and that it did!

The Virginias are very inviting with a smidge of sweetness, the Kentucky adds some earthiness, and of course it has just enough perique to enjoy that zesty kick that us Va/Per fans seek. This is a must smoke for anyone who loves perique.

Old Gowrie is one of the world’s truly great, straight tobaccos. From the tin I cut and rub, larger pieces at the bottom with more rubbing out as I fill the bowl. Smoked as slowly as possible, Old Gowrie is really something. Smooth, sweet, soft, flavourful yet subdued. This is an all-day blend with gentle, underlying Perique. Relights well - the strength progressing with the smoke. Seriously deserves more than four stars. Don’t hesitate. Old Gowrie is delightfully special.

Recommended because it's just what it claims to be. Less fuss than a pure Va flake and a slightly different flavour profile. Four stars, if that's what you're looking for and I reckon a lot of you are because this is an extremely popular tobacco. I find it burns a bit hotter and I don't love the flavours added by the Kentucky and Perique. It's a bit too strong for me. So three stars. I'd like a ready rubbed Va flake without the additions but I don't want to review OG for what it doesn't claim to be. If I *were* doing that, I'd say I prefer Capstan Gold Ready-Rubbed. I suspect this would be a good candidate for cellaring for those of you who do that. I can't be feshed.

Very good VaPer, with much more emphasis on the virginias. More "calm" that its little brother, Hal O' the Wynd, and it doesn't overstay its welcome. Pretty much an all-day-blend.

There is a lot l like about OG , but there is also something that puts me off. Don't know quite what, maybe the Kentucky, maybe some casing..

So the hunt is on for an OG without the cons. Contenders so far: SG MVF, Synjeco's Broken Perique Flake and Virginia Perique Slices and searching...

As you can see l did not find the Perique very present, hence I also search among 100% virginia tobaccoes for 'the perfect' Old Gowrie...

And of course some tins of OG are waiting in my cellar to find out if some aging can fix my problem.

It is no surprise that as Marlin Flake was my first virginia, this was my first VA/PER, and is thus sentimental to me. This is a great companion to Marlin, but with a mustier, earthier taste, which I enjoy a little more than the juicy sweetness of the Marlin. The tobacco is a broken flake, and while not as pretty as Marlin's large, lofty flakes, loading is easy and the tin aroma is spicy and delightful. The perique takes a peek here and there, and the natural, full virginia flavor takes control nicely. I will admit that I was surprised to find there was perique in this blend as only through nose exhales could I faintly detect it. Overall, this is a solid, high quality VA/PER, but to me, not in Escudo, Gawith, or C&D's Sunday Picnic territory--It is a real piper's tobacco that some may appreciate and enjoy even more than the hailed, aforementioned VA/PERS.

UPDATE: 6/26/2011-=-This blend...MMM-MMM-MMM, gonna add a pnd to the cellar for sure!

Very high-quality leaf, just enough Vitamin-N, great flavor throughout entire smoke. Sweet/tangy and correct amount of Perique for a nice spiced finish (blown through nasal to really taste that wonderful Perique (think only real way) This could be my all-day smoke, very good stuff

I use Old Gowrie to mix with Spilmans using half and half, makes

a wonderful all day pipe. I use Old Gowrie as a base when I want

to create other blends as well. I fail to find the Perique, it just seems like a neutral smoke by itself.