Peterson Special Reserve 2015

The shop sold it as a natural tobacco, no flavoring, with Virginia dominating the mixture, however it was a pleasant surprise, that it has a decent amount of Burly and Cavendish aswell. It has a sweet scent as if it was an aromatic mixture, however upon smoking it, it is not the saucy, overwhelming thank goodness it lacks the syrupy hit of an aromatic mixture, it gives a cool, enjoyable, mild smoke, almost like a pure Virginia, it starts out fruity in flavor, but later it ages to dark chocolate, honey and a hint of walnut with caramel at the end. I would recommend consuming a sweeter dark beer with it, or Earl Grey Black tea without any sugar. Both bring out different qualities of this tobacco and harmonize well with its properties. A nice Chianti wine brings out its fruity notes, Johnnie Walker Double Black makes it a real dessert, however not everyone loves to drink while smoking. The nicotine hit is minimal, making it enjoyable for members of the prettier sex and starting pipe enthusiasts. Like with all pipe tobacco you need to give it time, be patient and it will reveal all its qualities. By all means it is a luxury tobacco, quite perfect at a fair price. I would recommend it to all my friends.

This is one of the most enjoyable aromatic blends I have ever smoked. It is warm, mellow, and sweet but not cloying. It even has a slight citrus zip to it amidst the overall Caramel sugar flavor. Truly worth smoking and, as it is only available (sadly) for a limited time, worth stocking up some extra tins. By the way, the 3.5 oz tin is an example of very nice packaging as well.

Peterson did this one right for their 150 year anniversary. It starts with a beautiful, dark green tin and winds up in bliss. Though the tin and the bag inside it are unsealed, the tobacco is moist. Rough cut, it smells like sangria-laced, golden fruitcake, with the bits ranging in color from gold, to mid-browns, to black, reflecting a range of VAs and Burleys, including Cavendish. I like to pluck a wad straight from the tin and stuff it into a big pipe with an easy draw. This tobacco handles, lights and burns well enough to warrant its “luxury” designation, and the soft and generous way the topping integrates with and enhances the tobaccos does nothing to take away from it. When smoked, the tobacco blend itself is VA forward, but just, and the Burleys are soft and rich like cashews, with just enough tannin to keep my palate clear. Tastes sharpen up a little down the bowl, even though I take it slow, thus avoiding any trouble from burnt toppings. Still, there are some mild spices, along with woody and floral side streams that are highlighted against the Cavendish, and I would not be surprised to learn that there is a smidgen of DFK in the mix. When smoked, the topping becomes lighter and more “sophisticated” and nuanced, IMO, a real compliment to the tobacco. Strength is mild; tastes build to just past medium; room note is truly pleasant; aftertaste is a lingering, trailing-off best-of-the-smoke.

IMO, Peterson’s Special Reserve, Limited Edition, 2015 is a mouthful in more ways than one. Though I often say, “I don’t smoke aros”, here is proof that I will smoke anything that pleases me, thank you very much, and this is simply a very pleasing blend. It’s a pity it is truly limited, and those who wish to try it had better jump on it now as it appears to be flying out of the shops at a brisk rate.

When I first began my first pipe of this tobacco, I was a bit unsure whether I liked it. But the more I smoked, the more pleasurable each puff became. The flavours come as you smoke, slightly citrus, with a definite hint of walnut. It gives you a smooth smoke, which burns slow. This tobacco is quite mild, but also flavoursome. Recommended