The Country Squire Tobacconist Pilgrim's Muse
(3.38)
A Scottish-styled mixture, Pilgrim’s Muse is perfect for those that love a nuanced Latakia. Naturally sweet, ready rubbed and flue-cured Virginias blend with light Burley, Latakia, and Exquisite Turkish Tobaccos to form a complex smoke that will give the contemplative pipe smoker hours of cheer. Pilgrim’s Muse is best enjoyed by pipe smokers that are comfortable “sipping” their pipe and enjoying a single bowl for a long period of time. A complex and rewarding smoke!
Notes: This blend was formerly named Bag End as part of Country Squire's Middle Earth series.
Released 2013.
Details
Brand | The Country Squire Tobacconist |
Series | Fantasy South |
Blended By | Jon David Cole |
Manufactured By | The Country Squire |
Blend Type | American |
Contents | Burley, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
Flavoring | |
Cut | Coarse Cut |
Packaging | bulk |
Country | United States |
Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
3.38 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 13 Reviews
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 26, 2021 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A perfect way to cap off the day. The strength makes it nice and relaxing, so probably not the best for a morning smoke before a busy work day.
The Latakia and Oriental spices take a back seat, lending extra body to the flavor rather than trying to take all the attention. The flavor and retrohale are full-bodied, sweet, grassy, and a bit fruity (pear or plum come to mind).
In the first third of the bowl, the different flavors skip around playfully and you get a varied experience. After that, all of the components settle down for a consistent and pleasant experience; also, at that point the Virginias add a bit more sweetness and a hint of sweet citrus.
The Latakia adds some smokiness, but not like your typical "lat-bomb"; rather, it is redolent of sitting next to an open fire with your favorite pipe.
The texture of the smoke is rich and velvety. Ideal for blowing smoke rings with a visiting wizard friend.
The Latakia and Oriental spices take a back seat, lending extra body to the flavor rather than trying to take all the attention. The flavor and retrohale are full-bodied, sweet, grassy, and a bit fruity (pear or plum come to mind).
In the first third of the bowl, the different flavors skip around playfully and you get a varied experience. After that, all of the components settle down for a consistent and pleasant experience; also, at that point the Virginias add a bit more sweetness and a hint of sweet citrus.
The Latakia adds some smokiness, but not like your typical "lat-bomb"; rather, it is redolent of sitting next to an open fire with your favorite pipe.
The texture of the smoke is rich and velvety. Ideal for blowing smoke rings with a visiting wizard friend.
Pipe Used:
Brigham Voyageur
PurchasedFrom:
Country Squire Tobacconist
Age When Smoked:
1 month
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 06, 2017 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A quality English style blend from the Country Squire. Despite the presence of the burley, with its sweet/bright Virginias and delicate Turkish and Latakia flavors, Bag End smokes like a milder, somewhat less sophisticated version of Squadron Leader.
As for the Latakia, I think that the amount used here is done quite to balance. However, the blender's description of "Perfect for the Latakia lover" is a bit deceiving because Bag End contains just a trace of it. It does come through in nearly every puff, but only in nuance. Those expecting more Latakia flavor based on the description might be disappointed.
Overall, I would categorize Bag End as a mild to medium strength light English with a subtle burley influence. The taste is that of natural tobacco with no additional flavorings. A pleasant & well-blended mixture.
As for the Latakia, I think that the amount used here is done quite to balance. However, the blender's description of "Perfect for the Latakia lover" is a bit deceiving because Bag End contains just a trace of it. It does come through in nearly every puff, but only in nuance. Those expecting more Latakia flavor based on the description might be disappointed.
Overall, I would categorize Bag End as a mild to medium strength light English with a subtle burley influence. The taste is that of natural tobacco with no additional flavorings. A pleasant & well-blended mixture.
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 03, 2019 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The very tart and tangy citrusy, grassy, hay-like Virginias also sport a few drops of honey and a pinch of spice. They get fair competition from the floral, woody, earthy, dry, moderately spicy, rather sour Turkish. The nutty, earthy, woody, lightly molasses sweet burley is an important third lead varietal that occasionally rises to compete with the aforementioned components. The smoky, woody, earthy, musty sweet Cyprian latakia is a background player. The strength and nic-hit are just past the center of mild to medium. The taste falls a hair short of the medium mark. Won’t bite or get harsh, but does have a small rough edge here and there. It burns cool and clean at a reasonable pace with a complex and nuanced mildly sweet and sour, savory, and at times, inconsistent taste from top to bottom. Leaves little moisture in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a pleasantly lingering after taste, and lightly stronger room note. Can be an all day smoke. Three and a half stars.
-JimInks
-JimInks
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2018 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I'm far from an expert but I really enjoy this tobacco. It is a very mellow smoke an and I highly recommend it. iike to smoke it late at night after a long day of yard work.
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 08, 2020 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Prep: Came perfect
Very similar to Holiday Mixture though smoother and with the addition of Turkish. The Virginias are grassy, citrusy, the Burley is evident with the nuttiness, and molasses, which gives this blend, like with HM, a winter, cozy feel. The Turkish is sour earthy and delivers a nice spice that is mostly evident in the retrohale. The Latakia is evident, though in the back seat, bringing a lingering smokiness. The description says this is great for the “Latakia lover”, however I am not sure on that as it doesn’t seem prominent enough. If you are new to American blends, don’t expect an English blend. It is mentioned that this is enjoyed best with experienced smokers and I do think that is the case, as it is a nuanced blend. 7.5/10
Video review from youtube channel: https://youtu.be/EPpx8POZreI
Very similar to Holiday Mixture though smoother and with the addition of Turkish. The Virginias are grassy, citrusy, the Burley is evident with the nuttiness, and molasses, which gives this blend, like with HM, a winter, cozy feel. The Turkish is sour earthy and delivers a nice spice that is mostly evident in the retrohale. The Latakia is evident, though in the back seat, bringing a lingering smokiness. The description says this is great for the “Latakia lover”, however I am not sure on that as it doesn’t seem prominent enough. If you are new to American blends, don’t expect an English blend. It is mentioned that this is enjoyed best with experienced smokers and I do think that is the case, as it is a nuanced blend. 7.5/10
Video review from youtube channel: https://youtu.be/EPpx8POZreI
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 02, 2020 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
Quite a tasty blend, sweet but pleasantly so. Very satisfying. Hard for me to judge the room note since I smoke outside and usually by myself..
Pipe Used:
Various
PurchasedFrom:
Country Squire
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 2022 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
First Take: This is an excellent take on Scottish blends. It's not trying to be Mac Baren's Scottish Mixture, but it's hard not to make the comparison. I found this blend to be citrusy and spicy. It's a very well-rounded blend with perfect proportions and no roughness or sharpness anywhere. It could be more citrusy and tangy than Mac Baren. Didn't bite, and it didn't turn acrid when I puffed on it like a train.
This blend did not have the complexity and depth that I expected, however, I smoked it brand new. I am excited to age this blend for a couple of months and see how it develops.
2023-06-12 update: I now have a 6-month-old Bag End in this jar and 6 months of experience with TCS blends. With no exceptions that I’ve found, TCS blends like to be smoked on the hot side. However, this one also has flavor at the very low end, making it a perfect blend to play with temperature. I found that the citrus notes took a back seat after half a year in the jar, and I can only really pick it up in the aftertaste. The white pepper spiciness of this blend isn’t as pronounced as other blends, as I’ve found TCS blends to have a white pepper note that I haven’t found anywhere else. It’s still there and it is very well incorporated, which I like. I think this is easily becoming one of my favorite blends from them. Black Arrow, Green Dragon, then Bag End.
This blend did not have the complexity and depth that I expected, however, I smoked it brand new. I am excited to age this blend for a couple of months and see how it develops.
2023-06-12 update: I now have a 6-month-old Bag End in this jar and 6 months of experience with TCS blends. With no exceptions that I’ve found, TCS blends like to be smoked on the hot side. However, this one also has flavor at the very low end, making it a perfect blend to play with temperature. I found that the citrus notes took a back seat after half a year in the jar, and I can only really pick it up in the aftertaste. The white pepper spiciness of this blend isn’t as pronounced as other blends, as I’ve found TCS blends to have a white pepper note that I haven’t found anywhere else. It’s still there and it is very well incorporated, which I like. I think this is easily becoming one of my favorite blends from them. Black Arrow, Green Dragon, then Bag End.
Age When Smoked:
New
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 24, 2022 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Posturing with refined complexion, Bag End tenders as an intricate recipe of sweet flue-cured Virginia, vibrant Turkish/Orientals, soft Burley, and reserved Latakia prepared in the standard Scottish tradition. Generally, somewhat milder in disposition, the ensuing aromatic experience builds a savor highlighting the features of a forward mature Virginia nuanced with the affluence of distinct complementing varietals. Overall, the medium strength, medium- full-flavor profile bestowed is characterized by a sweet, graceful tang accentuated by complex exotic spice and warm robust nutty wood. Leaning on careful balance and proper proportioning Bag Ends stand as noteworthy sampling of the Scottish genre.
Unsealing the package containing this bulk tobacco, one is greeted with a handsome matrix of ready rubbed strands and coarse cut fragments displaying a variegation of warm toned hues. Finely cultured strains of red, orange, golden browns, lace generously about the complementing blackened twists filling a brilliant palate of color. Judging from this assortment, Bag End present a significantly Virginia dominant face with what appears to be a level amount of Turkish/Oriental to Burley following by a modest showing of Latakia. What is more, the immediacy of consumption is aptly supported as the tobacco has been conditioned to an ideal level of moisture.
Pulling from lush meadows of the Shire, the preeminent nose that springs from the pouch models a succulent aroma of citrusy sweet Virginian grass. This bold vitalizing fragrance rides atop this distant notation of aged wood, soft tart pungency and docile musty barbequed spice. Breathing in its air the tactile effect is stirring by all accounts, signifying that Bag End’s accommodations should prove to be quite obliging.
In the spirit of true Hobbiton companionship, loading the churchwarden comes with simple ease as the mixture amiably fills the interior of the awaiting bowl. Striking the match, the magical properties of the blend’s true character soon reveal themselves. Categorizing this flair, a deep, dense, and highly complex string of flavorful notes strike the principal chords of Bag End’s gentle melody. This lovely tune resounds consistently to the completion of the smoking session.
Coming in unison with tasteful introduction, a sweetened tart fusty spice softly floats to the forefront, as a fusing of Virginian and Turkish varietals move forward in a delicate feathered manner. More so, the Virginia projects the dominant base line charm of gentle sweet tang, weathered grass, and bright sugary hay. Moving just a half step behind, the Turkish emits a perfumy band of floral exotic spice, fetidly soured moss, and varying nuances of notable pungency conceivably underscoring the use of multiple varietals.
Moving in and out with random registration, the Burley occasionally shows proud of the VA/Turkish leading influence with its toasty almond-like nutty-wood character accented by subtle notes of light mint, dark cocoa, and deep molasses. On the upper and rearmost perimeter of this moving triage of dense flavors the controlled woody, leathered smoky/charcoal annotated presence of Latakia provides the finishing relish. Finally, I suspect some diluted sugar-based casing has been delicately applied within this mixture as there is fleeting evidence of the same.
Essentially the roundness and symmetry of Bag End’s overall softened taste is truly amazing. By skillful blending each varietal is afforded proper equity in the effort to achieve tasteful elegance and harmony. Although the dance of the different strains is quite distinguishable in the registration, the choreography if you will, is quite seamless. Furthermore, the baseline Virginia plays out beautifully as it cradles the moving ambience of tones circulating above, supporting transitions that are silky in effect. For having no Cavendish in the mix, the achievement of smooth variable flavoring is truly a singular accomplishment.
Mechanically Bag End burns contentedly slow, cool, and evenly supporting the blender’s assertion of a prolonged relaxing experience; that it was. Every last ember sears complete leaving a thick gray ash of its memory. The texture of smoke is decidedly creamy and flowing, manifesting neither harshness nor discomfort on the palate. A generous column of lacy smoke rolls outward producing a room note rendered by a warm inviting aroma of soured earthen spice, dark wood, and some sweet barn-like hay notes. The duration of this essence is marked considerably, yet its presence lacks unyielding forcefulness making Bag End’s fragrance pleasantly tolerable. In sum, the blend imparts of charming spent persona.
In closing, although I duly attempt objectivity within my assessments in lieu of potential bias, I must declare that Bag End is one of the finest Scottish blends I’ve yet to encounter. During this trial exercise I found myself lost in the moment, being unconsciously captivated by the experience as it was unfolding. As I became more watchful to the experience, the impressiveness of this blend continued to astonish me. It’s as if this congenial Hobbiton companion had an interesting story to tell. So as not to miss out on any of the wonders of said narrative, I kicked back in my chair and with deep contemplation listened to the telling of the tale. Every nuanced syllable, every complex phrase rung true in merit and the parlance that transpired was truly comforting and most enchanting. To me this is what true pipe smoking bliss is all about. The journey to Bag End took me there and brought me back to a state of joyful contentment without question.
In paraphrasing the official marketing tagline, Bag End is one of those charitable blends that experienced pipe smokers can enjoy sipping in quiet reflection and physical relaxation, a complex and rewarding encounter. How very true these words are my friends. Most assuredly, Mr. Baggins would have extended a long pipe and an open jar of The Country Squire Bag End as a gracious welcome to the comfort of his quaint little Hobbit-hole.
Unsealing the package containing this bulk tobacco, one is greeted with a handsome matrix of ready rubbed strands and coarse cut fragments displaying a variegation of warm toned hues. Finely cultured strains of red, orange, golden browns, lace generously about the complementing blackened twists filling a brilliant palate of color. Judging from this assortment, Bag End present a significantly Virginia dominant face with what appears to be a level amount of Turkish/Oriental to Burley following by a modest showing of Latakia. What is more, the immediacy of consumption is aptly supported as the tobacco has been conditioned to an ideal level of moisture.
Pulling from lush meadows of the Shire, the preeminent nose that springs from the pouch models a succulent aroma of citrusy sweet Virginian grass. This bold vitalizing fragrance rides atop this distant notation of aged wood, soft tart pungency and docile musty barbequed spice. Breathing in its air the tactile effect is stirring by all accounts, signifying that Bag End’s accommodations should prove to be quite obliging.
In the spirit of true Hobbiton companionship, loading the churchwarden comes with simple ease as the mixture amiably fills the interior of the awaiting bowl. Striking the match, the magical properties of the blend’s true character soon reveal themselves. Categorizing this flair, a deep, dense, and highly complex string of flavorful notes strike the principal chords of Bag End’s gentle melody. This lovely tune resounds consistently to the completion of the smoking session.
Coming in unison with tasteful introduction, a sweetened tart fusty spice softly floats to the forefront, as a fusing of Virginian and Turkish varietals move forward in a delicate feathered manner. More so, the Virginia projects the dominant base line charm of gentle sweet tang, weathered grass, and bright sugary hay. Moving just a half step behind, the Turkish emits a perfumy band of floral exotic spice, fetidly soured moss, and varying nuances of notable pungency conceivably underscoring the use of multiple varietals.
Moving in and out with random registration, the Burley occasionally shows proud of the VA/Turkish leading influence with its toasty almond-like nutty-wood character accented by subtle notes of light mint, dark cocoa, and deep molasses. On the upper and rearmost perimeter of this moving triage of dense flavors the controlled woody, leathered smoky/charcoal annotated presence of Latakia provides the finishing relish. Finally, I suspect some diluted sugar-based casing has been delicately applied within this mixture as there is fleeting evidence of the same.
Essentially the roundness and symmetry of Bag End’s overall softened taste is truly amazing. By skillful blending each varietal is afforded proper equity in the effort to achieve tasteful elegance and harmony. Although the dance of the different strains is quite distinguishable in the registration, the choreography if you will, is quite seamless. Furthermore, the baseline Virginia plays out beautifully as it cradles the moving ambience of tones circulating above, supporting transitions that are silky in effect. For having no Cavendish in the mix, the achievement of smooth variable flavoring is truly a singular accomplishment.
Mechanically Bag End burns contentedly slow, cool, and evenly supporting the blender’s assertion of a prolonged relaxing experience; that it was. Every last ember sears complete leaving a thick gray ash of its memory. The texture of smoke is decidedly creamy and flowing, manifesting neither harshness nor discomfort on the palate. A generous column of lacy smoke rolls outward producing a room note rendered by a warm inviting aroma of soured earthen spice, dark wood, and some sweet barn-like hay notes. The duration of this essence is marked considerably, yet its presence lacks unyielding forcefulness making Bag End’s fragrance pleasantly tolerable. In sum, the blend imparts of charming spent persona.
In closing, although I duly attempt objectivity within my assessments in lieu of potential bias, I must declare that Bag End is one of the finest Scottish blends I’ve yet to encounter. During this trial exercise I found myself lost in the moment, being unconsciously captivated by the experience as it was unfolding. As I became more watchful to the experience, the impressiveness of this blend continued to astonish me. It’s as if this congenial Hobbiton companion had an interesting story to tell. So as not to miss out on any of the wonders of said narrative, I kicked back in my chair and with deep contemplation listened to the telling of the tale. Every nuanced syllable, every complex phrase rung true in merit and the parlance that transpired was truly comforting and most enchanting. To me this is what true pipe smoking bliss is all about. The journey to Bag End took me there and brought me back to a state of joyful contentment without question.
In paraphrasing the official marketing tagline, Bag End is one of those charitable blends that experienced pipe smokers can enjoy sipping in quiet reflection and physical relaxation, a complex and rewarding encounter. How very true these words are my friends. Most assuredly, Mr. Baggins would have extended a long pipe and an open jar of The Country Squire Bag End as a gracious welcome to the comfort of his quaint little Hobbit-hole.
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 12, 2023 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
This is the second Country Squire blend I decided to try and I'm glad I did. Their site lists it as a Scottish blend, TR has it as an American. Classification is not set in stone on some of this stuff, but with the use of the burley and Virginia I tend to think of it as an American and it fits in that part of my rotation. The blend smells good out of the bag and needed no dry time. It was easy to light and keep going. When I first started the smoke I could make out the characteristics of the components. The Virginia was mildly sweet, the Turkish gave me that sour soda like taste and the burley had the usual nutty taste. As the bowl progressed the individual flavors were hard to pick out, it had morphed into one tasty flavor. It burned clean to a fine ash and the room note was ok. Nobody's going to come in and think you were baking cookies, but they probably won't be overwhelmed by the smell. Overall a decent smoke that I will probably buy again.
Pipe Used:
La Rocca Ravina
PurchasedFrom:
The Country Squire
Age When Smoked:
New
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 13, 2023 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This one really stood out to me on my vigorous tour searching for perfect latakia tobacco blends. While the latakia is there, its not really apparent until I slow down and sip and savor the flavor this one has to offer. Although latakia is why I ordered it, I was not at all disappointed. This blend really showcased for me what latakia can do in the background, and it was the first to do that. You can still taste it, but the rest of the smoke is so creamy-smooth that you wouldn't want to drown it out. My tour didn't stop at Bag End, but definitely took a different route after the visit. I will certainly be back to the Shire in the future.
Pipe Used:
briars and cobs
Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 24, 2022 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
With my expectations adjusted this just barely slides onto base for three stars.
First off, where's the Latakia? At least in the bag I received it is nearly imperceptible. So much for the description extolling its virtues as a blend "perfect for the Latakia lover." I also had the same reaction as Peterson314 who said "This blend did not have the complexity and depth that I expected."
The chunky broken flakes have an appearance similar to certain Mac Baren and Amphora tobaccos. Most of my first bowls did not provide a three star experience for me, but things improved when I tried it in a wide 1" bowl (an old pre-Lane Charatan pot). That allowed some of the missing complexity to emerge. Next I tried it in a 7/8" wide Vauen Luxus with 9mm filter and that was also pretty good, though the filter mellowed and softened the blend somewhat (especially on the retrohale), so it depends on what you're after. I also tried cube cutting with kindling on top but that didn't make much of a difference.
While the dominant character of the blend for me is the rather nondescript white Burley, I'd say the sweetness of the Virginia is the one saving grace. The Turkish does't add much top note but does provide a pleasing mid-palate presence with hints of sourdough and even grapefruit rind (others have mentioned a citrusy component but for me it is not a juicy citrus, more of a dried citrus rind taste). The Latakia is MIA,
Since three of the four ingredients don't really develop significantly or improve with age I don't think setting it aside in the cellar will help. But that's exactly what I'm going to do, just in case a miracle happens!
Even at its best, in a wide bowl, I have many other blends to choose from with more complexity, more Latakia, or both. And if I want a softer Scottish style blend I much prefer Wilke 436.
Honestly, I think before putting this blend in the press a pinch of stoved Virginia like Sutliff 507 would have bumped up the flavor and complexity a notch. But then the blend wouldn't be as subtle or understated if that really was the intention.
First off, where's the Latakia? At least in the bag I received it is nearly imperceptible. So much for the description extolling its virtues as a blend "perfect for the Latakia lover." I also had the same reaction as Peterson314 who said "This blend did not have the complexity and depth that I expected."
The chunky broken flakes have an appearance similar to certain Mac Baren and Amphora tobaccos. Most of my first bowls did not provide a three star experience for me, but things improved when I tried it in a wide 1" bowl (an old pre-Lane Charatan pot). That allowed some of the missing complexity to emerge. Next I tried it in a 7/8" wide Vauen Luxus with 9mm filter and that was also pretty good, though the filter mellowed and softened the blend somewhat (especially on the retrohale), so it depends on what you're after. I also tried cube cutting with kindling on top but that didn't make much of a difference.
While the dominant character of the blend for me is the rather nondescript white Burley, I'd say the sweetness of the Virginia is the one saving grace. The Turkish does't add much top note but does provide a pleasing mid-palate presence with hints of sourdough and even grapefruit rind (others have mentioned a citrusy component but for me it is not a juicy citrus, more of a dried citrus rind taste). The Latakia is MIA,
Since three of the four ingredients don't really develop significantly or improve with age I don't think setting it aside in the cellar will help. But that's exactly what I'm going to do, just in case a miracle happens!
Even at its best, in a wide bowl, I have many other blends to choose from with more complexity, more Latakia, or both. And if I want a softer Scottish style blend I much prefer Wilke 436.
Honestly, I think before putting this blend in the press a pinch of stoved Virginia like Sutliff 507 would have bumped up the flavor and complexity a notch. But then the blend wouldn't be as subtle or understated if that really was the intention.