John Aylesbury Mixture No 777

I bought a pouch of this tobacco mix for curiousity (to try the blend of Virginia and Burley whicih I usually prefer to smoke). At the first opening the tobacco gives a strong smell of cherry/plum. Something fruity. A bit too much for me, I am not a fan of aromatics but I don't mind trying. However the flavoring seems really strong and maybe a bit "artificial" in some ways. I am not saying that it smells chemical, neither I am saying that other tobaccos are 100% natural. The smoke is sweet, burns well, not too fast. The taste is definitely aromatic and strong, prevailing on the virginia notes. A bit too sweet for my taste. It smokes mellow as a V/BC mix. Personally I did not like the flavoring but I guess if that's your type you may like it. Overall it behaved without making the pipe either hot or wet. Not sure I will smoke it often but if you like this kind, it could be a nice try.

First of all: I don't usually smoke aromatics, but prefer English/Balkan mixtures and VA's/VaPer's/VaBur's without any flavouring.

That being said, I must say that I nevertheless rather enjoyed this one. It's a solid aromatic, not too sweet, not overly exciting, but nice and mellow.

I was handed a sample of it after being somewhat intrigued by the pineapple flavour which struck me as quite unique. That aroma is quite noticeable in the smoke as well, but not overdone, so that one can taste the natural black cavendish notes (as can be seen in the picture this tobacco consists entirely of black cavendish) which I happen to like quite a lot. Also the aroma has nothing or at least very little artificial or chemical, which I find to be unusual in that tobacco departement.

Lights and burns easily, tongue bite only a little and only if you're a hard puffer. Moisture out of the pouche was spot on, but seems to have a tendency to dry out quickly, so store accordingly. Aroma stays until the end of the bowl, thumbs up for that!

Minus for me: it has only little nicotine, but that will suit others well.

Plus for me and everyone: the price! At present 7,80 € for 50 g.

Since it is such a light-weight I will maybe do some experiments and blend it with other tobaccos. Kentucky comes to mind, maybe Perique, could be interesting.

I don't know how to describe its aroma. Remind me of fresh sneakers box smell. It's weird but so is this blend. Pitch black and not enjoyable. 1 and a half stars.