OK. Here goes. Tried all three, half bowls, 30 minute break in between.
MM Cob: As usual, excellent. Everything was there just like it's supposed to be.
Briar: Never would have thought of this, but yes, the flavor was slightly muted. I understand exactly what your talking about and would not have noticed had I not tried this comparison. Definitely not bad... just different.
Meer: Also tasted good but a little too sterile if you will? I do enjoy smoking the meer but usually to try new blends I've just bought to get the pure tobacco experience.
Overall, I believe I liked the briar the best as it seemed to take a little bit of the edge off. I have a tendency to over-puff lat forward blends as I really like the flavors. Like trying to eat pizza really slow... aint going to happen!
Anyway, thanks for the challenge as I kinda forgot about Pirate Kake lately and really enjoyed getting re-acquainted. FWIW.