When I was ordering some more "Bulkwark* from "mysmokingshop", for a friend on this site, I noticed that they now stock Irish Slices (sourced from Peter Stokkebye).
10 years ago I used to buy a lot of Bulwark and Irish Slices from "The Edinburgh Pipe Shop". Then the proprietor said it was no longer being produced. I know I loved them both but couldn't remember exactly what the Irish Slices tasted like, so of course I ordered a trial weight of 50g.
It arrived today. I can't tell you what the tin note is like since it is sold loose in bulk. But it comes in beautifully cut flakes, like Peterson's IF but a bigger rectangle and slightly thicker. Like IF it is dry from the start and rubs out easily. At that stage the aroma is reminiscent of St Bruno but less fruity.
One flake was perfect for the James Upshall Strait Pot which I chose to smoke it in because the width of the pot would give me a better appreciation of its flavour. It lit easily, the charring light turning into the full burn, and from top to bottom no relights were required. But it did not burn quickly, rather it was a remarkably cool and slow burn, much like Bulwark, and with genteel sipping and a distinguished cadence the bowl lasted a full two hours - I didn't want to put it down!
So, what about the taste? The St Bruno's hint did not last long, and there was none of the St Bruno's fruitiness. From the middle third to the bottom of the bowl it was a heavenly, dry smoke, similar to Bulwark. It also reminded me of IF but smoother, less strong and with no tendency to the potential harshness that can be found in IF and which has been mentioned elsewhere. I would put it between IF and Bulkwark in taste - pure tobacco - it is said to contain a dash of Burley on top of its main VA constituent, but IMHO the Burley did not declare itself on my palate. In strength, if IF is 'medium' in my book, then Irish Slices is mild/medium.
Like Bulwark this is another great ancient tobacco which thankfully is now once more available. I think it might age well - so I am going to buy a load more in case it disappears again LOL
PS If anyone tells me they can detect "lakeland Essence" in this little masterpiece I will burst into tears! No, I will stamp my feet, have breath-holding attacks, become doubly incontinent and throw a tantrum!!! LOL This tobacco has never been near Kendal, nor has it felt the blade of the putatively promiscuous SG or GH tobacco-cutting machines!
10 years ago I used to buy a lot of Bulwark and Irish Slices from "The Edinburgh Pipe Shop". Then the proprietor said it was no longer being produced. I know I loved them both but couldn't remember exactly what the Irish Slices tasted like, so of course I ordered a trial weight of 50g.
It arrived today. I can't tell you what the tin note is like since it is sold loose in bulk. But it comes in beautifully cut flakes, like Peterson's IF but a bigger rectangle and slightly thicker. Like IF it is dry from the start and rubs out easily. At that stage the aroma is reminiscent of St Bruno but less fruity.
One flake was perfect for the James Upshall Strait Pot which I chose to smoke it in because the width of the pot would give me a better appreciation of its flavour. It lit easily, the charring light turning into the full burn, and from top to bottom no relights were required. But it did not burn quickly, rather it was a remarkably cool and slow burn, much like Bulwark, and with genteel sipping and a distinguished cadence the bowl lasted a full two hours - I didn't want to put it down!
So, what about the taste? The St Bruno's hint did not last long, and there was none of the St Bruno's fruitiness. From the middle third to the bottom of the bowl it was a heavenly, dry smoke, similar to Bulwark. It also reminded me of IF but smoother, less strong and with no tendency to the potential harshness that can be found in IF and which has been mentioned elsewhere. I would put it between IF and Bulkwark in taste - pure tobacco - it is said to contain a dash of Burley on top of its main VA constituent, but IMHO the Burley did not declare itself on my palate. In strength, if IF is 'medium' in my book, then Irish Slices is mild/medium.
Like Bulwark this is another great ancient tobacco which thankfully is now once more available. I think it might age well - so I am going to buy a load more in case it disappears again LOL
PS If anyone tells me they can detect "lakeland Essence" in this little masterpiece I will burst into tears! No, I will stamp my feet, have breath-holding attacks, become doubly incontinent and throw a tantrum!!! LOL This tobacco has never been near Kendal, nor has it felt the blade of the putatively promiscuous SG or GH tobacco-cutting machines!
