This review is the second of two reviews in response to a post, entitled "The Metal Mixtures", put up two weeks ago by our very own Deathmetal; in his post he broached the discussion of two of his own, home-rolled blends: Aiwass, a tribute to C&D's recent 'The Beast' small batch, and Massacra, his very own 'all day' blend.
I wrote Deathmetal requesting some samples and promised to follow up with my thoughts. He sent me enough for two bowls of each and I have recently had the opportunity to sit down, focus, and enjoy Massacra. Below is my review and my thoughts:
Pipe used: Stanwell trio bent egg
Bag note: A demure, but archetypal burley scent with a hint of sweetness.
Dry time: I gave the bowls no dry time. The humidity was perfect after sitting in a double-ziploc for about 10 days.
Flavor: a solid medium blend. Starts as light-medium and finishes a solid mid-medium blend.
Strength: light to medium. I have a "high" nicotine tolerance (for reference: I have smoked several bowls of old Joe Krantz, Dunhill Nightcap, and Captain Earl's Ten Russians with no noticeable effect) so this blend might be more more of a medium strength to others.
First third:
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A burley-forward, medium bodied, bready smoke swirls forth with hints of crimson-studded spiciness. The retrohale reveals a deeper milled breadiness with overtones of almond and is thoroughly enjoyable.
Second third:
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The first third of the bowl gives way to the second third by means of a rush of spice mixed with the fresh bread, burley overtones before settling into a smooth, well blended mix of flavor I can only describe as a smooth, oily, polish; similar to the aftertaste of a cold glass of guiness stout. The flavor profile here deepens to a solid medium.
Last third:
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The characteristic bready, oily, nutty flavors deepen once again into a steadfast, well anchored, medium bodied smoke. Respect this part of the bowl and it will be your still, unmoving confidant; it burns cool, and confidently if you take your time. Entreat upon it any disrespect, however, and become too hasty in your ambition and you will be quickly reigned in with the spite of a spicy fire.
Overall:
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Another outstanding blend by Deathmetal. I liken this blend to the life of a lumberjack; when he is young he is full of vim, and vigor, and spice but slowly matures, and his character deepens with life experience. The physical presence, represented by the body of the blend, remains throughout but the fire of youth gives way to the arbored, less garish, more self-assured confidence of adulthood; a more muted presence, but more powerful, and steadfast. This blend is Deathmetal's claimed 'all day' blend. I am not sure I could puff this all day as the flavor is heady, and offers little recompense to the palate. Nevertheless, this is an absolute pleasure to smoke and, once again, I would readily purchase this blend as a constant mid-day smoke; another outstanding creation from the table of an up-and-coming blender.
