I have a good 6 or 7 tins of Burley containing blends left to sample, in my quest to find a few more I like and try to nail down why some appeal to me while most repulse. The tin of ODF was a little over a year in age and it had been beckoning to me for some time. So last night, one of my few pipe smoking friends was coming over and I needed to pull something for us to puff and decided it was time to see what the fuss was about. I think part of me was concerned that I would not like it and it would be one more legendary smoke that didn't do it for me but one can only speculate for so long. Popping the tin I was greeted with BBQ sauce, Worcestershire, molasses, raisin, and some chocolate. It was almost overpowering and definitely made me pull my head back from the tin to get a breath of air in between sniffs. My friend had arrived a tad early so I nuked three flakes for 7 seconds and it was nice and dry. We each loaded up, me in my smallest bowl bulldog and he in his MM. Doing my charring lights I was really enjoying the flavors and aroma. Much to my surprise, I liked the blend right out of the gate. Sweet, sour, meaty, more of that Worcestershire, nice notes from the Virginias supporting without ever becoming the dominant player. It even exhibited some of the cigar notes that I usually dislike but they seemed right in place in this blend. Then around 1/3 of the bowl in, I got pimp slapped by vitamin N. I knew this was a blend with some present so I had been going slowly but there was no avoiding it. I let the pipe go out and sat for another 20 minutes then lit it back up. I got a handful of sips in and started to feel the same. I had eaten previous to the smoke but an hour or so had passed and boy, I just didn't feel like continuing. This was a bit disappointing, as I was very curious to see how the second half of the bowl would present. However, I have always maintained that not being a cig smoker, that my lightweight nicotine tolerance was a good thing and not something I should seek to vanquish. I think I will keep the tin around and always eat a full and heavy meal before loading up the ODF but I was pleasantly shocked by how much I enjoyed it. Burley remains a mystery for me, occasional friend and often foe but I will forage on through the jungle of blends seeking those that rub me the right way.
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