Russ' monthly blens "Mountain Pass"

This is my first blend from Russ O. at Pipes and Cigars. A latakia forward English with Izmir and sweet Virginias. It is listed as mild/med English, I would classify this blend as a mild English with well rounded flavor that smokes cool, stays lit the entire bowl and has a wonderful flavor during retrohale.
This English in my opinion would be a perfect blend for a new pipe smoker moving from aromatics that wanted to try something different. The latakia is up front but it is not over powering in any respect. For this reason I feel new smokers moving to English blends would find it a nice, smooth transition.
Upon opening the bag, the pouch note was that of a typical English, but on a mild note. I found the tobacco to be a bit dry, but it smoked cool and needed no re lights. I have smoked this blend for several nights now while walking the dog, and tonight it burned to a fine white ash with no noticeable flavor change as the bowl burned down. This was a first for me with any blend.
Over all, this a nice mild/med English with good flavor throughout the entire bowl. If you are new to English blends give this one a try. I will be trying a few other blends from Russ, Mountain Pass is a keeper for me.
Thanks for reading,

Carbon