Next up on my Tobacco list is Irishman's 5 O'Clock.
After trying a 1/2 ounce sample I ordered another 2 ounces of this blend which arrived today. This is a medium-full English blend that is very robust in flavor. There is a lot of Latakia in this one - but it doesn't overwhelm or hide any flavors. I can only compare it in symetry and balance of Sterling/1776's Tavern. All the notes are there - but unlike Tavern which is more smooth - this one seems to gain steam and strength as one works his/her way down the bowl. What starts out as a medium smoke soon becomes full which is quite an accomplishment. Usually it's the other way around - a blend will kick butt out of the gate only to mellow as one progresses throught the smoke. I don't know the tobaccos used but I believe there is orientals, Virginias, Perique. If it has burley - I couldn't tell you - but there lacks the nuttiness that comes from that kind of condiment. The pouch aroma is woodsy with that campfire smell we all associate with a good Latakia blend. For Lovers of a fine English - I highly recommend this one.
As I said in a previous post - these blends are amazing. And if Steven Books crafted amazing blends when he worked at Rich's - it seems he has taken off the harness and really letting things rip with the blends he is producing for his own store House of Calabash.
I suggest all pipe smokers try these blends - as here is an American Tobacco Blender who is really showing some muscle and finesse which will make him legendary at some point.
Irishman's 5 O'Clock - Cellar and smoke now.
