(This isn't a review, in my opinion, because, I am not qualified, frankly. These are just my impressions). On the weight of manyreviews here, I received my shipment including JKP, Escudo and FVF. All three are new to me and after a 10 year break ( Faves were English blends like Renaissance, Squadron Leader and something that stars with a P).
All smoked in brand newish cobs to remove a variable:
JKP - smells like My BBQ smoker, according to the bride. She was right. After a thin slice/rub out anda quick 10 minute dry out in my dehydrator I was treated to a robust, billowy and heady smoke. I nursed it, worried about the N hit. But it was nothing to worry about. Perhaps I have a tolerance for nicotine. A little buzzy when I got carried away or did not pay attention but not overwhelming and quite manageable. Notes of heavy leather and a roaring campfire came to mind. At first blush It seems a quite straightforward,honest, satisfying tobacco. This one deserves more consideration and more surprises are in store, I am certain. It smoked down to the stereotypical fine grey ash.
That was fun! I am a VA/PER newb but if last week's Luxury Bullseye was a compass then the Escudo would be simpler smoke I.e. less fiddly, needing less attention. A fold and stuff later and it was confirmed. I was treated to a smooth, cool yet complex experience . Puff it? No problem. No bite, just luxurious smoke. Sip it? Subtle but complex flavors started to emerge. Like the JKP, this one will be even better once I learn to wring the most from it. But unlike the JKP, this will be a fine choice for my commute. Not too many relights, no nic swoon, just an easy smoke. This might be sacrilege: though more complex it doesn't seem head and shoulders above the Bullseye. Of course this will require more "testing".
Full Virginia Flake... Where to start?.... Burning leaves, a little saltiness, then some sweetness sneaks in right in the middle. Then I caught a fleeting, not unpleasant,floral scent. Is that a hint of the Lakeland flavor I have read about? I wasn't quite prepared for a so-called straight Virginia, 3rd style of the night to have so much going on. Wow.
Here are three completely different blends yet each one got my attention in a different way, in a BIG way.
For an evening sitting on the couch it was quite a journey.
All smoked in brand newish cobs to remove a variable:
JKP - smells like My BBQ smoker, according to the bride. She was right. After a thin slice/rub out anda quick 10 minute dry out in my dehydrator I was treated to a robust, billowy and heady smoke. I nursed it, worried about the N hit. But it was nothing to worry about. Perhaps I have a tolerance for nicotine. A little buzzy when I got carried away or did not pay attention but not overwhelming and quite manageable. Notes of heavy leather and a roaring campfire came to mind. At first blush It seems a quite straightforward,honest, satisfying tobacco. This one deserves more consideration and more surprises are in store, I am certain. It smoked down to the stereotypical fine grey ash.
That was fun! I am a VA/PER newb but if last week's Luxury Bullseye was a compass then the Escudo would be simpler smoke I.e. less fiddly, needing less attention. A fold and stuff later and it was confirmed. I was treated to a smooth, cool yet complex experience . Puff it? No problem. No bite, just luxurious smoke. Sip it? Subtle but complex flavors started to emerge. Like the JKP, this one will be even better once I learn to wring the most from it. But unlike the JKP, this will be a fine choice for my commute. Not too many relights, no nic swoon, just an easy smoke. This might be sacrilege: though more complex it doesn't seem head and shoulders above the Bullseye. Of course this will require more "testing".
Full Virginia Flake... Where to start?.... Burning leaves, a little saltiness, then some sweetness sneaks in right in the middle. Then I caught a fleeting, not unpleasant,floral scent. Is that a hint of the Lakeland flavor I have read about? I wasn't quite prepared for a so-called straight Virginia, 3rd style of the night to have so much going on. Wow.
Here are three completely different blends yet each one got my attention in a different way, in a BIG way.
For an evening sitting on the couch it was quite a journey.