I was lucky enough to receive a sample of 17 yr old Dark Star from forum member fluffie666, who forwarded it from a sample that he received from member peteguy. I received this a few days ago but never got a chance to smoke it because, well, life sometimes gets in the way and I really wanted to carve out about 90 min for this. SOOO after the kids went to bed and the wife was settled watching whatever God forsaken drivel du jour was on I decided to head out to the patio.
The tobacco arrived dry enough to smoke right out of the bag. I stuck my nose in the bag and took a big whiff and even after 17 years that McClelland ketchup/vinegar smell is STILL there, but there were other nuances. I got faint scents of clove and hay, which seemed somewhat contradictory, but they were there. I just kind of gravity packed my new Butz-Choquin Tropic and fired her up. As with most of the Personal Reserve series it takes a few lights, but once I rubbed out a small bit as kindling and lit that we were on our way. Even at 45 you sometimes forget a step because you are so eager to play with your new toy.
Once lit I just sat back and tried to take in the flavor profile. At first it was a very creamy, and the sweetness of the VA really shined. As the bowl burned down it required some tamping but remained lit. About mid bowl I started tasting and smelling caramel. I smoked outside but I imagine that the room note on this would be pretty acceptable to folks. I needed to relight a few times at the end due to interruptions, but even the bottom of the bowl had a great taste to it.
I am definitely going to pick up a few tins of this. I already have 5 tins of St James Woods in the cellar and I think Dark Star has earned a place as well.
Thanks again to fluffie and peteguy.
Dan
The tobacco arrived dry enough to smoke right out of the bag. I stuck my nose in the bag and took a big whiff and even after 17 years that McClelland ketchup/vinegar smell is STILL there, but there were other nuances. I got faint scents of clove and hay, which seemed somewhat contradictory, but they were there. I just kind of gravity packed my new Butz-Choquin Tropic and fired her up. As with most of the Personal Reserve series it takes a few lights, but once I rubbed out a small bit as kindling and lit that we were on our way. Even at 45 you sometimes forget a step because you are so eager to play with your new toy.
Once lit I just sat back and tried to take in the flavor profile. At first it was a very creamy, and the sweetness of the VA really shined. As the bowl burned down it required some tamping but remained lit. About mid bowl I started tasting and smelling caramel. I smoked outside but I imagine that the room note on this would be pretty acceptable to folks. I needed to relight a few times at the end due to interruptions, but even the bottom of the bowl had a great taste to it.
I am definitely going to pick up a few tins of this. I already have 5 tins of St James Woods in the cellar and I think Dark Star has earned a place as well.
Thanks again to fluffie and peteguy.
Dan