Everyone knows my taste in tobacco has not really evolved much since the mid 19th century! That being said every now and again people kindly send me new things to try out in the hope they can wean me off my usual diet of plug and twist. Recently a very dear friend of mine sent me several jars of Coniston Cut Plug. My initial thought was why must purveyors of this stuff insist on slicing it up when I love the ritual of slicing and cutting my own plug, not only does it keep the tobacco fresh but its what I do when I settle down for a relaxing bowl. Anyway I have to say the smell of the stuff when you open the jar is pretty unique. I was really impressed with the heady mixture of scents, it was sort of like sniffing the inside of a young ladies opera glove. The tobacco was an interesting mixture of dark colors and brown, soft and pleasing to the touch without leaving any oily residue on the fingers. I found this stuff packed easily and did not require a BBQ fire lighter to get it going. Once ignited it burnt evenly without any bite and the taste was most pleasing if you like good old rose geranium which I certainly do. For a one blend man I would certainly purchase a few pounds of this if I ever see it in stock as it is a worth while smoke. If you want the professional view on this I am sure Jim Inks has probably reviewed it at some point but if you see it in the store certainly pick up a pouch.
