Well, we've talked in length and you know I'm an avid aromatic smoker. So, here's my list.
1Q is definitely my favorite aromatic right now and I'm sure you can attest to how good it is as I've sent you a sample. I'd give it 5 stars in that it packs and smokes wonderfully, isn't too moist, leaves a very pleasant room note, and the taste transfers well. Plus, a lot of Enlish/Latakia smokers will occassionally have a bowl from time to time of it.
Mac Baren's Vanilla Cream is another great aromatic as I've sent you a tin close to full of the loose cut I'm sure you've formed your own opinion. It's a good smoke that burns nicely and transfers both the tobacco and casing flavors nicely. I prefer the flake form as it seems to intensify the flavors and is a bit cheaper at just under $7 a tin for 50grams. I'd probably give it close to 4 stars. It's not to die for, but a good regular smoke that I can see an aromatic lover having on a daily/weekly basis.
Mac Baren's 7 Seas line is definitely worth a sample if you're into American style aromatics. I believe I sent you a bit of the Regular Blend, my favorite, and a bit of the Royal Blend if memmory serves me correct. They all come a bit moist either in tin or bulk form, but after a bit of drying they smoke wonderfully. The casings transfer nicely and the leaf burns nice and evenly. They all leave a rather pleasant room note. The most popular I'd say are probably the Royal and Black blends. I'd give this whole line 4 stars, probably would give the Regular blend a five as it's my regular go-to smoke next to 1Q. An added bonus is, these blends are all available in bulk for cheap samples or affordable storage at under $25/lb.
If you're an avid coffee drinker or a fan of Baileys Irish Cream then CAO's blend Eileen's Dream is one worth trying. It has a casing of white chocolate truffles and Irish cream which pairs well with a cold glass of Baileys on a warm summer night. The casing comes through a bit more subtle than the other blends, but still is noticeable and pleasant. The leaf burns quite nicely and the room note is definitely Mrs. approved. I'd probably give it about 3.5 stars, as I'd prefer the casing to come through a bit more.
Another line to give a try would be Peterson's Limited Edition blends, the Summertime, Special Reserve, and Holiday blends. They come in beautifully decorated tins and are 100 grams of tobacco. I've enjoyed every one I've had save for this year's Summertime blend. Lime as a forward casing was not a better idea on Kohlhase and Kapp's part. They should have left the lime in the coconut lol. Other than the 2012 Summertime, these blends are all worth a go for an aromatic lover. Usually smokingpipes.com will have them around $16/tin when they first come out, shameless sponsor plug I know lol you're welcome SP.com and Kevin. The casings all transfer nicely into the smoke and the combination of leaves chosen for these blends is consistantly good. They all light and burn nicely and evenly, though sometimes could use a bit of drying time. Overall I'd give this line 4 stars, as this year's Summertime and the fact that they're limited and can disappear rather quickly detract from a 5 star rating.
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