This may be a newer blend. I remember Amphora from years ago, it was an OTC aromatic that I could find in most grocery and drug stores down here in Florida. I tried it back then and didn't really care for it so my expectations were somewhat low when I saw a pouch of this at my local B&M. I typically like English blends and it was relatively cheap so I bought it anyway. (I later found much better prices online.)
The component tobaccos are clearly latakia, and Virginia (though what kind of Virginia I can't really tell). After looking for it online there is supposedly some Oriental leaf in here as well but I didn't taste them, or they are a background note adding some pepperiness to the latakia.
I can't really tell the room note. I assume that it tolerable as when I smoke this Miss Kitty still wants my attention. I might want to smoke this at some point around a human and ask them.
This blend does seem to require a little drying (in my tastes) as the first bowl was very very latakia forward and almost unpleasant but having the pouch open now three days it seems to have mellowed a bit. Cut is ribbon.
The first third of the bowl I get the smokiness of the latakia and the sweetness of the Virginia. This remains consistent through the bowl until I get to the lower third where the flavor changes subtly due to increased moisture--probably from the combustion of the first two thirds. I find removing the built up ash helpful and usually relight to get back to the smoky-sweet taste. Ash is a very light grey.
Overall I would say this is a pleasant middle of the road English blend. I would certainly recommend this to anyone who likes English blends. I would probably recommend this to someone who wants to try English blends. Even at the B&M the price point is good (and they are charging almost double what smokingpipes.com is.
The component tobaccos are clearly latakia, and Virginia (though what kind of Virginia I can't really tell). After looking for it online there is supposedly some Oriental leaf in here as well but I didn't taste them, or they are a background note adding some pepperiness to the latakia.
I can't really tell the room note. I assume that it tolerable as when I smoke this Miss Kitty still wants my attention. I might want to smoke this at some point around a human and ask them.
This blend does seem to require a little drying (in my tastes) as the first bowl was very very latakia forward and almost unpleasant but having the pouch open now three days it seems to have mellowed a bit. Cut is ribbon.
The first third of the bowl I get the smokiness of the latakia and the sweetness of the Virginia. This remains consistent through the bowl until I get to the lower third where the flavor changes subtly due to increased moisture--probably from the combustion of the first two thirds. I find removing the built up ash helpful and usually relight to get back to the smoky-sweet taste. Ash is a very light grey.
Overall I would say this is a pleasant middle of the road English blend. I would certainly recommend this to anyone who likes English blends. I would probably recommend this to someone who wants to try English blends. Even at the B&M the price point is good (and they are charging almost double what smokingpipes.com is.
