Tried my second bowl of this blend this morning in a Wally Frank "Donkey Nut" pipe that I had restemmed. Overall - still in the not bad category. Cocoa, honey still hovering way in the background - while the cinnamon takes the forefront.
I just smoked my first bowl of this and I have to say that I agree. To me, the taste is almost a combination of Captain Black White and Half and Half. The smoke is a little bitter on first light, but once you do the charring light and get the baccy going, slow sipping reveals a pleasant sweet flavor that is definitely akin to cinnamon. There is an almost bitter component to the smoke, and seeing as how this sample arrived very dry, the smoke was a little hotter than I would have liked. It did cool down when I acquired plenty of top ash and the flavor remained fairly neutral and a little sweet. The girlfriend and the roommates definitely liked the room note, which is always a consideration for me, so thats a plus. Is this a blend that I would buy? Maybe. I think it is a nice throwback to those old "codger" blends. Is it a go to blend? I would say no. Dont get me wrong. I am glad I tried it, and it is not all bad, just not something I can see myself smoking for days on end. Thanks to Russ for the free sample and for letting us all try it.after my 1st bowl i have to say to me it has a geezer blend feel to it