I picked up a tin of this over the weekend. Fresh production, so no old cellared, old recipe stuff here. New version, current version, etc.
Once home I popped the tin and filled up a tasting pipe, one of my Briarwork's Princes. I like these because the wide bowl let's lots of leaf light up and I can pack it loose if I am tasting or don't have the full allotment to get down on a long smoke.
No. 2 is a Virginia Perique ribbon, and Astley's is made by Kohlhass & Kopp.
This blend, in this version and freshness, is really popping for me. It's smooth, hints of spice and some nice full flavor with a subtle sweet aftertaste that as soon as it leaves, I find myself drawing more in. It may have notes of vanilla or honey or raw sugar, maple? Hard for me to place it specifically other than sweet and good.
I have since committed my commutes to this blend, this week at least, and have to say it's really good. Like If I had to smoke this, and didn't have 900 blends to choose from, I would be a merry lad for the rest of my days.
I'll be getting more.
This is also encouraging for those of us whose cellars aren't a mature as others. I hear plenty of 'it's not what it used to be' comments. As valid as they may be, my bliss derives from ignorance of leaves of the past...
Once home I popped the tin and filled up a tasting pipe, one of my Briarwork's Princes. I like these because the wide bowl let's lots of leaf light up and I can pack it loose if I am tasting or don't have the full allotment to get down on a long smoke.
No. 2 is a Virginia Perique ribbon, and Astley's is made by Kohlhass & Kopp.
This blend, in this version and freshness, is really popping for me. It's smooth, hints of spice and some nice full flavor with a subtle sweet aftertaste that as soon as it leaves, I find myself drawing more in. It may have notes of vanilla or honey or raw sugar, maple? Hard for me to place it specifically other than sweet and good.
I have since committed my commutes to this blend, this week at least, and have to say it's really good. Like If I had to smoke this, and didn't have 900 blends to choose from, I would be a merry lad for the rest of my days.
I'll be getting more.
This is also encouraging for those of us whose cellars aren't a mature as others. I hear plenty of 'it's not what it used to be' comments. As valid as they may be, my bliss derives from ignorance of leaves of the past...