I tried C&D Kadath for the first time this evening. It was quite an enjoyable experience. Random observations:
- The initial tin note hit me in the face like a hammer - a hammer made of plums and prunes, maybe some raisin, along with an unidentifiable (to me) liquor. Perhaps cognac or a spiced rum.
- I packed it using the Frank Method. (Gotcha - just kidding.)
- This is a slow burning tobacco.
- This tobacco was the first pipe tobacco to give me a noticable nicotine buzz. I expected some strength after reading some reviews first, and I packed less than a full bowl in anticipation. The buzz was good and not sickening, and it died down after the first third of the bowl. Maybe in my excitement, I was puffing too fast at first. Other tobaccos that register as “Medium” strength on tobaccoreviews.com did not affect me like this.
- The taste changed from a fruity-spicy taste in the first half, to a more woodsy-spicey half in the second half. Perhaps my slower cadence played a role here. That's the extent of my skill in identifying tastes at this point, but I was pleased with myself in noticing the change.
- Pairs well with Dr. Pepper, which itself has a fruity taste. (One of the “secret” ingredients has long been rumored to be prune juice. But honestly, what doesn’t pair well with Dr. Pepper? 10-2-4)
- I need to learn what exactly “Katerini” is.
- This was my first time packing a kake. I’m not sure I “shredded” it enough. There were some larger unburned pieces left in the bowl. And these pieces were oily to the touch. Maybe I should let it dry more?
- I smoked this in a Bari Senior, which has a narrow, conical, deep bowl. I look forward to trying this in a wider bowl, like a pot.
- My garage certainly smells wonderful now.