A while back I picked up some of CAO's cigarillos of this blend and so my interest was piqued as to what the pipe blend was like. Last week I ordered up two new lighters and decided to add a tin of this blend to the order. I got it Saturday and now I only have about four bowls left in the tin. That's what's compelled me to review it.
Opening the tin I was met with a definite fruity aroma with just a hint of bourbon. I noticed it was somewhat similar to Peterson's Connoisseur's Choice. It smelled so good I loaded a bowl up right away.
As for the leaf it's a very eye pleasing combination of light and dark leaf. A nice Virginia and Cavendish blending, which seems to be of a good quality as the leaf burns evenly to a nice white ash.
When it comes to smoking this blend is pretty close to being ready to enjoy straight from the tin. It packs well and takes a char and true light very well. As mentioned before it burns nice and evenly to a white ash. The flavoring isn't overpowering but is noticeable in the smoke. Mostly a fruity flavoring in the back ground that plays off the sweet Virginia leaf. Sometimes hints of bourbon vanilla show themselves. It didn't give me any tongue bite and didn't leave a goopy mess in the bowl afterwards either. The room note was definitely pleasant. Infact I took the tin to the B&M to meet up with a friend and when I was puffing on it he asked if he could have a bowl. Ofcourse I let him fill up a pipe and he felt much the same as I did about the blend.
Overall I think this is a pretty good aromatic. It won't replace my favorite 1Q, but I probably will order a tin from time to time. If you like aromatics and are looking to try something new definitely pick up a tin.
Opening the tin I was met with a definite fruity aroma with just a hint of bourbon. I noticed it was somewhat similar to Peterson's Connoisseur's Choice. It smelled so good I loaded a bowl up right away.
As for the leaf it's a very eye pleasing combination of light and dark leaf. A nice Virginia and Cavendish blending, which seems to be of a good quality as the leaf burns evenly to a nice white ash.
When it comes to smoking this blend is pretty close to being ready to enjoy straight from the tin. It packs well and takes a char and true light very well. As mentioned before it burns nice and evenly to a white ash. The flavoring isn't overpowering but is noticeable in the smoke. Mostly a fruity flavoring in the back ground that plays off the sweet Virginia leaf. Sometimes hints of bourbon vanilla show themselves. It didn't give me any tongue bite and didn't leave a goopy mess in the bowl afterwards either. The room note was definitely pleasant. Infact I took the tin to the B&M to meet up with a friend and when I was puffing on it he asked if he could have a bowl. Ofcourse I let him fill up a pipe and he felt much the same as I did about the blend.
Overall I think this is a pretty good aromatic. It won't replace my favorite 1Q, but I probably will order a tin from time to time. If you like aromatics and are looking to try something new definitely pick up a tin.
I think it tastes and smells pretty fantastic, it also feels like it has an oldtimey quality to it (sorry oldtimers!).
