Carroll P. J. & Co. Ltd. - "Velvan Plug"

[deathmetal]

I was very glad to try this tobacco which, in my locale, is quite exotic. It's one of those samples you basically smoke through on pretense of writing the review, but actually are just enjoying more than you expected.

Summary: the mixture of sweet and dark Virginias in this plug creates a gentler version of the UK plug with a slight mixed fruit topping.
Three ingredients stand out: a caramel sweetness from the Cavendish, a lighter Virginia with its late summer flavors, and a darker Virginia which gives the nutty flavor some report. Blended together expertly, and topped with a mixture of fruit essences, "Velvan Plug" provides a gentler and smoother version of the classic rich dark UK plug that nonetheless delivers the full flavor and internal complexity smokers expect from this genre. Over the course of the bowl, the Cavendish and topping take a backseat to the rich Virginia, allowing the smoker to taper off from a casual smoke into a contemplative puffing experience which reveals its nuances in layers.
Thanks to Pipes Magazine forum member "misterlowercase" for this sample.
http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/1268#review84767

Solidly delicious.

 

[papipeguy]

That's been in my rotation for a while. I've been buying it from James Fox in Dublin, Ireland. Great people and incredible service. I did notice that prices have gone up quite a bit so I'm being a bit more cautious with how often I smoke it.

 

[misterlowercase]

Probably my alltime fave tobacco.
Good review,

thanks for sharing.

:clap:
I don't know how Velvan ended up getting listed under Carroll's on TR,

the confusion is understandable,

but for the record,

it was originally made by William Ruddell Ltd. of Dublin,

so it should really be listed under:

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/brand/185/ruddells
1847 entry in the Dublin Almanac for Francis Street:

The name VELVAN was first registered in 1908:

https://eregister.patentsoffice.ie/register/TMRegister.aspx?idappli=48567
The "plug" registration time dates to the closure of Murray's,

why STG chose to drop the "Ruddell's Dublin" off the label is a mystery...

https://eregister.patentsoffice.ie/register/TMRegister.aspx?idappli=235318
Murray's era Velvan:

current STG Velvan:

Here's an old small poster,

I actually own this!

An old paper sack with Ruddell's various baccies listed:

 

[deathmetal]

I could see how this would be a much-loved favorite. It has the two extremes of tobacco, strength and sweetness, in perfect harmony.

 

[skraps]

I haven't had this one in quite some time. I gravitate toward Warrior Plug when I'm on a pluggy mood.
I might have to put this on my list and revisit.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I've been enjoying Revor plug sent to me by a friend, and I have enjoyed just about every UK plug that I have tried. We got Semois to be sold over here, why can we not get these plugs sold here. I would love to try this one. Why won't pipesandcigars let us enjoy these plugs? ::

 

[misterlowercase]

Why won't pipesandcigars let us enjoy these plugs?

That's a good question,

since P&C is owned by STG,

it would seem to be easy peasy.
I wish that they could make it happen.