The is for the 1st release of ESB from last year, I haven't bought the new one yet although I fully intend to now that I have a new appreciation for the blend.
When I first tried the blend last year, my thoughts on it were kind of meh, which I admit often happens with my first impressions. I smoked one or two bowls, jarred it, with the hopes that 6 months later or so I'll smoke it again and see if my opinion has changed.
And indeed, my opinion has definitely changed. Im not sure the exact reason it works like this, but it often does. Maybe the blend does change over time, but I think the more likely scenario is that my technique improves ever so slightly combined with the fact that I'm now smoking the blend without pre conceived expectations.
Let me begin by saying that the notion that this blend is egregiously topped like some reviews seem to imply, is just simply not true. You get a slight sweet aroma from the tin, but thats about it. It packs perfectly, the moisture level and cut are right on point. I think I relit one time, and I used a fairly deep bowl. The mechanics are top notch.
Upon first light you get a dry, woody, nutty, slightly bitter almond shell sort of note. But the further you smoke down the bowl, a nice sweetness is present and it actually seems to build the further you go. Not what you'd expect if it was topped like an aromatic. I believe the underlying sweetness is natural, as its still somewhat subtle and not in your face. Its very enjoyable, and rather complex for a typical burley blend. I imagine this is from the Orientals, but the components overall seem to be very high quality.
The nicotine strength is a solid medium IMO, as well as the taste. This is easily a four star blend and will probably be a flagship over the years.
When I first tried the blend last year, my thoughts on it were kind of meh, which I admit often happens with my first impressions. I smoked one or two bowls, jarred it, with the hopes that 6 months later or so I'll smoke it again and see if my opinion has changed.
And indeed, my opinion has definitely changed. Im not sure the exact reason it works like this, but it often does. Maybe the blend does change over time, but I think the more likely scenario is that my technique improves ever so slightly combined with the fact that I'm now smoking the blend without pre conceived expectations.
Let me begin by saying that the notion that this blend is egregiously topped like some reviews seem to imply, is just simply not true. You get a slight sweet aroma from the tin, but thats about it. It packs perfectly, the moisture level and cut are right on point. I think I relit one time, and I used a fairly deep bowl. The mechanics are top notch.
Upon first light you get a dry, woody, nutty, slightly bitter almond shell sort of note. But the further you smoke down the bowl, a nice sweetness is present and it actually seems to build the further you go. Not what you'd expect if it was topped like an aromatic. I believe the underlying sweetness is natural, as its still somewhat subtle and not in your face. Its very enjoyable, and rather complex for a typical burley blend. I imagine this is from the Orientals, but the components overall seem to be very high quality.
The nicotine strength is a solid medium IMO, as well as the taste. This is easily a four star blend and will probably be a flagship over the years.
