I tried this one back in 2012 when I was still quite wet behind the ears in the pipe world. I hadn't yet gotten into the pipe shows. I was still very much hooked on aromatics. I saw this tin at a local shop and figured I'd give it a go, because everyone here on the forums were talking about Greg's blends.
What I remember most about the first go around with it was that it knocked my on my keester. This blend was considerably stronger than anything I'd had up to that point. I also didn't know to eat meal before it, stay hydrated, have some chocolate afterwards to calm everything down. I did like the flavors, but wasn't really able to pin them down so much other than that.
I just got a tin from SmokingPipes #ShamelessPlug a few weeks ago. This tin is dated 5/4/17, so we're just under a year's worth of age on it from tinning. I'm currently getting through my first bowl just after dinner. Tin note is VERY much those wonderful sweet fruity notes with a bit of hay and some bready tones as well. Very nice VA aromas. The moisture level was pretty good. I could see how some people might rub out the flakes and let it sit for a while before putting flame to it. Right off the char light you get those dark sweet wonderful fruit flavors, the figs/raisins. Really nice. A little ways into the blend the bready and hay notes start coming into the profile. They're even more enhanced through a retrohale. After that everything kind of takes turn coming to the forefront making this Virginia offering more complex than most. The nicotine isn't hitting me as hard as it did before. It's noticeable, but not quite getting overwhelming; just tip toeing the line for me personally.
I"m glad I've revisited this blend. I think I'll probably keep a few tins in the cellar and at least go through one every summer. This is a wonderful afternoon/evening summertime offering. Have yourself a nice picnic with the Mrs. and after a good sandwich this will be divine with a cool glass of lemonade.
What I remember most about the first go around with it was that it knocked my on my keester. This blend was considerably stronger than anything I'd had up to that point. I also didn't know to eat meal before it, stay hydrated, have some chocolate afterwards to calm everything down. I did like the flavors, but wasn't really able to pin them down so much other than that.
I just got a tin from SmokingPipes #ShamelessPlug a few weeks ago. This tin is dated 5/4/17, so we're just under a year's worth of age on it from tinning. I'm currently getting through my first bowl just after dinner. Tin note is VERY much those wonderful sweet fruity notes with a bit of hay and some bready tones as well. Very nice VA aromas. The moisture level was pretty good. I could see how some people might rub out the flakes and let it sit for a while before putting flame to it. Right off the char light you get those dark sweet wonderful fruit flavors, the figs/raisins. Really nice. A little ways into the blend the bready and hay notes start coming into the profile. They're even more enhanced through a retrohale. After that everything kind of takes turn coming to the forefront making this Virginia offering more complex than most. The nicotine isn't hitting me as hard as it did before. It's noticeable, but not quite getting overwhelming; just tip toeing the line for me personally.
I"m glad I've revisited this blend. I think I'll probably keep a few tins in the cellar and at least go through one every summer. This is a wonderful afternoon/evening summertime offering. Have yourself a nice picnic with the Mrs. and after a good sandwich this will be divine with a cool glass of lemonade.