The tingly Watch City matured perique provides plenty of spice, floralness, dried sour plums, raisins, earth, wood, bread, apple cider vinegar, and mild sugar. It takes a very small lead at first, and becomes more obvious by the first third of the bowl. The tartly sweet, lightly acidic cherry toppings start out as a co-lead, and end up being a strong supporting player. The bready black cavendish has a little sugary sweetness. Although it comprises a majority of the tobacco mix, its main function is as a flavor holder. The same is true of the slightly nutty, earthy, woody burley cavendish. The strength is nearly full, and the taste is full. The nic-hit is a step short of the center of medium to strong. No chance of bite or harshness. Has a few small rough notes. Well balanced, it burns cool and clean at a reasonable rate with a mostly consistent spicy, floral, tartly sweet and mildly sour, cherry, fruity, tangy, zesty flavor that extends to the pleasantly lasting after taste. The floral, spicy, cherry room notes have some strength. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. I don’t recommend anything more than a medium size bowl at most. Four stars out of four.
©Jim Amash 2025.
©Jim Amash 2025.
