Hail hail gang! It has been some time since I shared an opinionated evaluation here (or anything for that matter. I sort of dropped off the map a while.) When I received my latest P&C order, I had to ease my heartache of 'no more Bosun Cut Plug' with a jaunt in the saddle of War Horse ready-cut. Let's do it to it, eh?
I have to preface with the warnings and praise that I've heard about this blend. See, I have a bad habit of being attracted to polarizing blends. This time, the positive reviews were far greater than the naysayers (in fact, I only heard a couple truly negative reviews, the bulk being 'not for me'.) Still, with all the buzz, I couldn't pass it up.
Upon popping the tin (stepping into the barn, if you will), I took a deep breath of quality tobacco. An overall mildly sweet aroma, indicative of the careful selection of ingredients. I noted the Virginia and the dark fired Kentucky immediately, and wisps of that too note, which I struggled with identifying for a moment. I got over it quickly, filing it as a vaguely anise/clove/licorice territory. As with any good steed, you can admire from afar only so long before it is time to saddle up.
As I pinched and packed, I appreciated the feel of it; tobacco that wasn't sopping or tacky, just a comfortable moisture. It settled into the bowl nicely, and I believe it would have lit readily if I weren't battling chilled fingers and an uncooperative lighter in the 20 degree night. Once lit, however, this horse was ready to run, with only a couple relights top to bottom. The layered flavors of the blend certainly entertain. The initial draw of each bowl greeted me with a slow unfolding of sweet date and cut alfalfa fields, all trotting along with a slow, gentle whisper of that licorice-y top, lightly peppered with dark fired. Upon exhaling, the damply rich Perique notes rear up in an absolutely soothing aftertaste. Coming and going, the intriguing complexity shines through. As pompous as that sounds, I can state it no more plainly; this is a blend that doesn't make me dig for hidden flavors. This is more like a doberge than a jambalaya; the entirety does not blot out the individual components.
Halfway through, the top note is nearly gone, as the dark fired and Perique stand up a little more. All through, a fine gallop of earthy, hearty tobacco flavors that most moderate to well seasoned pipers can enjoy fondly. The overall smoke is not hot, very easy to pull, with a healthy mane of smoke rising. This blend brings out a feeling, a set of memories of clearing fields, fresh clean country air on a warm sunny day; a mellow, satisfying feeling of light leisure. Most tobaccos evoke some feelings, but honestly, nothing so deep as this; I am endeared more to this tobacco far more than I expected. Before I knew it, I had a bowl of light grey/white ash.
Like taking a draft horse for a trail ride, War Horse ready cut may seem a bit imposing, perhaps downright intimidating to some, but once at ease, it is a smooth, delightful experience. I highly recommend both to any afficionado of the respective hobby. However, beginners should take caution on both counts; slow and easy is key in each.
I shall return when I have War Horse Bar and Green tins to wax Kibotic. Happy smoking all!
I have to preface with the warnings and praise that I've heard about this blend. See, I have a bad habit of being attracted to polarizing blends. This time, the positive reviews were far greater than the naysayers (in fact, I only heard a couple truly negative reviews, the bulk being 'not for me'.) Still, with all the buzz, I couldn't pass it up.
Upon popping the tin (stepping into the barn, if you will), I took a deep breath of quality tobacco. An overall mildly sweet aroma, indicative of the careful selection of ingredients. I noted the Virginia and the dark fired Kentucky immediately, and wisps of that too note, which I struggled with identifying for a moment. I got over it quickly, filing it as a vaguely anise/clove/licorice territory. As with any good steed, you can admire from afar only so long before it is time to saddle up.
As I pinched and packed, I appreciated the feel of it; tobacco that wasn't sopping or tacky, just a comfortable moisture. It settled into the bowl nicely, and I believe it would have lit readily if I weren't battling chilled fingers and an uncooperative lighter in the 20 degree night. Once lit, however, this horse was ready to run, with only a couple relights top to bottom. The layered flavors of the blend certainly entertain. The initial draw of each bowl greeted me with a slow unfolding of sweet date and cut alfalfa fields, all trotting along with a slow, gentle whisper of that licorice-y top, lightly peppered with dark fired. Upon exhaling, the damply rich Perique notes rear up in an absolutely soothing aftertaste. Coming and going, the intriguing complexity shines through. As pompous as that sounds, I can state it no more plainly; this is a blend that doesn't make me dig for hidden flavors. This is more like a doberge than a jambalaya; the entirety does not blot out the individual components.
Halfway through, the top note is nearly gone, as the dark fired and Perique stand up a little more. All through, a fine gallop of earthy, hearty tobacco flavors that most moderate to well seasoned pipers can enjoy fondly. The overall smoke is not hot, very easy to pull, with a healthy mane of smoke rising. This blend brings out a feeling, a set of memories of clearing fields, fresh clean country air on a warm sunny day; a mellow, satisfying feeling of light leisure. Most tobaccos evoke some feelings, but honestly, nothing so deep as this; I am endeared more to this tobacco far more than I expected. Before I knew it, I had a bowl of light grey/white ash.
Like taking a draft horse for a trail ride, War Horse ready cut may seem a bit imposing, perhaps downright intimidating to some, but once at ease, it is a smooth, delightful experience. I highly recommend both to any afficionado of the respective hobby. However, beginners should take caution on both counts; slow and easy is key in each.
I shall return when I have War Horse Bar and Green tins to wax Kibotic. Happy smoking all!