Molto Dolce is probably the most aromatic of the aromatic tobaccos I have smoked. Now, in my book, that’s not always a bad thing. I smoked a bowl of Molto Dolce straight form the tin and here are my impressions.
Humidity: some have said that Molto Dolce comes too wet and goopy, but my experience was different. The tobacco was neither wet, nor goopy. Some other tinned aros (like McClelland’s Holliday Spirit) are much more wet and goopy.
Nose: Distinctly dominant whiff of vanilla and caramel – in that order. Heavily cased. The manufacturer listed honey as the third note, but I could not taste any of it.
Char: lights well and emits rich, thick smoke right at the outset. Didn’t notice any major initial crackling as some did.
Middle: creamy, balmy sweetness is released with every draw. Exceptionally smooth with no tongue bite whatsoever, even when I tried to puff more aggressively. Had to relight a few times. No change, but no complexity either – the same sweet, somewhat syrupy notes continue throughout.
Bottom: Some slight chemical taste crept up towards the end – can’t put my finger on it, but it was there. Nothing overpowering, but present. Quality aros should not have such stuff. Didn’t like it.
Room note: Outstanding. Smoked it in my study with full approval of my non-smoking guests.
Bottom line: If you are used to smoking good ol’ Balkan Sobranie and such, Molto Dolce is quite the opposite: the tobacco gets lost in the heavily cased additives and you don’t even taste the tobacco. If you are really into sweet aros, this might easily be your holy grail. And yes, Molto Dolce will really ghost your pipe, so if you don’t plan to smoke it, better a corn cob.