Newminster French Champagne

[numbersix]

I like aromatics, though I don't smoke them exclusively, I still enjoy them and the family prefers them too when I smoke indoors. And I am always interested in trying new blends, especially ones that won't break the bank. Somehow I discovered this blend and read a review on PipesMagazine:
http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/pipe-tobacco-reviews/newminster-tobacco-evaluation/
The review describes the blend as such:

NO. 35 - FRENCH CHAMPAGNE

Pouch Notes: Developed from fine Virginia tobaccos from Brazil blended with Mexican Burley and topped with a sweet Black Cavendish - a unique blend. An elegant blend with a subtle hint of French berries capturing the essence of this mild mixture ...The jar aroma features a tangy fruity note, underpinned by caramel sweetness and an extremely subtle, almost furtive vanilla note. The fruitiness translates to a pre-draw light, taking on an almost grape-like note ... The tangy notes make this blend a great change of pace from the usual bombardment of sweet flavours that many aromatic offerings provide.

Now I don't have the most sophisticated palette - just ask my wife, who can taste any meal and pick out 9 out of 10 ingredients used; where I will offer "it tastes like meat to me". So for a description of the blend, I will defer to the review above by Adam Smith.
For me however, "French champagne" is an apt description as it tastes just as if they flavored it with a nice champagne. And just like champagne, it has a brightness and tanginess along with a mild sweetness that is incredibly satisfying.
I have to say that this is now my go-to aro. It's not the least bit goopy, bordering on dry even and the room note is the best I've found so far (and I've tested a lot of aros in search of a good room note).
And best of all, this is a very inexpensive blend. Highly recommended.

 

[gray4lines]

I remember seeing that review too, but you just refreshed my memory. That is quite an interesting flavor, but it sounds as if it were done successfully (according to the review and yourself). I will definitely have to give this a try. I do enjoy an occasional aro, and this sounds like something a little different that's worth a try.
Thanks!

 

[numbersix]

I remember seeing that review too, but you just refreshed my memory. That is quite an interesting flavor, but it sounds as if it were done successfully (according to the review and yourself). I will definitely have to give this a try. I do enjoy an occasional aro, and this sounds like something a little different that's worth a try.

You're welcome - I hope you like it. I must have tried 15-20 aros and this has the best room note of all and is easily in my top 3 favs.

 

[spartan]

This has been on my TAD list for a while, since the newminster blends were being pushed a couple months ago) and I haven't gotten around to it yet because the list of non aromatic tobacco is much longer.
I am glad to here good things about it though.
@numbersix
Have you tried the W.O. Larson blends? They're the best aro's I've tried yet. Very nice light flavors like strawberry and orange. Superbly done.

 

[numbersix]

Have you tried the W.O. Larson blends? They're the best aro's I've tried yet. Very nice light flavors like strawberry and orange. Superbly done.

I haven't yet, but I've heard good things - very good to know. Is there one that stands out for you?

 

[gray4lines]

6, Have you tried any other of the Newminster aros?

 

[spartan]

Signature blend for sure.
http://pipesandcigars.com/wolasimi1ti.html

 

[numbersix]

6, Have you tried any other of the Newminster aros?

Good Q - another I was equally impressed with was their Danish Black, I prefer the Champagne just a little bit more, but the Black was fantastic (I just bought a bunch of both in bulk). I also tried their Danish Gold, and it was fine but not as impressive as the Champagne and Black.
Follow the link in my first post for a review of it (FWIW the reviewer states that it arrived very wet - but mine didn't - not sure why). Highly recommended.

Signature blend for sure. http://pipesandcigars.com/wolasimi1ti.html

Spartan - Thanks a lot for the link. I just read some of the reviews - now I want some!