Rattray's Blossom Temptation

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

New Cigars




PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Status
Not open for further replies.

pappymac

Lifer
Feb 26, 2015
3,272
4,267
Blossom Temptation is a Golden Virginia/Broken Flake/Black Cavendish based blend flavored with Cherry and Black Currant. It comes in the 100g, “jewelry box” tin and the tobacco is in a cellophane bag. While these type tins are beautiful to look at, the tobacco dries out over time. Where with most aromatic you can grab a pinch and it clumps together, Blossom Temptation (and other Rattray’s packaged this way) doesn’t stick together.

My experience with Exotic Passion (formerly known as “Exotic Orange”) is a strong aroma of honeyed orange when I open the package (or jar). What I find with Blossom Temptation, is a subtle cherry note reminiscent of a crushed ripe black cherry with an undertone of black currant. The aromatic notes seem to mingle well with the base tobaccos - neither overpowers the other.

My first two bowls were in a German clay pipe to set the baseline for when I smoked Blossom Temptation in a briar or meerschaum. When taking an unlit draw, my impression was almost the same as when I smelled the blend in the package - subtle. The first few puffs after lighting was surprising in that I got more tobacco taste than fruit. The flavoring became more apparent as I smoked it but never reached a point where it hid the tobacco. The flavoring did disappear as I got to the bottom of the bowl.

I found Blossom Temptation easier to light if packed somewhat loose. I packed it too tight they first bowl and it made the draw difficult. I dumped the bowl on a paper towel and then repacked it more lightly and it was easier to light. Once I figured out the packing, I was able to smoke the entire bowl without relighting. The low moisture level also meant I found no goop in the bottom of the bowl.

When I compare Blossom Temptation to other cherry blends I’ve smoked, I find it to be not as “in your face” as CAO Cherry Bomb or Gawith Top Black Cherry. I did find it reminded me of Bjarne Viking Erik the Red in that it didn’t leave me with a chemical aftertaste.
 

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,210
60,433
Good recommendation for what seems an interesting blend. It seems Forums members have inched over the years toward a selective but enthusiastic acceptance of aromatic blends, after the consensus that most aromatics are over-flavored and without much tobacco flavor. Now I think most of us consider them an excellent change of pace, if not our preferred smoke. Given that we are all quite picky about which aromatic blends we choose.
 
  • Like
Reactions: anotherbob and dcon

anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
15,678
29,397
45
In the semi-rural NorthEastern USA
Good recommendation for what seems an interesting blend. It seems Forums members have inched over the years toward a selective but enthusiastic acceptance of aromatic blends, after the consensus that most aromatics are over-flavored and without much tobacco flavor. Now I think most of us consider them an excellent change of pace, if not our preferred smoke. Given that we are all quite picky about which aromatic blends we choose.
I love how often times a blend will talk about how much latakia is in a blend either directly in percentages or more in hints like (full bodied, mild, medium...) but aromatics rarely do and for me personally that makes a big difference. I like aromatics alot but some of them could be the flavor applied to cardboard for all I can tell by the taste.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.