Having tried Seattle Pipe Club's Plum Pudding and their Reserve and Bourbon versions, I dipped my toe into Mississippi River Special Reserve.
The SR version comes in a plug. Having schooled myself on plug-cutting like a torte-cake I cut down and rubbed it into tasty flakes and stuffed into a Mr. Brog Old Army #21 Pearwood with silver cap. Lit readily and coolly and stayed lit throughout.
There are significant differences between Plum and Mississippi, primarily that MR-SR is far more "fruity" taste where the Plums are more on the black licorice side from Latakia up-front. MR I noticed the Lat is pulled back a lot more, replaced with what seems to be dark molasses.
Strong plum-y taste and deep, rich fruitiness with heavy, damp wood flavor and an interesting Baskin Robbins' "Jamoca" Almond Fudge (coffee ice cream with chocolate-covered almonds) backdrop taste. Hint of cinnamon and vanilla creaminess off of what seems to be Cavendish but certainly isn't (according to the recipe). Could be the aging created this effect from the Virginia and settling while "cellar'ed". Molasses-drenched fruit-forward with a hint of BBQ tang.
No bite, low nic. Smooth and rich. Recommended.
Pleasantly melded and aged together in a very very good blend of taste that even an aromatic lover will enjoy thoroughly. Interesting complexity of tastes without any being demanding in a rich blend.
