I suppose I could get an old book or two off the shelf and relearn things I've forgotten over the years regarding tobaccos, preparation, leaf types, etc.
All I look for in my evening smokes is a satisfying experience. I do not dissect blends as to leaf, cut, flavors and etc. A new blend gets a superficial inspection and sniff. Not sure why the sniff, it tells me nothing about the possible taste. I suppose of the odor was acrid I might recoil and make a preliminary judgement. That said, I think cut, moisture level, and smoking rate must all be correct to smoke a blend down to the proverbial "fine, white ash," as I do not concentrate on the pipe in the evening. It is an adjunct to my book, TV, playing with the dawg, or quiet rumination.
Some blends do not seem lend themselves to such a finish. The sample of "War Horse" I received is well constructed, it is very nicely rubbed out and uniform, no clumping. It's very easy to get burning and minimal attention keeps it going nicely. I would say the blend was on the dry side when received, very loose, easy to pack. Further, at rest I feel I unconsciously smoke at a reasonable cadence.
I think the blend, more than the smoker determines what the residues look like at the end of a bowl. White ash is not a rarity for me. It certainly is not a regular occurrence either. And, white ash is not a goal at any time.
I'm all a twitter waiting for the plug. In the mean time I'll give "John Cotton's No. 1 Mild" a shot this evening. Other members need to remember that when it comes to tobaccos I'm easily satisfied. I like my Latakia but can be just as satisfied strolling in the woods, camera in hand, "Sir Walter" smoldering away at the end of my nose.
