Tilbury

[seadogontheland]

Though I enjoy latakia/oriental/va blends mostly, I do love an occasional VA or VA/Bur mixture. Let me present Tilbury. This is a nice medium in strength, but full in flavor VABUR from Esoterica which definitely delivers for me every time. There is a nice volume of smoke delivered when dried just a little and for my money this is one of the best blends Esoterica makes next to Penzance. I find the full body and fermented, sweet-yeasty flavor to be just wonderful. This is not a cased or topped tobacco, IMO, the unique flavor is from the fermentation process and there is very little nuttiness or hay-like essence, so often found in its constituent elements. This blend is a little singular in flavor but for an occasional bowl that's just fine with me. I know its not always easy to score any of the Esoterica blends sometimes, but this is one fine blend to stock up on if you can and age seems to only smooth it out and make it that much more delicious. Try some!

 

[andrew]

Nice review, I find some blends that are singular great, because the thing it does is what you want over and over.

 

[cortezattic]

Good description, Seadog! Your palate is spot-on in my book. :wink:

 

[seadogontheland]

I agree with you Andy.
Thanks Cortez!

 

[hiplainsdrifter]

I agree, I think Tilbury is one of the most underrated blends in the Esoterica lineup. I think your description is spot on. I still like Stonehaven better, but I am glad to have some Tilbury in the cellar.

 

[seadogontheland]

Yes I think it is underrated as well. A nicely aged tin of 7 years huh? That must be some smooth stuff.

 

[shaintiques]

I have a 17 year old tin of it still sealed. It sounds yummy. I just recently acquired it.

 

[zitotczito]

Haven't tried it yet but have 5 bags in the cellar now with 5 months age. Will see in 5 years or so.

 

[seadogontheland]

5 bags and you're waiting? I am all for aging, but this stuff is good with minimal age too you know.
17 years is a good score for sure!

 

[kola]

Nice review..I too enjoy Tilbury...like many of the out-of-this-world "ET" blends. Penzance is great too but I am not a fan of Stonehaven.
PM sent, Gigger.

 

[seadogontheland]

I like the flavor of Stonehaven but it is just too strong for me...I get a burn in my throat and a little queasy.

 

[kola]

Same for me seadog... too much nicotine but also too "rich-heavy " for my tastes. It has an odd lingering aftertaste as well.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

Not wanting to start a new thread with the same subject matter, I dug this one up.

I'm in the midst of smoking my first Esoterica blend; Tilbury.
Halfway through...I like it..a lot. I suspect I'll grow to enjoy it even more.

I found jiminks review on tobaccoreviews.com to be accurate thus far..
"There's a light natural Virginia buttery citrus sweetness though toned down with some hay/grass, a little dark fruit and earth due to the expert mix of Gold and dark Virginias. You get much of the full range of tastes that those Virginias usually have to offer. The burley is nutty and toast-like with an earthy, woodsy flavor that gets a little stronger as you smoke it down. The burley is the predominant component is terms of taste. No topping gives you the true flavor of the components. The tobacco is ribbon cut and a little stringy, so it burns at a moderate pace, cool and clean with a very consistent flavor. It hits you with mild to medium dose of nicotine, but not enough to avoid repeating it during your smoking day, and experienced smokers may consider it to be an all day smoke. No dull or harsh spots, and no bite. Leaves a little moisture in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a pleasant, lingering woody, nutty sweet after taste and stronger room note."
The term "buttery" was the first thought I had. In another review I saw green olives mentioned. Strange, I know, and somewhat off-putting to consider but I get it. There's a very slight tangy tinge in some puffs (and the tin note) and it's a pleasant sensation.

So far this bowl has proven to be highly enjoyable. Deep, but not complex, and wrought with savory counterpoint.

Truly one to be savored.