I've had your problem with Penzance and Dunhill Nightcap, both of which I first smoked on an empty stomach (yes, I was a slow-learner on cause-and-effect). The first time was with Nightcap, and I reported my experience on tobaccoreviews.com in September of 2005:
"Dunhill's venerable Nightcap blend was a favorite of the late sporting author Gene Hill, and fueled countless bowls in his beloved Charatans.
"I initially tried it based upon his personal recommendation, and to this day I maintain a love/hate relationship with it. Specifically, I love its aroma, both in the tin and aflame in my pipe, but I hate the way it can make me feel.
"My first tryst with this blend occurred in a large, bent, pot-bowled Savinelli. My mouth literally watered as I inhaled the enticing aromas of Latakia and Perique while packing my pipe. The flavor was great at the charring light, and only got better after the second.
"I tend to puff hard, especially with blends that I like, and I LIKED this one. Accordingly, my puffing took on the aspect of a coal-fired locomotive pulling a 100-car-consist up a steep grade. As I rolled the smoke in my mouth it was full and satisfying--to paraphrase Richard Carleton Hacker, like smoking a huge filet mignon.
"About 20 minutes into this ecstatic experience I suddenly began to perspire profusely. Next, the room began to spin and my pulse to race. I had to put down my pipe, have a cold shower, and retire to bed early in order to fight off the effects of what I later learned was a classic case of nicotine poisoning. I should add, however, that this was brought on by a classic case of greed and gluttony on my part. I simply could not get enough of this marvelous mixture fast enough.
"The lesson I've learned with this blend is to savor it SLOWLY, lest the Nightcap become a nightstick!"
The second time happened a few years later during my first visit to Jon's Pipe Shop in Champaign, Illinois (this was the little brick shop downtown near the hotel where I spent the night). While perusing their tobacco offering I asked if, perchance, they had any Penzance, and, lo, they did! I had never before tried that will-o'-the-wisp tobacco and so purchased two ounces, part of which I promptly loaded into a Group 4 Dunhill Shell billiard. In a word I found it to be delightful but, again, my greed and gluttony got the better of my and the old symptoms returned. Thankfully, a kindly clerk behind the counter noticed my distress and offered me a cup of coffee which helped, and without which I doubt that I could have made it across the street to my room.
Pacing and food on my stomach have served me well since
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