While I've commented on this blend in other forums, I thought it deserved some heightened attention in the form of a brief review.
Those familiar with WCC's flakes will not be surprised to learn that this blend is actually a crumble cake. It's a tad moist, easy to rub out, and (for me) needs a little drying time. It has an earthier, slightly fermented, yet lovely scent with hints of dark fruit. The description indicates "three different Virginias ... [a] rich matured Virginia, a deep, dark stoved Virginia and the highest grade of bright Virginia is used as a backdrop for a heavy dose of perique." I suspect Red Virginia is a component, but it doesn't appear to be a dominant ingredient, as the blend provides a fairly cool smoke (I'm terribly red-sensitive). At one point this blend was thought to have a bit of DFK, but it is strictly a VaPer.
Once lit, I detected a natural sweetness almost immediately. The first half of the bowl is rather mild, but alternates between complementary waves of tangy citrus and raisin-like sweetness. Beyond the bowl's midpoint, the tobacco becomes increasingly spicey with hints of cinnamon. Lovers of Deluxe Navy Rolls will be familiar with the flavor profile. Having smoked this in several pipes, I've found it really shines in a mid-sized bowl.
My initial experience with this blend came from a recent 3 oz. purchase. I've since ordered a pound and have this blend in my regular rotation. It's a terrific VaPer and will satisfy those who prefer perique blends that are less bright & grassy, more plummy & figgy, and whose spice never eclipses its sweeter notes.
Those familiar with WCC's flakes will not be surprised to learn that this blend is actually a crumble cake. It's a tad moist, easy to rub out, and (for me) needs a little drying time. It has an earthier, slightly fermented, yet lovely scent with hints of dark fruit. The description indicates "three different Virginias ... [a] rich matured Virginia, a deep, dark stoved Virginia and the highest grade of bright Virginia is used as a backdrop for a heavy dose of perique." I suspect Red Virginia is a component, but it doesn't appear to be a dominant ingredient, as the blend provides a fairly cool smoke (I'm terribly red-sensitive). At one point this blend was thought to have a bit of DFK, but it is strictly a VaPer.
Once lit, I detected a natural sweetness almost immediately. The first half of the bowl is rather mild, but alternates between complementary waves of tangy citrus and raisin-like sweetness. Beyond the bowl's midpoint, the tobacco becomes increasingly spicey with hints of cinnamon. Lovers of Deluxe Navy Rolls will be familiar with the flavor profile. Having smoked this in several pipes, I've found it really shines in a mid-sized bowl.
My initial experience with this blend came from a recent 3 oz. purchase. I've since ordered a pound and have this blend in my regular rotation. It's a terrific VaPer and will satisfy those who prefer perique blends that are less bright & grassy, more plummy & figgy, and whose spice never eclipses its sweeter notes.
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