Wessex Campaign Dark vs Astley’s 109

[npod]

I’m on a mini 4-day vacation and have the rare opportunity to sit by a pool and enjoy a pipe at anytime.
I brought only VA flakes with me. Two in particular for discussion. One of my favorites is Wessex Campaign Dark (Brigaide). I finally got around to trying Astley’s No. 109, I have been aging it, now three years. I enjoy this flake very much! Maybe I have too much time on my hands, but these two flakes taste very similar. Others have mentioned similar impressions on TobaccoReviews. What say you?

 

[smittyd]

I have been wanting to try Campaign , but cannot find it in stock anywhere. And as far as Astley's 109 ...well that arrives on Monday so i will know better then.

 

[krizzose]

I haven’t tried either yet, but they are on my list. I’m intrigued by a lot of the reviews mentioning a distinct sweetness in both. Are you finding that?

 

[bluegrassbrian]

It seems recent production Astleys 44 and 109 differ from previous iterations.

I can't speak from experience but that's what I've read.

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

I think Astleys 109 has a deeper tobacco taste and underbelly to it. It's less sweet to me than than Wessex, but they're both good blends. Wessex takes it in a battle royale. Enjoy your time off. ::

 

[npod]

Wessex CDF will always be a favorite, it's an old friend to me. But the Astley 109 is certainly similar and both have a sweet Virginia flavor that I love. Astley 44 is also a favorite, but different in many ways.
For now, I am digging the 109. But it does require time and a slow cadence to get the magic. It's one that needs undivided attention.

 

[derekflint]

I have a tin of Wessex CDF that will be cracked soon......... ::