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To mark our 15th year of blending tobacco, we've given our highest rated, best selling mixture an enhancement. Although based on the the same proprietary Oriental Cavendish as the original, we've substituted the Cyprian Latakia for the last of our pure Syrian Latakia and used a special 15 year old St James Perique that we acquired in a large estate tobacco tin purchase a while back. (It was packaged in a 1 pound Paint Can marked "Saint James Perique, Stored '00).
The result is a subtle yet noticeable enhancement to the blend's complexity. Packaged in 1.5 oz vacuum packed "coin twist" tins. So limited you may miss it if you blink!
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30194) |  |
Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
Mostly dark black ribbons with some light brown included. As with the original, some light gingerbread in the nose with an almost clove-like aroma well underneath.
I liked but didn't love the original, as crossover Balkans just aren't my preference. Still I loved the concept and the execution from a more objective sense. This one takes my heart as well as my head. All of my minor complaints of the original are addressed here. The Syrian latakia lends a more exotic spice here that doesn't overwhelm the other components. I'm not quite sure what the aged perique does here but I can't argue with its inclusion! There is some aromatic-type essence in both the taste and the room note but this is no flavor-challenged aro. It's very spicy and naturally sweet but with a touch of what Cavendish smokers find so enticing. Where the original was a crossover that landed squarely between aro and non, this one leans towards the non without eschewing the aro. Consequently, I was bound to prefer this one. Fairly complex, doesn't need a lot of drying time and this has "jump factor", meaning it's not an all-day, working in the yard affair. Unfortunately, this is going to be as rare as hen's teeth when it comes into the market. Act fast or not at all! :) Ernie is an inventive blender with an eye towards the tradition as well as innovation. Strong 4 stars!
3 people found this review helpful.
600 Perdue Ave
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