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If this were a wine it would be full bodied, rich but not sweet (like Cabernet Sauvignon). An all natural Virginia based blend with Latakia. This is a re-creation of the legendary Carreras Craven's Mixture.
Notes: Yale Mixture was introduced in August, 1996.
Favorite Of 2 Users
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipestud (1829) |   |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Yale Mixture is remarkably like some of the older blends that have gained name recognition over the years such as some of the Barney's blends and lighter English fare from Dunhill and Pease.
While I liked the flavor (smooth and very "English"), the blend was a bit soft in the strength department for my own personal regular enjoyment. When I wanted to just "sip" my pipe while doing other things, I found Yale Mixture to be perfect.
As is typical of most C&D blends, it arrives somewhat dry, burns evenly and beautifully, and leaves the smoker sated.
Overall, a very enjoyable smoke.
19 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Irishlefty (22) | |
Mild | Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I don't hide the fact that I am a big fan of C&D! Last week I had the chance to visit their 'plant' with a group from the Dr. Grabow Collectors Forum and we were treated splendidly and in addition to what each of us purchased, we were given some 2 oz 'samples'.
I knew what I wanted to try and one of them was 531 'Yale' mixture. I'm not sure what which English made tobacco this reminds me of from a far distant past but I do know I love it!
Easy to light and keep lit, flavor from the first draw till the end of the bowl. I have to say a light, everyday English mix, enough flavor to savor but no bite. Delightful sweet Virginia and enough latakia to taste and smell but not to overpower. This is now on my 'must have' for everyday use!
13 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| JimInks (3022) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
The Virginias offer tart and tangy citrus and grass, with a small amount of dark fruit, wood and earth. They form the base of the blend. The smoky, woody, earthy, dry wine-like Syrian Latakia is the lone supporting player. The nic-hit is just shy of being mild to medium. The strength level is in the center of mild to medium, and the taste just passes that. No chance of bite or harshness. Burns cool, clean and slightly fast with a very consistent flavor that lacks some depth. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires an average number of relights. Has a decent after taste, and room note. An all day smoke. Two and a half stars. This blend now has Cyprian Latakia, and I have not tried the latest version. When I do, I’ll update this review.
-JimInks
11 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Gentleman Zombie (729) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A very good English. This was a bulk purchase and came on the moist side. The flavors are indicative of quality tobaccos. The Virginias and the Latakia are in proportions that give equal flavor. It's very tasty. Medium bodied and flavored. Not complex. I noticed that the Virginia leaf is very thin; like a single layer of tissue paper. This causes it to burn a bit hot toward the end of the bowl. You have to watch out for that or you'll get scorched.
Pipe Used: MM General, MM Country Gentleman, MM Freehand
Age When Smoked: fresh bulk
Purchased From: smokingpipes.com
11 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| StevieB (2076) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Cornell & Diehl - Yale Mixture.
This is from loosely pouched/bulk, not tinned.
The blend looks a bit eclectic: I see some leaves, long and short ribbons, a few twigs and some tiny specks. There appears to be more Virginia than the jet black Latakia. My moisture's acceptable, if anything, it's too dry.
If I'm honest, even though the quality of the blend is unquestionable, I don't like it. I class a Latakia/Virginia blend as being in the camp of Balkan's and English's, but this has nowhere near enough Latakia richness for me. The Latakia lacks the big smoky qualities, or robust woodiness, and sits very much in the background; miles behind the Virginia. Now, some people will see this as a positive, but not me. To be fair, it burns well, gives quite a cool smoke and doesn't bite; so it's not all bad!
The room-note causes a feeling of indifference, and the nicotine's mild to medium.
If you fancy a very light English or Balkan I recon you'll love this! Solely for the decent quality this gets two stars, but I won't be ordering more of it.
Somewhat recommended.
Pipe Used: Peterson Kimnsale XL12 P-Lip
Age When Smoked: New
Purchased From: 4noggins.com
7 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Not a screeching Craven "Me Too! Me Too! blend, IMHO. A very nice basic English, without Orientals. Very straight forward, easily an all day smoke, if you are so inclined.
The Virginia and Latakia components maintain their integrity throughout the smoke. This one does not require your undivided attention to enjoy to its fullest. Nice.
7 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Very Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
My long-time favorite in C&D English blends has been #416 Plantation Evening. I've smoked a lot of this wonderful tobacco and never tire of it. I never figured Craig Tarler could top it, but now I think he's got one that's really close to being it's equal.
Yale Mixture has an inviting appearance in the pouch with it's bright and brown VAs, along with the black latakia flecks. It's aroma is a little bit sour and not as appealing as some other tobacs, but sniffing is not why we buy them, right? It packs easily and lights readily with a couple of matches.
Once burning, the first impression is of the VAs, then you notice the latakia in the background. Y/M is one of those tobaccos that likes your full attention, if you want to decipher all the flavors within. Doing so results in a lovely complexity, as the tang of the VAs wafts in and out, with the piquant notes of the latakia drifting in. It's a very pleasant tobacco to exhale through the nose, as I do occasionally.
Y/M requires less relights than many tobaccos and burns down to a fine gray ash. Dottle is minimal. I've also noticed that I can smoke this tobacco when my tongue is still a little sore from too many long sessions with VAs and VA/Pers.
Scores for Yale Mixture: taste- 18 of 20; lighting and burn- 8 of 10; value- 9 of 10. 35 points equals a solid ** for Yale Mixture. Nice work, Craig!
5 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| SopwithCamel (255) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
This is a good, medium strength English blend. The Virginias are dry, and smooth, the Latakia moderately strong and smokey. I have learned there is no Turkish in this blend. This matters not a jot as I still think it is delicious. I love the aftertaste I get with this blend. It is indeed very discrete, but consistent. The room note has an almost cedar like quality at times. Despite its relatively gentle flavor, this does have a good bit of nicotine, making it a pleasant, relaxing smoke. As with all C&D blends, this is a quality product and an exceedingly good value.
From an old Yale Mixture tobacco jar: "May your troubles end in smoke."
5 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| dixcreek (182) | |
Medium | None Detected | Very Full | Tolerable |
Lightn English blend that I keep on hand. The Virginia is light and has a citrus taste, also some sweet hay aspects. The Latakia is Smokey albeit light. I get a variety of flavors ranging from semi sweet to a hint of sour. Smooth and well behaved throughout the bowl. Burns at a moderate pace with no harshness detected here. A regular morning smoke for me, just enough nicotine to get a normal day started. Solid 3 from this view
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| HabaneroHardy (395) | |
Mild | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
During Labor Day there was a sale on C&D bulk and I bought about four ounces each of seven different blends. This is one of them and I bought it solely on the name. It sounded collegiate. This has a nice sweet natural smell out of the jar with short crimped ribbon tobacco of brown with plenty of dark scattered throughout. This is supposing to be a remake of the famous Cravens blend expect this one has no Oriental or flavoring according to the description. I never have had Cravens blend and will take them at their word that this is similar. The is an extremely English light blend with the Virginias taking the lead and the Latakia in the background at least in my smoking experience of this blend. Every once in a while, I get the hint of Latakia probably depending on how much of it is packed into the bowl. I like it but as noted this is a really mild blend and was a nice way to start the morning. This blend is almost equally divided between 4, 3 and 2 stars. If you want a light Latakia blend then this one is the way to go. This reminds me of when I was not at Yale, wearing my collegiate sweater, Captain of the Football Team, Valedictorian, Class President, Homecoming King and standing outside smoking this in my Charatan’s Make Special pipe talking to two beautiful blond Cheerleaders as they enjoy my tales of campus life and the pleasant room note of this blend.:)
Pipe Used: Charatan's Make Special
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Theologia14 (24) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
The tin note on this one is fairly flat in my estimation. Latakia is the most prominent tin note with just a hint of grassy virginias in the back ground. That seems to be the main flavor profile as well. I've tried to tease out more of the virginia but it seems to mainly be smokey Latakia with some flat grass flavor underneath. I was really hoping for more out of this blend, especially since the components were similar to Frog Morton. The leaf is good quality, it behaves well, smokes right down to a fine ash, yet it was a bit too one dimensional for my liking. Might work as a morning smoke or a working blend that doesn't require attention.
Pipe Used: Handmade Billard
Age When Smoked: Fresh Bulk
Purchased From: smokingpipes.com
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Knightsmoker (216) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
This blend falls into the somewhat recommended category. Nothing wrong with what it is but there are just dozens of Lat. blends I gravitate towards over this one. This has VA/lat. only. the VA's are more bread like in their sweetness much like a brown VA, with its toasted grain notes. I do get a hint of dark fruits from the Red VA, and every once in a while a grassy note from the smattering of brights that are there. The lat is Cyprian and has been added lightly and has what one would expect with notes of wood, smoke and sweetness. It does not overpower the VA's and remains in the background throughout. That said, when I reach for a VA/Lat only blend I expect the lat to be a little more forward and the VA's to pop a little more. the nic is closer to the mild side overall strength right at mild to med. The finish is med. long and will not linger throughout the day. Not bad just not a bell ringer for me. That said, I could recommend this to someone starting out or to anyone who prefers their lat on the lighter side. Still if a lighter lat blend is what I am in the mood for I find myself reaching for Dunhill's EMP (although that has oriental in it as well). Room note will not be a favorite of the wife and it does stay with you for quite a while.
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| The Sunday Evening Pipe Smoker (54) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
While Yale Mixture is a Virginia Latakia blend, it reminds me of things like My Mixture 965, Father Dempsey and Aperitif insofar as it mixes a woodsmoke like flaovur with an incense like flavour. That surprised me -- and pleasingly so.
There's a mild nic-kick to the blend at a certain point though not significant.
It comes dry so no need to dry it out. Absolutely no trouble lighting it.
Really a very enjoyable blend.
Similar Blends: Aperitif, Father Dempsey.
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
If you want a change of pace between smokes, and you're looking for a nice, medium-bodied smoke with a little VA sweetness, and a little backup of latakia, this blend is for you.
It's very, very nice. It's very pleasant to the very bottom of the bowl. Sweet, reminiscent of some very faint citrus notes with the smokey clove-like support of the latakia. I find it funny that the sales pitch for this tobacco is that it is not so sweet. By God it is PLENTY sweet tasting (not from casing, but from the virginias in there!) Unless my tastes are off with the five bowls of this I've had (which were consistent throughout!) It's pure-and-simple, a sweet smoke with that good ol' VA tang and sweetness.
It can bite, so just puff carefully. Not nearly as dangerous as pure VA's, but it'll get you if you don't show 'er respect. A very fine tobacco. I'm surprised they don't have it tinned.
High class, nice, mild, good flavor.
83 out of 100 (Very good!)
DJM
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Ivanhoe (36) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Yale Mixture is my default smoke now. When I am not yearning for anything specific, this is what I smoke. As Tantric says above, the taste is subtle. If you don't pay attention you may not notice how nice it really is. One of its sterling characteristics is that it is very nice when you think about it, but it doesn't distract you when you are thinking about something else. I like to smoke this when I am reading or listening to music. It's delicious, consistent, and predictable, sort of like an old friend. Highly recommended.
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
I will state right up front that this tobacco is my own personal Arcadia. I have found it, and so far in the 10 years or so that I have smoked it, nothing has managed to unseat it. The Virginia and latakia are perfectly balanced for my palate. It is a very consistent smoke that tastes pretty much the same throughout the entire bowl, and the latakia isn't strong enough to drive away the neighbors. I put some of this stuff away several years ago (along with Pirate Kake, see my other review), and have recently finished off the aged stuff and had to buy some fresh. This one most definitely improves with age, so much so that the fresh stuff almost seems like a different blend. Buy some and smoke a little. If you like the fresh stuff, put some away for a few years, and I promise you will love it.
I smoke Yale any time of the day, any kind of weather, any time of the year. However, I seldom smoke it outside. The room smell of those wreaths of smoke around me is so nice I don't want to dilute them by smoking it outside. In my opinion, this is Mr. Tarler's finest recipe.
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Pryhosm (248) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Tin/Bag note is Latakia, smokey creosote. Some Hay like VA as well.
The flavor is really nice! First I love C&D tobacco’s because they are never wet, they come at perfect smoking moisture in most cases. Never had Craven’s Mixture so can’t comment on that but I have had Germaine’s Latakia Flake and this is very similar in taste. The Latakia has the lead by a small margin and it is lightly “campfirey” and sweet, even slightly creamy. The base of Virginias provide some earth and sweetness as well as a dried hay flavor. I would not call this complex as it stays consistent from start to finish. Great flavor from top to bottom and I couldn’t get it to bite me even when puffing like a freight train while mowing the lawn. Great sleeeper blend that you can buy I bulk and way easier to find than Germain anything.
Pipe Used: Briar’s and cob’s
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Virginia lover (218) | |
Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Mild | Pleasant |
The first time I tried it I wasn't impressed at all, revisiting it after a few months and much drier, it fared slightly better. There's a extremely mild sweet topping that comes and goes at the beginning but it's mostly a cigarette like Virginia with a light Latakia presence. It has it's campfire moments but for the most part it's a nondescript smoke. The after taste is not the best but not the worst I've had either. Beginners with Latakia mixtures might want it but there's better tobaccos out there.
Virginia lover
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| MrPiper (31) | |
Very Mild | None Detected | Very Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
English Light would be a good name for this blend. That's exactly what it is. If you like a very mild English blend with the flavor of latakia but not in any way overpowering, this may be a favorite for you.
The tobacco is dry upon opening. Packs and burns very well and is reliably consistent. It's just too light for my personal taste. Honestly, it's surprising you can get a blend to behave this mildly when it's only ingredients are virginia and latakia. That speaks strongly to the proportions I suppose, and says these are really good quality virginia tobaccos. I only gave 2 stars because for me it's just too soft.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| JohnnyMcPiperson (119) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This one didn't really do much for me, although I think it's worth revisiting. To me this blend was rather plain and one dimensional, with that said it would probably make a good all day English. I am a once or twice a day smoker so I think I need something a bit more complex when it comes to my tobacco. This one is just okay, an middle of the road English with no real special characteristics.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Demetri (113) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
This blend strikes me as the perfect starter for someone just moving to English style blends. And it seems a good choice for regular English smokers who enjoy more than a bowl or two or three a day. To me it is well balanced with just the tiniest hint (just barely) of natural sweetness and with no component overpowering any other. My purchase was pretty dry (which the tobacconist told me was normal for the brand) and did quickly burn though to the end. I will try this next time in the largest bowled pipe I have and will try to get a tab bit more moisture in it. Otherwise, 3 out of 4 stars, maybe a little higher
Just a short update. I grew a bit tired of this one as steady, daily smoke fare and mixed it 60/40 with C&D's Byzantium. The result was wonderful. The Byzantium punched this one up the taste scale to an old 965-like experience. I'm not one who regularly experiments with home blends, but I thought whatever could be the harm with two mixed from same blender in same genre. It worked, this time.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Latakia (70) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Bought a sampler of eight C&D English blends. This is the first I tried and although it was not bad, have other favorites. First smoked it in a oversized Ser Jecapo Apple and it got boring. Had it in my favorite billard and it made it more tolerable however, still not up there on my list. Almost bitter to some extent and I was expecting more latakia. Something tasted not right. Alternating this with Plantation Evening...both similar but YM has more latakia and not as sweet. Like both but if I wanted more latakia, would go with something else.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Fumatore (49) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
What I like about Yale Mixture is that it is one of the few medium English blends that it doesn?t suffer from an Oriental overload. Just a straight smoke that is very enjoyable from time to time. Those of you looking for an all day tobacco or one that?s not intended for sitting and contemplating might appreciate this one.
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| RCUSElder (244) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Appearance and Tin Aroma: Beautiful broad-cut ribbons of browns, yellows and ocassional black. Smells earthy, musty. The ribbons are pliable and oily.
Packing and Lighting: Packs easily and moisture is perfect. 2-3 lights max.
Initial Flavor: Dry, cigar-like initial flavor. Not bad, but surprising.
Mid-bowl: Just as the description blurb states, full, but not sweet.
Bottom of Bowl: a decent increase in strength, no bitterness. Ash is dry and grey.
Overall: this is a high quality blend, but it is in a flavor spectrum that I don't like to venture in. It is a very dry blend, not in moisture level, but in flavor with cigar-like overtones. I won't be purchasing any more, but if someone offered it to me, I probably would not turn it down...
2 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| DrDyson (148) | |
Medium | None Detected | Mild | Tolerable |
Yale Mixture is not available in the UK, but anyone who likes this kind of thing is well provided for by tobaccos that are. My palate is not all that refined, I know, but I can't detect much, or any, difference between this and Gawith & Hoggarth's No 25 Mixture or Exmoor Mixture (see my reviews of those). It's a pleasant enough smoke but, it certainly isn't a clone of Craven Mixture; Craven Mixture had orientals in it. If any currently available tobacco resembles the old Craven Mixture, it's Samuel Gawith's Skiff Mixture.
This is the kind of offering that I'm inclined to damn with faint praise. It's a decent enough tobacco, but it's not outstanding. A comparison with Squadron Leader, Skiff Mixture or Peterson's My Mixture 965, does not flatter Yale Mixture. Yale Mixture is all right, but ... meh.
Pipe Used: Bewlay bulldog
Purchased From: Gift from a friend
Similar Blends: Gawith & Hoggarth's No 25 Mixture or Exmoor Mixture..
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Mild | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I was looking for a lighter English that was not a total "Latakia Bomb", and was served up with Yale Mixture. I must say this is nice, and exactly fit the bill for me. I could see this as an all day English. Just the right amount of Latakia, which does not overpower, but complements a sweet, never spicy Virginia base. If you are looking to ease into the world of English/Latakia blends, this is a good entry.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| krg1000 (183) | |
Mild | None Detected | Very Mild | Pleasant |
This is the 7th of 8 tins from a sampler I bought some time back. I just really can't say this does much for me but wastes my time in smoking. It just seems to taste more like smoking cigarettes than pipe tobacco. It does have some redeeming qualities: it comes not too moist in the tin, some would say dry. It burns down to a nice fine ash in the bowl. It seems to be lacking much in the nicotine area for me. I cannot recommend this at all.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Davo (3) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Too much nicotine for me and it burns hot with a bite. Maybe it's better after a big dinner but not as an all day smoke.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
My first latakia experience. This was an incredible tobacco full of tastes.I detected a hot pepper note, light frankincense/myrrh notes, at times sweet, and smooth and velvety from start to finish. I thought the taste could be described as full and complex. I can see why people enjoy English mixtures and I enjoyed this one throughly.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
A nice all-day full english. My all-day blend (multiple pipes a day). The third of my top three- no bite, no bark, just superb!
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Upon opening the tin I thought this would be a blend I would really like based on its smell and appearance. Unfortunately, there is something in the blend that, when smoked, is to me quite caustic. I can feel my mouth drying out and my throat constricting just thinking about it. There are some nice flavors present - this is a complex blend with a bold flavor - but there is also a bit too much of a fruity/cavendish-like character for my taste. Most of all, I just can't handle the acrid smoke and it's debilitating effect on my throat. Your mileage may vary.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant |
I cannot imagine an english smoker not liking this. It is worth atry for sure if you smoke english blends. I always looked forward to smoking it when I had my first tin going. I have another tin on hand and will buy another one or two eventually.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| neuron_md (32) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
This is a nice blend. It is pure tobacco goodness-- I cannot detect any casing. I would characterize it as fragrant, tangy, and spicy. A medium smoke.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Not overly complex but very satisfying. This is a full English mixture that is best enjoyed after a meal. This is one of C&D's better offerings.Fans of "Star of the East" will like this. There are however no orientals, which for some may cause concern and others relief. Good Stuff! 3 English stars. ====================UPDATE 6/15/07============================ Expensive Tinned Tobacco that is at best lousy. Skip this one at all costs.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | Medium | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
I must say that I have not been very fond of English Blends over the last 43 years of pipe smoking. Most I tried were too strong with latakia or orientals. Having fond several C&D blends that have become my favorite, I decided to try Yale Mixture after reading the positive reviews posted here.
I have to admitt, I really am enjoying this mixture and it is becoming one of my favorites. For my tastes, it has the perfect amount of latakia, and the VA's smoke cool and sweet. I find myself smoking two-three pipes in a row, and ejoying it very much. This is an excellent blend for those who are wanting to try English Blends for the first time. It will be added to my C&D rotation, along with Bayou Night and Night Train.
3/8/07: Moving Yale Mixture to three starts. It is an excellent English Blend, but after smoking SG Squardron Leader, it is my number one English.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
A stout English; one might even call it portly. This is a C & D tinned bulk I took another chance on, and luckily, it rewarded handsomely. This reminds me of what Dunhills were like before they outsourced their production to EU countries, specifically Germany & Denmark. It has the nutty characteristics of the Dunhill London, the forward yet smooth taste of 965 and the requisite spice of Aperitif. Just enough Latakia for balance and my palate detected a wee shot of orientals or stoved Virginias. Wonderful stuff on these cold late winter nights as the days get a bit longer and the anticipation of spring waxes anxiously. Truly one of the more satisfying English blends I've sampled in a very long time, especially since most of what passes for European English these days is EU lite.
Three and a half of five stars
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Ranger (78) | |
Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
I've just finished a tin of the Yale mixture and I must say it exceeded any expectations I had for a tobacco at such a relatively inexpensive price. I found it pleasantly tasty, with balanced amounts of Latakia, Burly and Virginia. I like this much more than other latakia blends from C & D such as Old Joe Krantz. The blend burned perfectly, had an excellent moisture content and great taste in the mouth and nose. I definately will purchase more.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I just thought I liked this blend. Its a latakia lovers dream, with virginia body to back it up. I had read that it was close to Craven- And being a new pipe smoker, I got no idea what Craven was like- But it must have been the bomb....Cause this can take you to your own Arcadia...Its a contemplative, smoky, mysterious blend. In a conversation with Craig Tarler, he says the way to order it is to have them press it for you, as it further marries the flavors that I thought were seamless. Can't wait to finish what I have to get the next batch pressed... ========updated========= I did what I said I would and split a lb of pressed Yale with a friend. He opened his- I did not, opting instead to let mine age. Aftter having several bowls of his however- I can say that pressing definatly binds this blend. It deepens the flavor and creates a more unified front. This will probably make you love it more, but it does change the blend- For me? In a wonderful way. I am told that this blend is exported to the UK in pressed fom predominantly and they are on to something! In pressed form, rating increases to 4 stars. Its an experience.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I completely agree with you Talon ol'boy!! You said everything I thought!! though, you didn't mention that in the mid bowl, there is this incredible nutty flavor and through the nose it swirls around so delicously words cannot begin to describe it. I also plan on ordering a brick pressed just to see how the craven (which was pressed) tasted. I can't imagine it being better - Hats off to the folks at Cornell and Deihl!! James Barrie would have been so proud. Lady nicotine is alive and well...
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Pipepundit (168) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
A pleasant enough mixture with no obvious faults, but not memorable or exceptional in any way either.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Lancelot Gobbo (25) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I never knew the Craven Mixture, and wanted to try this to get perhaps a hint of what the fuss was about. At first there was a very strange pungent odour from the bag of bulk tobacco, but after leaving it about two weeks it has dissipated and I am left with a truly pleasant tobacco. C&D tobaccos are known to ship dry, and I can imagine some wanting to spray this with a little distilled water. Even as it comes, it doesn't burn too hot and doesn't bite unless you suck too hungrily on your pipe. It lights very easily, and rekindles after a pauses with a couple of deeper pulls on the pipe. If you smoke it slowly the sweeter virginia becomes more apparent, contrasting with the smokey latakia very pleasantly. I can understand why some people rave about Yale Mixture: it could easily be an all-day smoke.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| sasha (228) | |
Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
I don't think this mixture is so "full bodied" as declared, having found it light and fresh and perfectly suitable for outdoor summer smoking. The balance and the smoothness I think are the main keys here, the latakia being a little in the background. There's a nice sweetness by the Virginias and on their layer I could aste a piquant note that made me think about Perique. The closest C&D blend I can think about is Rajah's Court, though Yale is a less classic-style English mixture.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I do not know how close this is to the original Craven, but whatever its pedigree, it's a masterpiece. Indeed, this is the finest English mixture I have ever filled my pipe with, and a member of that small and exclusive club which I fondly call "My Favorite Blends."
Spicy, dark, rich, and smooth, Yale Mixture comes dry when you order it (which I, for one, like) and is so well cut that it packs without any effort. Once lit, it will burn and burn at just the right pace; this is the epitome of the "one-match smoke." It does have a faint cigar overtone, as Beer mentions, but only at given points in the smoke. The flavor of this tobacco is absolutely unique and unmistakable.
Yale Mixture is not "complex" in the GL Pease sense of the term, but this is one of its many virtues. Smoking a pipe can't always be a neurotic pursuit of flavor nuances. This is a consistent and rewarding blend, and one that holds a special place in my heart.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Beer (345) | |
Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable to Strong |
It's good, tasty and robust... but I find it too spicy, perique-laden and cigarish for my habit. Check Bayou Night instead...
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Yale Mixture packs easily, lights easily and has a nice light natural flavor. The burn is relatively slow, even and dry. There is some subtle complexity. The only thing that keeps me from liking this tobacco is that it bit like a rabid squirrel. I smoked it slowly, I tried it in different sized bowls, I even tried it in a Kirsten. The result was the same every time. I guess this one just doesn?t agree with me. I can't figure out what it could be.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
I am a big fan of latakia and english blends and very much enjoy this. The flavor of this is unique. Even though the description does not mention turkish, that was the first impression that I recieved on light up. After about the first eighth of the bowl the other ingredients realy come into play. The virginia seems to be that of a dark, round, full unsweet variety. The latakia is present but is not the main focus of this blend. As far as english blends go this is not on the sweet end of the spectrum. This has a slightly bitter note that weeves in and out of the other flavors. Oddly I found this aspect appealing in that it was bitter but not overpowering, just enough to keep it interesting. There are alot of little subtletys in this blend that can be missed if attention is not paid to it. This is also very good if you are pre occupied with other things other than distinguishing the minor variations of flavor in a blend. I enjoy smoking this in that it realy is a sharp contrast to sweet english blends (which I also enjoy). This is very good and highly recommend it.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Tantric (321) | |
Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
This is a tricky Latakia/Va mixture. At first it seems a very well developed blend, but only ?technically? speaking. It has all the elements of a very traditional English mixture comprising red and tan Virginias with jet black and probably toasted Latakia (the manufacturer in fact states it is close to the original Craven mixture). But the flavour seems a bit harsh and raw, with non of the subtleties or undertones you may find in Dunhill?s, Gawith?s or Pease?s blends. I did not detect any Oriental or Turkish elements that would, IMO, enliven the blend. In fact this could very well be the extreme opposite of the Pease's Renaissance. A dry, cool smoke, pretty well balanced, but nothing more. However, as you smoke some more bowls, it kind of grows on you.
Almost monastically austere, with virtually no plum sweetness, it nevertheless provides a sobriety and elegance that lingers on through the smoke. There are no surprises in terms of varying flavours as you progress down the bowl. The Vas. are stronger and drier here than in other similar mixtures I?ve tried, and the Latakia, though potent and similar to the grades used in Standard Mixture, is not at all overwhelming. Such consistency of flavour and the coolness of the smoke make it an enjoyable, non distracting smoking experience. I have been reading and writing quite a bit whilst smoking this blend, and I find YM a most agreeable and discrete companion. The aroma is not particularly pungent and can be smoked indoors (window slightly open).
As a change of pace within the Latakia/Va. range this is an interesting and recommendable option. Medium strength and dry, it goes well with port, Holst and Huxley.
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Noorrmm (192) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Appearance: Mostly medium and light color with a little dark. Appears to be red va., turkish and latakia. Somewhat fine cut. Balanced english aroma. Like all of the C & D blends, there is less moisture content. I like it like that, and besides, I get more tobacco and less water for my buck.
Aroma: A lovely balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky, with the oriental spice most noticable, the latakia definitely there, and the Virginia in the background
Packing: Owing to the slightly fine cut, this blend packs easily in any size bowl.
Lighting: Lights easily, no special effort to get it started.
Initial flavor: First impression is the turkish, bright and spicy. It mellows down quickly, and I taste the nice round virginias with a moderate smokiness from the latakia.
Mid-bowl: Continues in a well behaved, proper english manner. Since it?s a pure, natural tobacco, it smokes dry. Flavor is not overwhelming, in fact it seems to be lacking a bit of body. Leaving it to mellow for several months would probably be of great benefit.
Finish: Ends a bit stronger than the middle, but retains the taste and balance throughout. Leaves a clean ash.
Summary: Probably an excellent choice for an all day smoker. If you?re looking for a big blast of latakia, this is NOT it. Since this is a bulk blend, it does not show the maturity of a tinned tobacco, but the cost is also much lower than tins. This would be at or near the top of my list for a steady english blend. This is supposed to be close to the old Craven mixture, which I smoked many years ago. I have to admit, too many years have gone by for me to judge that, but I do like it
1 person found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| TallPuffO'Burley (632) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
This one just did not do it for me. I bought a one ounce sample of this because a friend is smitten with the blend. The blend is simple in that it is just two types of leaf used Virginia and Latakia with Virginia definitely in the lead. The latakia is definitely perceptible with the campfire notes it delivers.
I find the Virginia component to be not sweet enough for my preferences. In fact, every bowl I had left me with the impression I was smoking dirt. Maybe, I am just not a slow enough smoker and never really got in the zone with this one. I will say that in other respects this tobacco performs well. perfect moisture leads to a dry smoke that needs few relights; basically a typical C&D blend in that respect. In any case, these were my impressions and I am happy I only purchased an ounce.
Age When Smoked: 6 yrs 1 mth
Nobody has rated this review yet.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Yale mixture is the first "real" tobacco I've tried. Have reached the bottom of the tin and tried several others and it is still the best. A good picture has already been painted here, but I heartily concur. Very nice wood-smoky, pleasantly spicy tobacco. update 12/8/08 I have to lower this one to a three, after an accumulation of experience. There are too many other tobaccos I like better to leave it at a four.
Nobody has rated this review yet.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Sweetly smokey, generally well-balanced, this blend's intended effect is obvious, but it lacks a proportion of components that would bring me back more often (more latakia), and there is a slight edge throughout the entire bowl. Peppy in nicotine content, though, and certainly constructed of decent leaf.
Nobody has rated this review yet.
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Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
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| Emeritus Account (30125) | |
Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I smoke this in rotation with C&D #063 Bayou Night. It at best is an ok afternoon smoke as it comes, but it is not strong enough to keep in rotation (for me) without doctoring up.
I usually add some perique to this blend to strengthen it up a bit. After that it is a really satisfying smoke for me. There is some complexity in the blend that rotates through as I puff; some raisin/nut like flavor and with perique blended in it adds a bit of pepper to the mix.
I rarely have a bad smoke from any C&D blend, but for my liking this one just needs a little zap with some perique.
Nobody has rated this review yet.
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