(Note: this post originally appeared on my other blog to which I no longer add tobacco related information.)
To be honest, I don't remember when I even bought this tin of tobacco. I don't know why I bought this tin of tobacco. It has been sitting in a drawer by its lonesome among a bunch of junk pipe parts for years, not with my beloved cellared blends. I've never given it much thought. In my mind, I figured it would be an over-sweet mess that would get tried and never finished.
This morning, I was in the mood for an aromatic. But not one of Vanilla, butterscotch, BCA type aromatics I generally rotate to on these occasions. Somehow, I recalled this was sitting in that junk drawer, waiting for me, unopened.
What a pleasant surprise. The leaf is excellent. I can easily make out the base of Virginias, and I'm guessing the burley component is something along the pedigree of Dark Fired Kentucky. But there's just a touch - just the right touch - of that burley to give this blend what it needs. I'm guessing some of the tobacco is cavendish, but I'm not certain of that.
The tobacco is superbly well behaved. Straight from the freshly opened tin, and into a meer, it burns readily and dry with no need of relights with proper cadence. Not even a hint of tongue bite or bitterness from top to bottom. It produces generous volumes of smoke with a rich, smooth mouth feel and a sweet mellow taste.
I can't figure out the flavor that its cased or topped with. It reminds me a little of Earl Grey tea or maybe peaches. It's hard to pick out because the flavoring is noticeable, but it doesn't cover up the tobacco flavor - it blends seamlessly with it. The overall taste and feel is very natural and clean. I don't expect this would foul a briar or leave ghosts as it smokes so dry and the flavoring isn't syrupy. After dumping the finished bowl, there was no visible moisture at the bottom of the bowl.
I highly recommend this blend to anyone except the most militant of purists who reject anything flavored.
8 Comments
The problem I find with alot of the Peterson blends is that you cannot make out what the casing tastes like and that is where my problem lies with their blends. I dont know what I’m smokng and thats what prevents me from enjoying most Peterson blends, IMHO.
I just ordered a tin of this. I wanted to try it ever since The Count picked up his Peterson Sherlock Holmes pipe. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed it and I am sure I will do the same.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it. I think its pretty good stuff.
I did try the Peterson Sherlock Holmes and rather enjoyed it. My only complaint is 3 months later I tryed some more out of the same tin and it was not as good. Other blends seem to do well, after time and this one did’nt. I believe it had something to do with how it was stored.
Overall it is a great smoke from the beginner to the well seasoned pipe smoker, I believe it will please all tastes.
I have this tobacco. Would “figs” be something for the taste or smell description?
I agree, Dr. Fretboard. I say it’s dried figs. Good stuff.
I’ve been wary about trying this Eric. What’s the strength like?
I just purchased this tin of Sherlock Holmes and I was extremely pleased with the texture and aroma. I have experienced the least amount of tongue bite with the tin tobacco over the bag type. What is your thought on this. Well just a note to let pipe smokers know that this blend is worth trying.