Louisiana Red by Russ Oullette
This is a fantastic Virginia and Perique blend from Rull Oullette's Hearth and Home series.
A great sweet and spicy blend containing two different Red Virginias and a good amount of outstanding St. James Perique. The rich, round sweetness of the Virginias are complimented by the plum and pepper hints of the cool-burning Perique. An overwhelming favorite of our local pipe club members.
I've been a fan of Russ Oullette for several years now. He is a skilled blender. This might be his most popular Virginia blend. Like the description says, there is a "good amount" of Perique in Louisiana Red, enough to spice it up, amplify the natural rich sweetness of the Virginia, and for this smoker, cut the tongue bite.
Smoking pipe tobacco, especially anything with Virginia, has a tendency to bite - my body chemistry just makes me susceptible so I have to smoke Virginias with caution and care, but Louisiana Red causes me no problems.
This isn't an especially complex blend, it performs well from first light to the bottom of the bowl. I have no issues with the burning quality, it remains lit very well and produces volumes of smoke.
The blend is available in bulk at a great price for pipe tobacco of this quality and you can buy it in tins for cellaring.
Rich this is one of my favourites as well. I have a few 100 grams aging now in Mason Jars. The Red Va. is sweet and flavourful. It has the sweet and grassy taste of good Va. The perique is like a condiment on it and is present but not overwhelming to me. Great review.
Thanks Steve. I appreciate the comments and the reviews you’ve submitted.
I just happen to be sitting here smoking LA Red as I read this review. I bought some a year or so ago and, promptly, smoked it up. Someone, wish I could remember who, sent me a jelly jar full dated 11-06. I opened it recently and have been going at it! This is a really nice, smoke anywhere/anytime, with no hassles, tobacco. Great flavor, too.
Eric, I just smoked the first bowl of this LA Red that you have sent me. Mine was hard to light at first but turned around. My first impressions is that this is a spicy blend…albeit good…but I experienced tounge bite right off from the start. I like it…but will most likely keep this blend at the bottom of the rotation. It was a little dry in the bag and am unsure if that is how it normally is…I might hydrate it and see if that changes the experience. Thank you –Eric–
@Eric (Ismokeadapipe) Virginias more than any other blend are prone to bite the tongue, especially if smoked too fast. I suggest giving it a rest and returning to it some time in the future. As for moisture level, so long as it doesn’t crumble when handled its likely not too dry, more moisture will only worsen the tongue bite problem.
Thanks for the comments and stopping by the site!
Eric i enjoy your reviews on pipes and tobaccos etc. keep up the good work and thank you-FC.