My taste for Perique ebbs and flows with the seasons. Fortunately, my taste for the stuff had returned when I approached No. 72. This pipe tobacco blend has a generous amount.
The tin description:
Composed of Burleys, two cuts of Virginia, Latakia and Perique. For those who enjoy true natural tobacco flavor, one of my most popular lighter English blends.
It is difficult for a blender to make this much Perique work so well. Perique is one of those things that too much is just too much. Less is usually more. With Pipeworks and Wilke No. 72 plenty is just right.
Here is another American style blend (Burley, Virginia, plus condiments) from Pipeworks and Wilke that has some complexity going for it in that the flavor changes throughout the bowl.
This starts out pretty brassy and light with the pepper of the Perique almost overwhelming. Before long the Burley and Virginia broaden and fill out and the bowl ends very rich and satisfying.
The proportion of Latakia is what accounts for "lighter English blend" in the tin description. It is there as a condiment and makes the other components sing. This is a brilliant application of Latakia. I'm especially fond of any blend where a little Latakia can do so much - this seems at times to be a lost art with so many blends out there that just throw the stuff at you.
Don't mistake "lighter" for deficient in taste or strength. There is a pleasant nicotine kick and fans of quality burley will appreciate the sturdy character of No. 72.
