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# 31/5/2011
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Review by pstlpkr
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This English Flake, Not Really My Cup of Tea
I am primarily an aromatic smoker. I must say however; that I
do not dislike English blends. On the
contrary; I have and do (thoroughly) enjoy Sasieni Balkan and EMP. Over the years I have smoked a number of other
bulk and tined English blends that I liked as well. However; Esoterica Tobacciana
Penzance threw me a curve. It tastes of heavy Latakia and mildly sweet, then becomes light
and peppery. There is no doubting it is
an English blend but despite that, it seems to have a tolerable room note, as confirmed
by the War Department.
When I opened the tin, I was intrigued by the slightly
thicker than usual cut of the flakes and the general texture of the blend. The tin note was not very intense or
particularly interesting. But, I did
pick up on a slightly sweet and smoky aroma, with a hint of mink oil. It reminds
me of oiling up my mitt when I was a kid. The flake itself crumbles easily, and
does not require much preparation at all. Although it feels moist; it does not
really need any drying time before packing and lighting. It does pack well and
lights easily, but I did have to stir, dump, and relight about 3 times per
bowl. It seems I had much less trouble with this style of flake than I have had
with others. The ash is white and powdery, and smokes dry. I drank ice water
with each bowl.
I have smoked six flakes thus far in my evaluation of this blend,
three bowls in my Brebbia Lectura Churchwarden and a like number in my TRG
White Ringed Volcano. Each bowl seemed to have the same relative characteristics. Upon the char and true, I found Penzance produced a very heavy smoke dense with
Latakia and a little sweet. Then halfway through the bowl it changed
dramatically to a much lighter and smoother Latakia and it developed a peppery
feel and taste. I can see how a devotes of English blends would love Esoterica Tobacciana
Penzance. Myself, on the other hand, about this particular English blend I am
neither hot nor cold. Please, do not get
me wrong. Penzance is good, but I personally prefer a lighter English blend,
something a little more exciting (or more precisely) possessing brighter flavor
characteristics.
I suppose in my final assessment of Esoterica Tabacciana
Penzance I found it to be oppressive at first then much- less-so towards the
end of each bowl. The Virginias give it a bit of a nic kick, but does not over
do it. So, if you prefer Aromatics or
VaPers, I would not recommend Penzance. But, if you smoke only English blends or
prefer them to Aros and VaPers, I definitely recommend that you give it a try.
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# 14/7/2011
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Review by viscfab
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The English Staple Blend
This is the for me the benchmark for the English blends. Very well blended latakia and VA,you can even see the natural sugar grains on the flakes. The flakes come beautifully arranged in the tin and when I opened it for the first time I got a whaft of hickory smoke and bacon and pine campfire. Wow. Delightful... Burns cool and is very flavourful. Puff it slowly and enjoy the medium to full taste of smoked spices. The VA in it provides enough body and sweetnes so the latakia does not get monotone.
Awesome blend gentlemen puff friends.
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