Virginia /Perique Tobacco » Cornell & Diehl #837 Or Olam:(Light Of The Universe) Tobacco Reviews

A natural Vaper that aromatics smokers will enjoy.

Or Olam is an excellent example of a red-Va based Vaper; and it is distinguished from the class by Orientals -- a pleasant combination one is unlikely to experience with other blends. My sample is from bulk, stored in a Mason jar in August, 2010. I doubt much true aging has taken place because I have been sampling from it regularly since that time. I can't seem to leave it alone long enough for that to happen!

It is composed of brown and black leaf in a chopped ribbon form that some may call crimp cut or rough cut. From the jar it has a slightly sour odor with some dark sweetness just below the surface, and its moisture level is ideal: when pinched, a clump falls apart slowly without any breakage.

Or Olam has a gentle, dark, natural sweetness typical of red Va. based Vapers. What distinguishes this blend from the genre is a musty-oily Oriental flavor riding atop and within that sweet red Va. base. I am pretty sure the principal Oriental is Izmir (or Smyrna) because it resembles the bittersweet notes in C & D's blending Izmir. The overall taste is rich and luxurious.

This blend packs, lights and burns well, producing a cool, dry smoke with medium density, good mouth feel, medium strength, and a fairly complex flavor. It has enough clarity to challenge the taste buds, and enough balance and integration to make it an all-day, every-day smoke. The Perique in this blend, less peppery than many Vapers, is more fruit-like and works well with the musty Oriental flavors.

This is one of the tastier, more interesting Vapers I have encountered, and has a place reserved in my tobacco cellar. I go to it whenever I feel I am missing out on something that aromatics smokers enjoy.