Virginia /Perique Tobacco » Dan Tobacco Tordenskjold Virginia Slices Tobacco Reviews

Tordenskjold -- Classy Va. flake with just a touch of Perique

Dan Tordenskjold is packaged in a round tin, but the contents are neatly manicured 3” x 1½” slices of beautiful mahogany colored flake. The bouquet is sweet and somewhat grassy, but mostly raisin-like – very appealing, with the merest hint of fermentation. This visual and olfactory delight faithfully portends the delectable flavor it ultimately delivers. The moisture level is ideal for immediate use, and it will fold or rub out very nicely, though I prefer to cut it finely across the grain for a cube or pebble cut. It takes to the light very well and immediately produces a nice volume of smoke with wonderful mouth feel. The nicotine level is moderate, and it smokes coolly and dryly with minimal relights. It is exceptionally smooth and balanced, with no hot or acrid elements whatsoever.

This is not a sharp, grassy Va. flake, nor is it particularly pungent or zesty. Rather, it has a sweet, wine-like flavor that I’m guessing is predominantly red Va. – though there is almost certainly brighter varieties present for highlights and a hint of tang. The Perique content is not high, and I get the impression that it merely serves to moderate whatever piquancy the Va. might have had. Suffice to say, this is a Virginia showpiece – not a Perique forward blend.

Tordenskjold is a very tasty, sophisticated blend that can serve as a fine example of the genre. I highly recommend it as an all day smoke, but it possesses sufficient complexity for those who wish to dedicate some time and focused reflection on a masterfully accomplished blend. This is in a class with Solani, Fribourg & Treyer, Orlik, and other top shelf Va. flakes.