Aromatic Tobacco » Esoterica Woodbridge Tobacco Reviews

Woodbridge: fruity Va. complemented by fruit flavors and licorice in delicate restraint

I opened an 8oz bag of Woodbridge as soon as I got it and found a beautiful mix of golden through very dark brown ribbon cut tobaccos. Its bouquet is sweet and fruity – accurately foreshadowing the flavor under the match. The moisture level is perfect for immediate packing and lighting, and the leaf blossoms into chewy clouds of smoke that regale the palate, nose and sinuses.

The basic taste is of sweet, soft Virginias (as opposed to sharp, grassy blends) gently flavored by licorice and a dark stewed prune-like fruit flavor; maybe some raisin and peach too. The flavoring is so skillfully done that it never interferes with the natural tobacco taste of the Virginias. In fact, it harmonizes with them very well. If one pushes the burn, the licorice will come to the front; but if you smoke at a reasonably slow pace the Virginias remain center-stage and everything else stays in perfect balance.

Woodbridge is a very smooth and satisfying smoke that burns cool and dry, and without a hint of bite. It has moderate nicotine content and a lasting finish that closely resembles the taste of the blend. I would call this a full flavor, medium-to-full bodied, very natural tasting aromatic that in no way resembles the cheap over-the-counter blends that are essentially cased White Burley. I can’t speak to the room note, but I can certainly taste the licorice and fruit flavor during the smoke – and it doesn’t obscure the tobacco taste.

I have to give this blend a high mark for quality. I’m not a big fan of licorice, but it is very nicely accomplished in Woodbridge.