James L.
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Cornell & Diehl - Founding Fathers
Year round aromatic
I’ve had this as one of my go to tobaccos for a while now. It smells and tastes great, has zero bite, and is enjoyable year round. The fruit flavoring reminds me of fig or plum, and it is very well balanced and not overly sweet like some aromatics can be. I currently have about 2 lbs, with one batch cellared and the other in my regular rotation. Even if you are not usually an aromatic smoker, I would definitely recommend giving Founding Fathers a shot.

Samuel Gawith - Fire Dance Flake 50g
Great Tobacco
I've always enjoyed Samuel Gawith blends because they use quality tobacco, and their aromatics taste natural instead of overly artificial. The blackberry topping in this one is excellent. I don't get much vanilla, but the Virginia and blackberry really shine together. Like most Samuel Gawith blends, it definitely needs drying time. I usually pack a bowl and let it sit for at least 24 hours, because fresh out of the tin it's about as eager to burn as a wet log. It takes a couple of relights, but once it's going, it's a smooth, flavorful smoke. It reminds me of Newminster Blackberry Brandy, only with noticeably better tobacco and a more refined blackberry flavor. I highly recommend it, and I've enjoyed it enough to cellar a good amount.

Cornell & Diehl - Black Gold Maple 2oz
Terrible
The tin note is pleasant but the taste is absolutely awful. This probably has to be one of the worst maple blends I have ever smoked. The taste was off and the retrohale was even worse. The overall aroma of it as well when it is burning is not good. If I could give this zero stars I would. I bought a tin of this with high hopes because I really enjoy C & D blends but this was one was god awful. I am mad that I bought the two ounce tin. Should have bought the one ounce bulk. I smoked 3 bowls of this stuff in 3 different pipes to make sure it wasnt one of my pipes that there was maybe some ghosting from having smoked a previous blend, still every bowl was the same just bad. I much prefer Sutliff Maple Shadows or Sutliff Rum and Maple to this blend. Do yourself a favor and dont buy this.

Sutliff - Cinnamon Delight
Cinnamon Delight
This tobacco is a good aromatic for after dinner. It burns cool and is smooth. The cinnamon is very light but still highly recommend.

Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Caribbean Coconut
Excellent!
I had never tried this but had been waiting for a few months until it was restocked recently. I decided to live dangerously and buy 2lbs of this tobacco. I am glad I did! This tobacco burns cool, smells great, and the taste is amazing. Highly recommend. Worth the wait!

Peterson - Connoisseur's Choice 50g
Bleh
Bought a tin of this with high expectations. Very bland taste. The tin note is amazing but the taste is just lacking for my palate. I would recommend Cornell and Diehl Founding Fathers over this blend.

Vauen - Lessing (568)
Excellent Pipe
I bought this pipe a few months ago and it smokes great. The craftsmanship and quality is there. I am now a Vauen fan. This particular pipe is one of Vauen's few models that is not 9mm filter but I still enjoy it. Highly recommend.

Capstan - Ready Rubbed Blue 1.75oz
Lord of the Tins
First time trying this and must say I am not disappointed. This is probably my second virgina that I have tried and I am comparing this to Sutliff Virginia Slices. Definitely, a mild smoke and I could probably smoke this all day long if I wanted too. I find that it is mellow and has a good taste throughout the bowl. Definitely, recommend. I did buy some Capstan Flake to age in my cellar. The ready rub I smoked straight out of the tin and it was a good blend.

Mixture No. 79 - Mixture No. 79 1.5oz
Terrible
Read lots of good reviews and decided to try so I bought 4 ounces. Tried it out and am not a fan. The anise in the blend I think ruins it for me. The aftertaste is terrible. I will be throwing it out. Not sad this blend will no longer be around.

Sutliff - SPS-21 Black Vanilla
Good Aromatic
I am a huge Sutliff fan and I mainly smoke aromatics. The room note on this blend is good and once it is lit it requires few relights. I would recommend letting it dry for about an hour before smoking. Smooth taste and a good vanilla flavor. Highly recommend getting some before it's gone forever.

Sutliff - Maple Shadows II 8oz
Maple Shadows II
I am a predominantly aromatic smoker and I really enjoy this blend. The first time I tried it, I was unsure of it because of the complexity of the blend. However, after smoking a few bowls of it, I have to say it has grown on me. I normally tend to smoke vanilla flavored aromatics but the maple on this is not overpowering by any means. Also, not to ruffle any feathers but I have found that most people who do not like aromatics and complain about tongue bite are typically those that are smoking too quickly. This blend is a perfect fall blend and I highly recommend it.

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