Louis L.
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G. L. Pease - Metropolis 2oz
Hard to categorize and extremely interesting
Now that I’m about halfway through a tin of Metropolis, I feel like I can finally offer a fair assessment. This is a tough blend to pigeonhole. It seems to shift and evolve throughout the smoke, which is one of the things I enjoy most about it. There’s a bready, lightly smoky foundation, but the supporting flavors are constantly moving between baking spices, a little pepper, and occasional sweet notes that come and go. The one thing that stays consistent for me is a distinct floral quality along with a tangy, almost zesty character that keeps the blend engaging from the first light to the bottom of the bowl. Every few puffs I seem to pick up something a little different. Given the Virginia-heavy composition, I think this blend has excellent aging potential and should become even more interesting with a few years in the cellar. If you’re a fan of lightly peated, floral Scotch, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate what Metropolis brings to the table. It’s a unique blend that’s well worth trying.

Presbyterian - Presbyterian 50g
Love - Love - Love this Blend
Presbyterian is tied with EMP as my desert island blend - I would be perfectly happy with either - but there are some subtle differences. Presbyterian delivers a slightly richer more leather / bread smoke than EMP. The orientals are right up front with just a hint of smoky latakia periodically peeking through as you go through a bowl. EMP is a bit brighter and more oriental forward with less richness. Either blend is excellent.Can't go wrong with Presbyterian. Absolutely excellent with creamy coffee or a cappuccino. Also pairs well with a lighter scotch, red wine, or port. <<Only complaint is that new releases are in a pouch vs a tin. Please bring back the tin!>>

Cornell & Diehl - Autumn Evening 2oz
Crowd Pleaser
Whenever you're in mixed company and ask "mind if I smoke" you usually get some disapproving looks. Autumn evening is one of the few blends that satisfies both me and others nearby. The ultra pleasant room note usually catches the uninitiated off guard and leaves them thinking - "Hey, maybe pipe smoking isn't what I thought." Case in point - this is one of the (very) few blends that my wife has actually told me I can smoke in the house if I want (but I don't). It's also one of the few blends I buy in bulk -it's that good. The Virginia and Cavendish lend this blend a rich and satisfying base with the maple topping as 'icing on the cake.' The topping is strong enough to lend a clearly distinct flavor without either underwhelming or overwhelming a "real" smoke. It's an even bigger bonus when skeptical strangers ask - what is that you're smoking?? You can't go wrong with Autumn Evening. It pairs well with coffee and a lower-proof bourbon (try Know Creek Maple with its) and is a great evening smoke any time of year.

G. L. Pease - Quiet Nights 2oz
Excellent with a little extra work
I’ve only been a pipe smoker for a little over a year, but like many, have found I like English and Balkan blends After a few so-so bowls I’ve found Quiet Nights to be really excellent if thoroughly rubbed out, dried slightly, and packed carefully. Quiet Nights rewards a slow deliberate smoke to get the best. The very rich and evolving palate of this blend pairs very nicely with a port or medium proof whiskey or bourbon.

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