These days I'm not much of a Latakia smoker. Went through a Lat phase about 10 yrs ago and while I didn't burn out on it, when I started smoking pipes again after about an 8 yrs hiatus just don't seem to reach for Lat blends much.

That said, I renewed an old acquaintance last night. Uhle's Bishop's Move was one of my go-to blends in the late 90's, and while I don't have any of that vintage hanging around any longer I did get in a modest amount about 5 yrs ago which I'd mostly forgotten about.

After a couple "predictable" pipeloads earlier in the evening, I craved something else to finish the night. Something that took me off the comfortable course I'd been setting for myself for some time.

Found the jar of Bishop's Move that had been patiently sitting there waiting for me. Moisture content was perfect IMO, and I loaded up my inexpensive Savinelli rusticated Rhody that I reserve for such things.

What a fine smoke it was too! From first light to the bottom it performed admirably. Not a Lat bomb, and the VA, Burley, and Perique all had their say in our "conversation". I could plainly get the Va and Perique character initially, while the Lat played a noticable but supportive role and didn't overwhelm.

The flavor was pretty consistent for the first 3/4 of the bowl. Towards the end the Lat seemed to dominate.

I found this complex and beguiling, and much to my surprise as I didn't expect as much being as it was getting late (for me) and I'd had 3 other pipefulls prior!

Guess I was just in the mood, or whatever the prevailing wisdom is. Or the stars all aligned or some such!

It's great to touch base with a toby like this which I once held in high regard. Looks like Uhle's is still on their game.

While I'm still not back to smoking Lat blends on a regular basis I can see getting some more of this in soon.

And I hasten to add that my late Pap smoked nothing but Uhle's #255 as long as I can remember. In fact it's what I cut my pipe teeth on when I took up the pipe.




Cheers,

RR

Crap! And here I thought this was going to be about a Chess routine...



Anyway - sound's interesting, BrewDude!

The only Uhle's blend I have is '300', but it's an aromatic - and i've yet to sample it.

Bishop's Move might be one I have to investigate further though...

TR's description of Bishop's Move is appealing, and the reviews seem to say it's pretty good. A tough thing to do over there.

I need to remember to send my business over to Uhle's to get some of their stuff--with this leading the order. Glad your five year stash was good, Rande!

Bishop's Move is a good one. Just be aware most their stuff is lightly sweetened/flavored.