Esoterica 'baccy review/s

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ftrplt

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I've recently smoked Hastings, Pembroke, and St.Ives; all courtesy of RSteve's gracious giftings!! While I've smoked other Esoterica's for years (Penzance, Margate, Stonehaven, plus And So To Bed), this has been my first experience with the aforementioned three.
Disclaimer: I have not read any reviews or advertising descriptions for these tobaccos. Plus, if you are expecting the eloquence or descriptive prose of Brother JimInks...it ain't happening here!!

All three are what I would describe as "light" English tobaccos. All have a solid "Ginnyweed" base.

Hastings is the most "aromatic," containing a definite sweet topping or casing plus, I think, some dark cavendish to go with the Orientals and, maybe, a touch of Latweed. It smokes dry to a fine ash. The flavor is light and definitely slightly aromatic. I was quite surprised that I liked it! Some pipers would smoke this all day long.

Pembroke is more "Latweedy," with more potent Orientals and a sweet, but pleasant, lightly aromatic topping. I'm not sure if any cavendish is present or not. Strong possibility!!! Again, a quite enjoyable smoke.

St. Ives definitely falls into the "light" English family. I detected no "aromatics." Just a nice enjoyable smoking experience.

Now, neither of these exactly "tripped my trigger!" They are nice tobaccos; if you have them and/or like them, then enjoy them to the hilt! However, I would not fret over their infamous "non-availability." JMHO, but if someone asked me about them; I would say go spend your money elsewhere! FWIW (remember free advice is worth what you paid for it!!) FTRPLT
 
Pembroke is/was another one of my favorites. Not sure if its produced anymore or just not available in the states anymore. I agree with your very good review. My problem is my stash of Pembroke is in Arizona and I'm in Indiana. I have not tried the other two blends.
 
I would not fret over Hastings, Pembroke, and St.Ives infamous "non-availability." JMHO, but if someone asked me about them; I would say go spend your money elsewhere! FWIW (remember free advice is worth what you paid for it!!) FTRPLT
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