Harlock999
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Last week, I received a very generous sample of Exotique from Hiram-2011 (Thank you Shane!), and I thought I would do a "review". Well, actually two reviews: a short one for those who already like London Mixture, or other Oriental blends, and another, longer one for the heck of it, because if you're not already in the former group, you need to get with it! If you're in the third group (those that ignore all my reviews) this won't matter a bit... 8)
Okay, the short review:
If you like London Mixture, get some of this stuff! You will like it, and you'll probably love it, I know I do! I can almost guarantee your enjoyment.
Longer review:
I have to say that I've been curious about this blend for some time. I remember S.Ireland mentioning that it was his favorite English/Oriental mix, and he does have pretty discerning tastes, and being that he is mostly a VA smoker, if he liked the stuff, I had to imagine it was pretty good. However, unavailability and laziness conspired to keep me from trying it out, until Shane so kindly sent me a large ziplock baggy to sample, which was another good indicator, as he and I seem to share like tastes in tobacco and pipes. The baggy sat near my pipe tray for several days before I had time to really give it a good smoke, and the aroma every time I passed by was extremely tempting.
It comes in a rather thin ribbon cut, not unlike Pembroke, but maybe a hair thicker. The moisture content was near perfect, so only a short drying spell was necessary. As already mentioned, the smell is captivating. Just inhaling through an unlit but already packed pipe, I had a strong feeling that this was going to be a nice experience. The thin cut made lighting, and keeping it lit , very easy. Not a hassle at all. The flavor, you ask? Superb! In the same neighborhood as London Mixture but more refined. A rich, but gently subtle tasting Oriental. Forest loam? Corinthian leather? Pickled herring notes? I wouldn't know. Compared directly to Exotique, London Mixture is stronger, and a little spicier. My sinuses have been acting up pretty badly in the last few days, and I almost held off trying the sample until I had better olfactory dynamics, but ultimately, the temptation was too great, and now I can only imagine what this blend will taste like when my nose opens up a bit.
The pipes used for review purposes were a 2004 Ashton LX cherrywood, and a 2003 Dunhill Shell Briar HT XL Collector. Twinnings Earl Grey on the side.
Thank you again Shane!
Okay, the short review:
If you like London Mixture, get some of this stuff! You will like it, and you'll probably love it, I know I do! I can almost guarantee your enjoyment.
Longer review:
I have to say that I've been curious about this blend for some time. I remember S.Ireland mentioning that it was his favorite English/Oriental mix, and he does have pretty discerning tastes, and being that he is mostly a VA smoker, if he liked the stuff, I had to imagine it was pretty good. However, unavailability and laziness conspired to keep me from trying it out, until Shane so kindly sent me a large ziplock baggy to sample, which was another good indicator, as he and I seem to share like tastes in tobacco and pipes. The baggy sat near my pipe tray for several days before I had time to really give it a good smoke, and the aroma every time I passed by was extremely tempting.
It comes in a rather thin ribbon cut, not unlike Pembroke, but maybe a hair thicker. The moisture content was near perfect, so only a short drying spell was necessary. As already mentioned, the smell is captivating. Just inhaling through an unlit but already packed pipe, I had a strong feeling that this was going to be a nice experience. The thin cut made lighting, and keeping it lit , very easy. Not a hassle at all. The flavor, you ask? Superb! In the same neighborhood as London Mixture but more refined. A rich, but gently subtle tasting Oriental. Forest loam? Corinthian leather? Pickled herring notes? I wouldn't know. Compared directly to Exotique, London Mixture is stronger, and a little spicier. My sinuses have been acting up pretty badly in the last few days, and I almost held off trying the sample until I had better olfactory dynamics, but ultimately, the temptation was too great, and now I can only imagine what this blend will taste like when my nose opens up a bit.
The pipes used for review purposes were a 2004 Ashton LX cherrywood, and a 2003 Dunhill Shell Briar HT XL Collector. Twinnings Earl Grey on the side.
Thank you again Shane!
