Butera's Royal Vintage

[JacksonCognac]

Ok well I haven't done a review in a long while and I haven't found this blend on here yet so I figured I would start a thread...


Lets see, haven't been able to buy any tobacco recently so I dipped into my cellar and pulled out this tin... the stamp on it says it was tinned in 97 so I figured this would be interesting, especially given my recent interests in straight VA's.

Well I opened the tin last night and let it rest with the lid open for a bit in an effort to get it smokable this morning. First impression, I got that "Ketchup" smell (honestly it doesnt smell like Ketchup to me... and honestly I think it's an annoying description but but whatever y'all know what I'm talking about... distinct vinegary smell). The tin claimed 3 kinds of virginias and even after 10 years of age I could pick them out... although I imagine everything is much darker and softer then when it was first tinned... looked great.

I loaded up a pipe not expecting a whole lot this morning and headed off to work. It was still a little moist but managed to light alright, first hit me with some slightly sour tangy notes which sweetened up quickly with some tang working in and out of it. About halfway through "toasted marshmallows" would be the dominant flavor. Very pleasant aroma coming off of the bowl as well. The blend smoked really well and I enjoyed it... looking forward to another bowl soon.

[JacksonCognac]

I thought I might add a small follow up... probably half a dozen plus bowls into this blend now. I think my first review still holds pretty true... a couple of the bowls I have gotten more of the sour (tangier) notes out of the tobbac... but also a lot of the warm sweet toasted marshmallow notes I was describing. As you can see my palate isn't that developed but I have been enjoying this blend none the less.

This tobacco burns a little longer then some of the other ribbons I have on hand and generally smokes very well... I'd love to have more of this stuff on tap but because this tin was no doubt limited and I am still so new to all ofthe blends available I'm sure I will be able to find other blends to enjoy when this tin is gone. In the meantime I will continue puffing... will probably post another follow up or 2 down the line (why not?)