Manufacturer Description:
The classic English Virginia-Orient blend with a higher proportion of dark Latakia, full-bodied, yet pleasantly gentle, with the typical, subtle natural sweetness of Virginia. Slowly sparkling and cool in the smoke.
Characterisation:
The round tin houses the No. 1 wrapped in a parchment paper rosette. Under the slightly wavy wrapper are evenly mixed fibers of medium width. They are light, medium, and dark brown in color. The scent is vaguely reminiscent of sweet fruit, but also carries a touch of autumn fire, which reveals the oriental tobaccos. The fact that the cover sheet does not look quite optimal turns out to be a surprising advantage. In fact, it must have absorbed all excess moisture since the No. 1 can be given from the tin into the pipe without pre-drying.
Plugging:
Since the fibers of the No. 1 are dry enough but frizzy, you have to be careful not to plug the pipe too tightly. That's why you should fill loosely and on top with gentle pressure. A larger pipe is also suitable.
Light up:
The curled fibers of the No.1 take the fire well. However, they rise a little under the flame, so you should gently press down with the tamper before the second flame creates an even bed of embers.
Smoking properties:
The No. 1 shows itself as a mild variant of an English tobacco. It isn't really a bulky Balkan blend, but at moderate strength delivers smoky-spicy aromas that can be attributed to the Oriental. The Latakia is not very ethereal, but has a fresh, sweet sourness. This gives the dominant Virginia with its toasted bread and hay notes additional character. Despite the Virginia, you don't have to be particularly careful when smoking as the Latakia keeps the smoke cool. The burning is relaxed, too, until at the end only a little light grey, fine ash remains to be cleaned.
Redolency:
The room note of the No. 1 is comparatively harmless for a tobacco containing Latakia and Oriental and is more dominated by the Virginia. Nevertheless, one should consider non-smoking society.
Conclusion:
Composed of light, medium and dark brown tobaccos, No. 1 is a mild English blend. The oriental tobaccos enrich the toasty Virginia with smoky-spicy and sweet-sour aromas. Although it is aromatic, it is not as strong as some English classics. Because of this and because it can be smoked in a relaxed manner and is neither overwhelming in strength nor in the room fragrance, the No. 1 can play its strengh as a lighter alternative and also for any time of the day.
Copyright © 2013 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
