Manufacturer Description:
Amphora Kentucky is a harmonious blend based on more than 150 years of experience in developing tobacco blends. The blend consists of selected Dark Fired Kentucky tobacco from Africa and a touch of Virginia tobacco from South America to round off the exceptional taste. The tobacco is pressed and stored to ensure that all flavor nuances are fully developed. After the appropriate ripening period, the blocks are cut into large strips and then carefully loosened up again. We call this cut Ready Rubbed.
Characterisation:
The Amphora Kentucky is packaged in a pouch. So - once opened - it should be placed in an airtight container for longer storage. The tobacco is a dark brown, gold-speckled Ready Rubbed in coarser pieces. Its scent is slightly smoky and sweet at the same time, almost a little alcoholic, reminiscent of spicy dried fruits. If you loosen the tobacco, it seems a bit dry, but you can feel enough residual moisture between your fingertips.
Plugging:
The coarser pieces of the Ready Rubbed can be ground up a little more for plugging. A larger pipe is also advisable. Then you can give the Amphora Kentucky into the pipe with just a little pressure and end up with some loose crumbs that will accept the flame well.
Light up:
The rather dry consistency of the Amphora Kentucky works to its advantage here: after the first flame, smooth the surface slightly with the tamper and light it again. That's enough for a lasting glow.
Smoking properties:
Kentucky tobacco is known for its strong aroma. So it's no surprise that the Amphora Kentucky delivers an intense, lush smoke. In addition to the typical peppery spice, there are dark roasted bread and black coffee. Aromas reminiscent of a smoky Scotch such as leather and smoldering oak logs can also be tasted. The Amphora Kentucky is not very playful here, but instead has uncompromising straightforwardness. It only becomes a little unconventional if you smoke too greedily - you shouldn't puff on the pipe too hard to prevent gargling. In any case, it is advisable to smoke the tobacco carefully, as the Amphora Kentucky also has a strong nicotine content. If you keep this in mind, the condensate remains manageable and is easy to remove along with flaky ash and a few unburned crumbs.
Redolency:
The smoke of the Amphora Kentucky is strongly noticeable in the room due to the Kentucky tobacco it contains. Consideration for non-smokers is not just a matter of politeness here.
Conclusion:
The Amphora Kentucky already appears as a dark and rustic tobacco in the pouch. With a little experience, the Ready Rubbed can be easily prepared and smoked just as easily. However, you should not encounter this straightforward nature-boy on an empty stomach, completely inexperienced or in a hurry. The strength of the tobacco itself reminds you to smoke it consciously. Then the pepper notes expected from Kentucky tobacco appear as well as rounding off roastings. Coffee, leather and firewood harmonize perfectly and enrich the taste profile with aromas that one would otherwise associate with a good cigar or whiskey. In any case, the Amphora Kentucky is excellent to enjoy with the latter. You should like strong tobaccos and especially the Kentucky, but then the Amphora Kentucky will hardly disappoint.
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