Characterisation:
Once the round tin of the Cairo has been opened with the ring-pull closure, it can be closed again with the plastic lid. For longer storage, however, an airtight container is recommended. The tobacco appears under the wrapper as a predominantly light and medium brown mixture with a few dark fibers mixed in. The cut is rather fine, but also shows flaky pieces of leaf. In the ascending scent, the Virginias used in particular are sweet, delicately fruity and reminiscent of hay. Since the tobacco is not too moist, it can be given into the pipe immediately after opening the tin.
Plugging:
The predominantly fine cut of the Cairo makes plugging easy. By starting loose at the bottom and gently tightening towards the top, you get a well-packed pipe.
Light up:
Lighting the Cairo is also easy, thanks to the fine cut and balanced moisture content: after the first flame, press down gently, light up again and the Cairo will burn for a long time.
Smoking properties:
The smoke from the Cairo isn't too heavy for a blend that contains Oriental. The Virginias accompany the uncomplicated course of smoking with their notes of hay and toasted bread. In the very background, they give the tobacco a natural sweetness. In the foreground, however, the Oriental can be clearly tasted. It is tart and spicy and shows a delicate bitterness that is pleasantly rounded off by the Virginias. Occasional sour peaks reveal the Perique, but are embedded into a well-rounded overall picture of a balanced mixture in which all parts serve their purpose. The ash that remains is fine, light-colored and so dry that it is not difficult to clean.
Redolency:
The room note of the Cairo does not show the contained Oriental too clearly. Since the tobacco is natural, you should still take into account sensitive noses, which could feel disturbed.
Conclusion:
The Cairo is a fine blend of mainly lighter tobaccos and the scent of hay also shows the Virginias in particular. However, these are more the basis on which a spicy Oriental with bittersweet notes strikes the main chord. Of course, the usual roasted aromas and acidity typical of Perique also come into their own. Since the smoking process is very frugal and the aroma is rounded off, the Cairo is aimed at smokers who are not too inexperienced, but has something to offer both Virginia and Oriental lovers, just as the manufacturer promises.
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with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
