Manufacturer Description:
The first ingredient in this blend is a broad leaf Virginia which has been cut straight out of a 16 lb. block matured under cold pressure for two weeks. Added to this is a jet Black Cavendish, shiny and enriched by pressure and heat. Mottled Red Virginia and an equal portion of dark brown Maduro then complete the blend. The whole is then passed through a copper cylinder where fruit essences are added and sealed into the tobacco by contact with the copper stove. The blend then lies "bulked up" for a further week when the various flavours intermingle to produce a unique blend. Smooth and very long lasting.
Characterisation:
The Fragrant Blend is a medium strong, slightly flavoured tobacco, that is held relatively roughly as a broken flake. The mainly dark brown to black tobaccos are rather long cut. The tobacco smell is weak as chocolate with a hint of plum aroma, whereby the real tobacco could be recognized too. The fresh tobacco feels smooth but a little bit too dampish.
Plugging:
The Fragrant Blend lets itself stuff somewhat more difficult on grounds of the cut. One may not stuff too loosely nor too firmly. It's recommended to rub-off the tobacco before stuffing between the fingers once again and to press down every layer carefully with the tamper.
Light up:
The light up of The Fragrant Blend is also somewhat more difficult. The coarse tobacco tends strongly to straighten at first igniting and must be depressed slightly with the tamper. The embers usually goes out on that occasion so that one must re-ignite once again. During the first draws, the surface now and then must be regulated carefully with the tamper.
Smoking properties:
The Fragrant Blend develops a dark, strong and slightly sweet taste. The Virginia gives the mixture a little sparkling, fresh grade, the fruity aroma is not noticeable on the other hand. Instead, as well like with the smell of the fresh tobacco, one can determine a light chocolate taste. The Fragrant Blend requires somewhat more attention with reference to the temperature so that it doesn't become vicious. Smoked slowly the taste is rather steadily until the end. The Fragrant Blend develops some condensate and the remaining ash is bright to medium grey. The strength of the tobacco is to classify as medium.
Redolency:
The redolence of The Fragrant Blend is more discreet sweet. Now something of the fruity aroma can be recognized that unites itself with sweet Virginia and powerful Maduro. The Fragrant Blend therefore is an agreeable tobacco for the surroundings.
Conclusion:
The Fragrant Blend is a medium strong, dark and slightly flavoured broken Flake. The flavour reminds of chocolate with a hint of plum aroma. The rather coarse tobacco requires somewhat more attention with reference to stuffing, igniting and the temperature while burning down. Carefully smoked it develops a pleasing taste of sparkling fresh Virginia, dark Maduro and chocolate. The fruit-aroma can be recognized only discreetly in the redolence. Smoked slowly and cool, the taste is rather steadily until the end. The Fragrant Blend develops some condensate and the ash is bright to medium grey. On the basis of the nature of the tobacco and its of somehow complicated handling, The Fragrant Blend is more recommended for experienced smoker.
Copyright © 2007 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Heinz-Günter Döteberg
