Manufacturer Description:
A Ready Rubbed blend made from the finest Virginia and Burley tobaccos. With depth, body, and a complexity of natural flavors that is rarely found elsewhere. Dark Moon is for those connoisseurs who appreciate a true double punch in their smoke.
Characterisation:
Dark Moon is packaged in a round tin. The tobacco is wrapped in a paper rosette with a wrapper. The wrapper is slightly crushed, but the Ready Rubbed tobacco underneath is not too moist. It is light golden brown and rather finely chopped and ground. The intensely sweet aroma of raisins and hay is striking. Thanks to its balanced moisture content, Dark Moon can be given into the pipe immediately after opening the tin.
Plugging:
Thanks to its fine texture, Dark Moon is easy to plug even with little experience. As is usual with ready-rubbed tobaccos, you shouldn't choose a pipe that's too small, and you shouldn't press the tobacco too tightly to allow it to unfold properly.
Light up:
After the first flame, use the tamper to smooth the surface. Then light it a second time, and the Dark Moon will glow evenly.
Smoking properties:
The tobacco isn't as strong as the manufacturer of Dark Moon claims, but it doesn't need to be. The smoke is lush and smooth, yet noticeably cool, as is usually the case with English blends. Dark Moon doesn't reach their often tart spiciness. It's milder, but still spicy nonetheless. The taste is vaguely reminiscent of roasted nuts, which can be attributed to the Burley. Virginia is more prominent. Its toasted bread note is unmistakable. Unpretentious and straightforward, it displays a pure tobacco flavor. The strength is medium. Only towards the end does Dark Moon become stronger. Then it fades gently, leaving behind only a light dark ash — easy to clean.
Redolency:
For a natural tobacco, Dark Moon is surprisingly mild in the room. The intense natural sweetness of the cold aroma is also evident in the smoke. Non-smokers can easily tolerate this. Nevertheless, consideration should be a given for tactful smokers.
Conclusion:
Dark Moon is a sweet-smelling ready-rubbed, whose light color casts doubt on the manufacturer's promise of a double-punch. Indeed, if you're looking for a real powerhouse, you'd be better off reaching for a Latakia or Kentucky. However, Dark Moon impresses with its unpretentious straightforwardness. It's easy to prepare and smoke, which makes it suitable even for beginners. The rich smoke, cool, spicy flavor, and aromas of nuts and toasted bread will also appeal to other nature lovers. Dark Moon can be smoked anytime: Outdoors, it doesn't lose any flavor, and indoors, you're unlikely to attract disapproving glances from those with sensitive noses.
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with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
