Manufacturer Description:
A deep black mixture of velvety-smooth Black Cavendish with a trace of broad-cut bright Virginia. The specially developed flavor of orange and mandarin provides a depth of taste never achieved before. To round it off, this "jewel" receives a subtle note of vanilla.
Characterisation:
The large, black, hinged-lid tin—typical of this series—contains a plastic pouch lined with aluminum. Once the seal of the City of Lauenburg and the heat-sealed pouch have been opened, it is no longer possible to reliably reseal the tobacco in an airtight manner. Therefore, if you intend to store BiBo for an extended period, it is advisable to transfer the tobacco into a suitable container. The blend consists of broad, longer strands and Ready Rubbed; medium and dark brown hues predominate, interspersed with a few lighter strands. Upon inspecting the tobacco, a scent rises to the nose reminiscent of sweet pastries containing dried fruit—such as Panettone. As BiBo possesses a well-balanced moisture level, the tobacco can be given into a pipe immediately after opening.
Plugging:
Despite containing Ready Rubbed tobacco, the BiBo achieves a good fill when plugged using the classic method—starting loosely at the bottom and finishing with gentle pressure.
Light up:
Since BiBo has a very balanced moisture content, the tobacco lights easily. With the first flame, you prepare the bowl; then, you use a tamper to smooth the surface. Thereafter the second flame creates an even ember.
Smoking properties:
Initially, the BiBo presents itself as distinctly smoky. However, sweet notes soon emerge. Fruity—reminiscent of juicy berries—the smoke settles upon the tongue and palate. Yet the base tobacco is neither dominant nor particularly robust, which works to the flavor's advantage. This allows one the opportunity to devote one's full attention to savoring the nuances of the smoke. This character persists almost until the very end of the bowl. The aftertaste that lingers in the mouth is, surprisingly, akin to having taken a sip of orange soda. Occasionally, the draw may slacken as the smoke progresses; this can be remedied by using a tamper to gently press the embers closer to the tobacco. This requires very little effort—as does the cleanup of the fluffy, medium-gray ash, which is easily removed.
Redolency:
The fruity-sweet aroma of the BiBo is perceptible throughout the room—something that may meet with approval from tolerant non-smokers.
Conclusion:
BiBo is a blend featuring a Ready Rubbed cut, consisting predominantly of medium- and dark-brown strands. The cold scent—reminiscent of fruitcake—is somewhat deceptive regarding the actual flavor experienced while smoking. Alongside smoky notes, a sweet berry aroma is particularly prominent, leaving a distinct impression on the palate. The tobacco itself is not excessively strong, yet the flavoring is long-lasting. Those in search of a quintessential aromatic tobacco will certainly be well-served by BiBo. Even non-smokers may find the sweet room note—lingering after a bowl of BiBo has been smoked—to be quite pleasant.
Copyright © 2013 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
