Manufacturer Description:
When things aren't quite moving forward, he steps in to bring relaxation and enjoyment: The Jolly Joker. A Black & Gold mixture of velvety-smooth Black Cavendish, reddish-golden Virginia, and a touch of Burley, refined with delicate notes of marzipan, nuts, and a hint of vanilla. When smoked, it offers a creamy sweetness, accented by a fine almond note in both aroma and flavor.
Characterisation:
The packaging for Jolly Joker consists of the standard large black tin with a hinged lid. The aluminum-lined pouch inside is sealed and heat-welded, bearing the coat of arms of the town of Lauenburg. Once opened, the tobacco is no longer hermetically sealed; therefore, if you intend to store it for an extended period, you may wish to transfer it to a different container. The cut of Jolly Joker is characterized by crinkled, narrow strands. These are blended uniformly in shades of light, medium, and dark brown. The rising aroma calls to mind biscuits, cocoa powder, and—to a lesser extent—almonds. When loosened between the fingers, Jolly Joker feels somewhat dry. Consequently, the tobacco can be packed directly from the tin into the pipe.
Plugging:
Jolly Joker as a ribbon-cut blend should be packed into a pipe of a reasonable size, taking care not to pack it too tightly. Ideally, one should start loosely at the bottom and pack it gently getting firmer towards the top; the strands require space to expand beneath the flame.
Light up:
Despite its rather dry consistency, several flames may be required to create an even ember. As the fibers rise under the heat, a tamper is needed to smooth the surface withou pressure. Then, apply the flame once more and repeat the process until the filling is glowing well.
Smoking properties:
Given the flavorings used, the taste of Jolly Joker comes as a surprise. Strikingly rich and smoky, it envelops the tongue. Yet, it is dry—slightly astringent, much like a wine. The tobacco here exhibits an aromatic profile of wood and hay, characteristic of a natural Virginia leaf. The nicotine content is also somewhat higher, which complements the robust tobacco spice. The Burley harmonizes perfectly with the applied casing, resulting in an overall nutty impression. Combined with notes of vanilla and marzipan, a subtle hint of dark chocolate also emerges. This impression persists almost until the very end of the bowl. By then, however, nothing remains but a bit of medium-grey ash. Cleanup is correspondingly simple.
Redolency:
While Jolly Joker is indeed flavored, the robust base tobaccos are actually quite noticeable in the room. Therefore, one should keep non-smoking company in mind.
Conclusion:
Jolly Joker is a blend of curly-cut fibers in various shades of brown. The tobacco is somewhat dry—a characteristic noticeable during preparation, yet barely perceptible during the actual smoke. While the unlit aroma might suggest a distinct flavoring, Jolly Joker surprises with a spicy smoke. Rich and rather robust in terms of nicotine strength, it leaves an astringent mouthfeel that conveys notes typical of Virginia tobaccos, such as wood and hay. Nutty nuances derive from both the flavoring and the Burley tobacco used in the blend. Vanilla and marzipan join forces with a bittersweet, dark-chocolate-like sweetness that remains subtle and in the background. Thus, Jolly Joker is a tobacco capable of appealing to both aficionados of aromatic blends and open-minded smokers of natural tobaccos alike.
Copyright © 2013 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
