Manufacturer Description:
For many years, she has smiled gently at us from the label of DA VINCI tobacco... Now, she herself is to take center stage: the Mona Lisa. At DTM, they have drawn upon time-tested techniques, utilizing heat fermentation under pressure to produce a fantastically rich yet remarkably smooth Black Cavendish. Prepared as a Ready Rubbed Flake, it forms the base of this fresh, fruity tobacco blend—to which a few snippets of bright Mysore Virginia have been added to enhance its visual appeal. Let it conjure a smile upon your face.
Characterisation:
The packaging typical of this series consists of a large, rectangular black tin with a hinged lid. Inside lies an aluminum-lined pouch, sealed with the official crest of the city of Lauenburg and, furthermore, heat-sealed shut. If you intend to store the Mona Lisa for an extended period after opening, it is advisable to transfer the tobacco to a different container. The Mona Lisa is a finely rubbed-out "Ready Rubbed" blend; it is dark brown in color, interspersed with flecks of golden-brown. The tobacco emits a sweet aroma of wild berries. When handled, the Mona Lisa does not feel excessively moist; however, as compressed tobaccos tend to retain some residual moisture, you may wish to let the Mona Lisa air out briefly before packing your pipe.
Plugging:
Thanks to its finely cut Ready Rubbed format, Mona Lisa packs easily. However, one should choose a larger bowl and avoid packing the tobacco too tightly, leaving some room for it to expand beneath the flame. A few loose strands placed on top will facilitate lighting.
Light up:
After a brief period of air-drying, Mona Lisa takes fire readily. The tamper serves merely to smooth the surface, ensuring that the second flame produces an even ember.
Smoking properties:
Although the manufacturer does not explicitly mention the presence of an aromatic flavoring, it seems highly probable that one was used. While the smoke is indeed spicy, there is a distinct flavor perceptible—one that rests gently atop the base tobaccos. While the Virginia contributes natural, woody notes, the Black Cavendish adds a sweet aroma reminiscent of wild berries. This combination feels exceptionally well-suited; it intensifies when exhaling through the nose and remains clearly perceptible in the room. Although these aromatic notes are ever-present, it is only toward the very end of the bowl that the base tobaccos finally begin to dominate the flavoring. This may be attributable to residual moisture—and potentially remediable by allowing the tobacco to dry for a longer period—but it may become necessary to gently tamp down the filling during the smoke to bring the glowing embers closer to the tobacco. However, this requires very little effort. And since only a small amount of light-colored ash remains, cleaning the pipe is likewise a quick and easy task.
Redolency:
Thanks to its aromatic flavoring, Mona Lisa has the potential to win over even tolerant non-smokers. Nevertheless, exercising consideration for others when smoking in company should always go without saying.
Conclusion:
Mona Lisa is a fine, dark-brown Ready Rubbed blend that is easy to prepare and uncomplicated to smoke. The base tobaccos—not overly strong, yet distinctly spicy—and their woody notes harmonize with an aroma reminiscent of wild berries, which is already discernible in the unlit scent. This quality even manages to appeal to the noses of non-smokers. Aside from the occasional need to use a tamper, Mona Lisa smokes so effortlessly that it can be recommended without hesitation for any occasion.
Copyright © 2013 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
