Manufacturer Description:
In many cultures, the raven is regarded as a symbol of cleverness, wisdom, and intelligence—qualities often attributed to us pipe smokers.
A "sophisticated" blend in the English tradition: Virginia, Oriental, and Latakia tobaccos in a finely tuned ratio that optimally highlights every nuance of flavor—from soft and sweet to spicy and piquant. The rather long-cut leaf promotes a slow, even burn, yielding a smooth smoke. A truly unique pleasure!
Characterisation:
The—admittedly very impressive—hinged-lid tin in this series is black, large, and rectangular. The pouch contained within is foil-lined, heat-sealed, and stamped with the seal of the city of Lauenburg. Since this packaging is no longer airtight once opened, it is advisable to transfer Raven to a different container for long-term storage. The blend itself consists of equal parts of curly light and medium-brown strands, cut to a longer length. Interspersed among these are shorter, dark brown strands. Characteristic of a Latakia-containing tobacco, the aroma evokes autumn leaves—smoky, earthy, and sweet. Although Raven does not appear excessively moist when the strands are loosened between the fingers, it is actually advisable to let the tobacco dry out for a while before packing it into a pipe.
Plugging:
The long strands of Raven should be packed into a pipe that is not too small. A proven method—which works well for Raven—is to start packing loosely at the bottom and gradually increase the firmness as you move toward the top.
Light up:
Even after pre-drying, you may need several attempts with a flame before Raven catches light. In between attempts, you should gently smooth the surface with a tamper before applying the flame again. After two or three attempts, the surface should glow evenly.
Smoking properties:
Raven is easy to keep cool—as is typical for blends containing Oriental tobaccos. In fact, the blend embodies both directions that a typical "English" mixture can take: Raven is at once dry and spicy, as well as ethereal—reminiscent of incense. Befitting its dark appearance, it is somewhat robust in character. This profile is rounded off by a note that might lead one to suspect the presence of an added flavoring. While the manufacturer lists no such additive in their description, one does indeed seem to perceive a subtle sweetness lingering in the background—evoking associations with oranges. After a straightforward burn, nothing remains but a light, flaky ash, making cleanup very simple.
Redolency:
As is customary for Latakia-containing tobaccos, Raven should be smoked in the company of like-minded individuals or out in the fresh air.
Conclusion:
The long-cut leaf of Raven requires a bit of attention during preparation. However, once lit, it allows you to follow a fascinating interplay of flavors without any further distractions. When smoked cool, robust notes of tart spice emerge alongside the airy incense-like nuances typically associated with English blends. An intriguing feature is an underlying sweetness—one that might be likened to oranges. Although the manufacturer does not explicitly mention this flavor profile, it is an impression one can certainly gain. And it is precisely the act of tracking down this subtle note that makes Raven so captivating. While having some prior experience with English blends is certainly an advantage, you need not be an expert to find something to appreciate in this tobacco. Nothing ventured, nothing gained—quite sophisticated, wouldn't you agree?
Copyright © 2013 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
