Manufacturer Description:
A fresh and distinctive blend of orange, broad-cut Virginia tobaccos, hand-mellowed Virginia Flake, and double-fermented Black Cavendish. Rounded off with notes of creamy vanilla and a hint of almond, and refined with fine, delicately sparkling Champagne. This luxurious and sophisticated composition offers a captivating aromatic indulgence for the senses.
Characterisation:
No. 3 comes packaged in a large, round tin. Upon unfolding the paper rosette and lifting the pristine top sheet, light tobacco strands and medium-brown Ready-Rubbed-tobacco are revealed. Beneath this layer, a few dark strands and some small leaf fragments are interspersed. The blend has a sweet, lemony, and slightly perfumed aroma. Thanks to its optimal moisture content, the tobacco can be plugged into the pipe immediately after the tin is first opened.
Plugging:
Packing the No. 3 is effortless. Filling it loosely at the bottom and finishing with slightly firmer pressure towards the top is all that is needed for an uninterrupted smoke.
Light up:
Thanks to its ideal residual moisture content, the No. 3 is easy to light. After the initial flame, a gentle smoothing with the tamper is all it takes to get the surface glowing evenly with the second flame.
Smoking properties:
The aroma of the No. 3 is clearly evident in the smoke. A creamy sweetness stands out in particular, reminiscent of a softly sparkling champagne. The vanilla note is also distinct, yet never comes across as overpowering or artificial. Complementing this is a floral freshness—slightly soapy in character—that calls to mind Irish blends. This impression persists right to the end of the bowl. After a thoroughly relaxing smoke, only a light, flaky ash remains, making cleaning the pipe a very simple task.
Redolency:
Thanks to its aroma, No. 3 does not create an unpleasant atmosphere for non-smokers; it may even be well-received. Of course however, one should still be considerate of those around them.
Conclusion:
Despite a somewhat uneven blend of light and dark tobaccos, the No. 3 proves to be quite beginner-friendly, both in terms of preparation and the smoking experience itself. The vanilla flavoring mellows the smoke without becoming overpowering; it comes across as quite natural and is enhanced by nuances typical of Irish blends. Although not explicitly labeled as such, the No. 3 offers a way to explore that style without being put off by a flavor profile often considered distinctive or unusual. If you are looking for a sweet tobacco that can be enjoyed casually—free from the constraints often associated with aromatics—the No. 3 will not disappoint.
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with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
