Manufacturer Description:
In the olden days the flagship of the Hamburg Admiralty. The first "Wappen" was launched in 1669 and sailed the seas with the Hamburg merchants as a convoy ship to protect against pirates. "Wappen von Hamburg" - a name that obliges! Light to medium-brown Virginia in different cut widths and slightly sweet Black Cavendish, finely tuned with flake slices, which also ensure a calm glow and cool smoke. WAPPEN VON HAMBURG is an aromatic, soft mixture in which the taste of tobacco is predominant. The rather subtle flavoring only revives and enhances the natural sweetness of the Virginia tobacco. Recommended for larger pipes.
Characterisation:
The Wappen von Hamburg is in a can that is a little taller than it is wide and is sealed with a plastic lid and thick aluminum foil to tear open. For longer storage, it is advisable to transfer it to an airtight container. The blend consists of light and medium brown fibers that have been cut to medium width. In between there is a good proportion of mostly very dark Ready Rubbed and some larger bits of leaves. The fragrance rising from the freshly opened can is sweet and spicy thanks to the Virginia, and slightly alcoholic because of the topping, and is a little reminiscent of a Christmas-like fruit tea. The tobacco is not overly moist or even sticky, but it should be allowed to dry a little before plugging.
Plugging:
If you pay attention to the Ready Rubbed pieces and if you grate them, the Wappen von Hamburg can be plugged relatively easily. You start loose at the bottom and only get a little firmer towards the top, making sure that the tobacco has enough room to develop. A larger pipe wouldn´t be a wrong choice.
Light up:
Plugged well, you can ignite the Wappen von Hamburg with two to three flames. In between, you smooth the surface gently with the tamper and thus get a well-prepared bed of embers, which takes on the last flame all over and will hardly cause any problems until the end.
Smoking properties:
The Wappen von Hamburg fills the mouth with creamy smoke, which is mainly caused by the topping. Soft and sweet, it caresses the mouth and can also be felt through the nose. It is reminiscent of finely fruity honey, but without being obtrusive. The Virginias can be tasted with mild but clear roasted notes and a hint of hay and thus contribute to a pleasantly uncomplicated taste. For a Virginia, the Wappen von Hamburg is very pleasant on the tongue. It also forgives careless smoking and hardly needs to be re-ignited. As the smoke progresses, the topping recedes a little and the roasted notes taste more distinct until, after an uncomplicated burning, only a little light gray ash and hardly any condensate remain.
Redolency:
The aroma used is only in the background, but the room note is quite pleasant as a result. So it is possible that non-smokers do not find the Wappen von Hamburg disturbing.
Conclusion:
The Wappen von Hamburg is a blend of different tobacco colors and shapes, yet easy in the pipe once you have a little experience preparing blends. In addition to the mild roasted notes of the Virginia, the fruity, subtly sweet topping contributes to a creamy smoke. This tobacco never overwhelms you, neither through excessive flavoring nor through the nicotine content. Since the Wappen von Hamburg can be smoked so very relaxed, the tobacco is well suited to be smoked at any time and also on the side.
Copyright © 2013 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Dennis Hübel
