Manufacturer Description:
Broken Flake, Black Cavendish Virginia Leaves and Burley, refined with bergamot, for a pleasantly fresh taste.
Characterisation:
The scent that rises from the tin is intense spicy lemony and slightly peppery, as one would expect from bergamot. The cut is very irregular, between the medium-fine and short fibers, which form the main ingredient, there are very wide leave sections and long leaf ribs. The Mixture is evenly black, medium and light brown, firmly pressed into the tin and looks a bit damp, so you can pre-dry slightly before loosening it.
Plugging:
The No 05 Oxford Blend should be carefully plugged because of the irregular cuts. As always with loose Mixtures, however, it is important to start loosely down and get stronger upwards.
Light up:
The No 05 Oxford Blend also needs several flames here and the smoothening use of the tamper because of the cut. If it has been possible to ignite the tobacco evenly, then the burn-off takes place without further major problems.
Smoking properties:
After the rewarding preparation, the No 05 Oxford Blend delivers, in addition to the smoky-spicy notes and roasted aromas of the basic tobaccos, a sweet-sour aroma that goes smoothly over the tongue, like the Earl Gray tea, which is also flavored with bergamot. If one does not forget the occasionally needful use of the tamper, then the burn-up is without further problems, and the aroma keeps up almost the entire filling. It only steps back to the end to make room for the basic tabacco getting tart. Then soon only dark gray ashes and - unusual for a flavored tobacco! - practically no condensate back.
Redolency:
The flavor of the No 05 Oxford Blend is sweetish due to the flavoring and thus suitable for tolerant societies.
Conclusion:
Due to the irregular cut the No 05 Oxford Blend requires some experience in stuffing and lighting, but the moderate strength and the uncomplicated smoking behavior make it quite suitable for beginners. Although the basic tobaccos are not covered and can be tasted as tobacco spice, the bergamot flavor plays the leading role and is present almost to the end of the filling. If you appreciate flavored tobaccos and are looking for an unusual flavor, you should plug your pipe with the No 05 Oxford Blend.
Copyright © 2015 by TECON GmbH
with friendly support of Heinz-Günter Döteberg
