But then the blend wouldn’t be as subtle or understated if that really was the intention. Even at its best, in a wide bowl, I have many other blends to choose from with more complexity, more Latakia, or both. And if I want a softer Scottish style blend I much prefer Wilke 436. The flavor I tasted was mostly the Virginia and burley with a bit of spice, the further I got into the bowl the more of the Latakia I tasted. Essentially the roundness and symmetry of Bag End’s overall softened taste is truly amazing. By skillful blending each varietal is afforded proper equity in the effort to achieve tasteful elegance and harmony.
Tobacco pouches add a stylish touch to your travel as a pipe smoker. We have many to choose from for everyday use or occasional travel. Add a tobacco pouch to your tobacco pipe accessories and Pipe Tobacco in Bags enjoy a little extra class each time you reach for your favorite blend. OHM Blue pipe tobacco is just like any other tobacco, it must be stored with care in order to preserve its taste.
Probably not, unless you live next door to the store, literally. In closing, although I duly attempt objectivity within my assessments in lieu of potential bias, I must declare that Bag End is one of the finest Scottish blends I’ve yet to encounter. During this trial exercise I found myself lost in the moment, being unconsciously captivated by the experience as it was unfolding. As I became more watchful to the experience, the impressiveness of this blend continued to astonish me. It’s as if this congenial Hobbiton companion had an interesting story to tell. So as not to miss out on any of the wonders of said narrative, I kicked back in my chair and with deep contemplation listened to the telling of the tale.
Stick with something that has a lot of natural flavor present, and smoke slowly. Try letting the pipe go out for a while, and then coming back to it. This intensifies the flavors, and gives your palate a chance to zero in on what you are going to be looking for in future smokes.
As for the Latakia, I think that the amount used here is done quite to balance. However, the blender’s description of “Perfect for the Latakia lover” is a bit deceiving because Bag End contains just a trace of it. It does come through in nearly every puff, but only in nuance. Those expecting more Latakia flavor based on the description might be disappointed. A “bright” VA is named as such because it’s taken from the top of the plant, where the highest quality leaf is.
At approximately four weeks after topping the tobacco is stalk cut using a knife that is shaped like a tomahawk. Each plant is speared, spiked or spudded (the terminology depending on the geographic location) onto a stick topped by a metal spear, spike or spud that fits over the stick. Sticks of green cut tobacco are most often allowed to field wilt for three or four days prior to hanging in a barn. Tobacco is allowed to air cure for eight or more weeks turning from the normal pale green to yellow and then to brown. Burley that cures too quickly will retain some of the yellow pigments as well as chemicals that normally break down with a slower cure. The quality achieved by U.S. burley producers is primarily due to natural curing conditions.
Some prefer to preserve its flavor by transferring their OHM silver to an airtight container. Keeping the bag firmly sealed when not in use will prevent the tobacco from drying out and losing its aroma. If you follow these steps, your tobacco can be enjoyed with its flavor intact Pipe Tobacco for an extended period. In the U.S., burley tobacco plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed of fertilized water in March or April. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June with a small percentage set in July.