Cornell & Diehl Manhattan Afternoon Pipe Tobacco

This is a real nice all around smoke. I plan on buying more for the cellar but its great right away. This is also nice to blend with aromatics with a heavy top. I would place a layer in the aromatic and leave it overnight to soak. I found it levels out the super soaked aromatic and burns evenly to the bottom of the bowl. Highly recommended especially for those who had the luxury to try the limited edition Sun Bear.

Popped my tin and was very surprised. I kept saying, mmmmm! Reminds me of the recent sun bear small batch. Hidden gem.

Well, this is an odd one. That's not necessarily bad, but this blend is a bit different for me compared to the other straight VAs I've tried. First, upon opening the tin note is nice enough, but it's the texture of the tobacco that I find interesting. It is a thick flake that feels velvety, almost furry. Other flakes are usually a little brittle and easy to rub out and break up. But this stuff is softer and takes more effort to rub out. Maybe its the process used, or the honey that does this. Once loaded into the bowl, it is springy. I have to pack it in pretty tightly, but it still lights and burns well. The taste is pretty much what I expect of a straight VA - sweet and grassy. Maybe the honey adds to the sweetness. I find it burns a little hot, so just "sip" it. This heat moderated a lot 1/4 of the way into the bowl, and the flavor intensified. From here on the smoke was pretty smooth. I'd give this one 4 stars except for the heat at the beginning of the smoke. This is a decent VA, but compared to GL Pease "Union Square" or "The Virginia Cream" it falls short.