Tobacco: Samuel Gawith Black XX Twist

Pipe: 1970's Adventurer Series

Prequel: Tonight, I decided that I need something that I consider a treat. Something for the bold. When I am in the mood for such a tobacco, I reach for a rope.

Tin Note: Pure, bold, no none-sense tobacco smell. Overpowering and strong. There is a rich aroma, one that reminds me of salted meats or jerky.

The Smoke: I prepare ropes with a cigar cutter. I cut about an inch or two worth off, then cut it up with a knife like a plug. Like all Samuel Gawith blends, this comes wet. You have to let this tobacco sit out, I like it to rest for at least an hour before smoking, and I don't jar this tobacco. I leave it in the tin as is, and the seal on this tin has been open for at least 2 or so months. Even after letting it dry out, the tobacco is very oily, so it takes a lot to get the char light going and a crust developed. Once the crust is there, the tobacco will stay lit relatively easy. The tobacco smokes coolly all the way down into a nice white ash and produces thick, robust bellows of smoke.

Flavors: Immediately upon the charring light, you can tell that this is a "man's" tobacco. Rich oily tobacco notes take over immediately and my mouth becomes very dry. It takes around 3-4 solid lights to get the crust developed on top, all along the way the taste gets more and more intense as it heats up. Once lit, I like to sip this blend like a pure Virginia. The first 1/4 of the bowl is just an intense, strong tobacco flavor. Think bold Maduro cigar. Very robust and a little rough, but rich and enjoyable with yummy BBQ flavors. Moving into the 1/2 way point is where this tobacco really takes off to me. Rich, creamy smoke filled with flavors of sweet to salty caramels. Spicy notes along with the sweetness of the Virginia tobaccos. It just tastes wonderful. Working down the last 1/4 of the bowl the flavor profile and notes are the exact same, just intensified by the heat. If there ever was a tobacco that rewards you for smoking it to the bottom of the bowl, this has to be worthy of mention. I find the nicotine content to be moderate, so extreme for most

Conclusion: XX Twist is just a treat to me. It is a tobacco that I don't smoke everyday or even every week, but it is something that I always keep on hand. The flavor profile is just so wonderful and pleases every time. I have never smoked anything else like it, and I don't think anything can replace it. I know that some people despise and fear this fine Virginia, but if you haven't treated yourself to it yet, I highly recommend that you do! If you like good, bold tobacco flavors, you will not be disappointed.