The tin I used for this review dates back to 2009. Nightcap (along with EMP) was one of the first two tins of premium tobacco I ever purchased, going on 15 years ago. While I’ve heard pipers lament the disappearance of blends like the original Balkan Sasieni, these are my own sentimental favorites, and I can’t imagine a market without them. I broke the German customs stamp and popped the seal to expose the Dunhill paper lining that I have always associated with an Elizabethan ruffled collar. I removed the cardboard disc, and found the Virginia ribbons to be delicately blooming with faint sugar crystals The smell of Latakia tones down a bit with age, but the distinct smokiness is still predominant, with some sweetness from the Virginias and Oriental leaf serving as a backdrop. After 6+ years, it is still a bit on the moist side and so I sat a bowl’s worth aside to dry for about an hour. Drier, but still springy, I packed it into my 2013 Dr. Grabow Patriot and it was time to enjoy what I consider to be the quintessential English blend. This is not a comparison that folks from outside the South will appreciate, but this blend reminds me a fresh collard greens- there is a vegetal pleasantness that is combined with a peppery undertone from the perique- like hot sauce in greens. The perique does not really diminish with age, but the Latakia has a secondary oak note that pairs with its smokiness. The Virginias provide a noticeable sweetness and the Orientals offer a sweet, satiating flavor that I can only compare to fresh pressed olive oil. It burns great, right down to a soft, powdery ash, and it is bite free. I really can’t think of a better English blend experience. This tobacco was gifted to me by Don (
@dj1340
), and I’m VERY thankful for the chance to enjoy it! A+/5 star/ 10 rating
Last edited by Tobias Lutz; 02-23-2015 at 07:30 AM.
The smell of Latakia tones down a bit with age, but the distinct smokiness is still predominant, with some sweetness from the Virginias and Oriental leaf serving as a backdrop. After 6+ years, it is still a bit on the moist side and so I sat a bowl’s worth aside to dry for about an hour. Drier, but still springy, I packed it into my 2013 Dr. Grabow Patriot and it was time to enjoy what I consider to be the quintessential English blend. This is not a comparison that folks from outside the South will appreciate, but this blend reminds me a fresh collard greens- there is a vegetal pleasantness that is combined with a peppery undertone from the perique- like hot sauce in greens. The perique does not really diminish with age, but the Latakia has a secondary oak note that pairs with its smokiness. The Virginias provide a noticeable sweetness and the Orientals offer a sweet, satiating flavor that I can only compare to fresh pressed olive oil. It burns great, right down to a soft, powdery ash, and it is bite free. I really can’t think of a better English blend experience. This tobacco was gifted to me by Don ( @dj1340 ), and I’m VERY thankful for the chance to enjoy it! A+/5 star/ 10 rating
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