Rattray's Hal o the Wynd

[Cool Breeze]

All right, I've been smoking this for a couple of weeks now and I think I've got a handle on this blend.

Tobacco Name: Rattray's Hal o the Wynd

Blend: Virginia/Perique/Kentucky (I still consider this a Vaper even though it has some Kentucky. I don't know if that is technically correct or not)

Cut: Broken Flake

Age: New (It comes in 3.5 oz tins so I jarred half of it up to age)

Smoked in: I've smoked several bowls of this in my unfinished Savinelli apple shaped pipe and I've tried it in several different cobs.

As mentioned above this tobacco only comes in a 3.5 oz (100 gram) tin. It is a broken flake and in my opinion needs to be rubbed out just a little more. Your millage may vary. It does come a bit moist, at least my tin did. You can smoke it right out of the tin, but it does benefit from a half hour or so out in the air.

My favorite tobaccos are VA and Vaper blends and I had heard DanTheSmokingMan on Youtube sing this one's praises. He mentioned that he liked it more than Elizabethan Mixture so I had to try it out. It did not disappoint.

The perique and Kentucky are not overpowering as the Virginias are the main star. Very smooth tasting. It is a slightly sweet full flavored Virginia blend. The perique is noticeable more on the retrohale as you get a little bit of spice there. I found the Kentucky to be a minor player but adds a nice balance. I wouldn't want any more than there is in it, as I am only a fan of burleys in a supporting role.

You get the expected citrus and hay flavors that you expect in a VA but they are subtle. The sweetness seems to build as the bowl progresses, which I love. At times I picked up on a slight raisin or plum flavor, which I assume is from the perique.

I'd say it is a full flavor blend and the strength (nicotine) I would give a medium. It's there, but I've smoked it in the morning with coffee and haven't had any trouble.

Bottom line, I enjoy this blend very much. It has quickly became one of my favorite Vapers. I don't know that it has unseated St. James Flake (nahh) but it is right up there. Good stuff.