Profile | |
Tobacco | Burley, Cavendish, Virginia |
Style | Aromatic |
Room Note | 3 - Balanced |
Cut | Ribbon |
Top Flavor | Liquor, Misc |
Packaging | Tin |
Country of Origin | United States |
Package Size | 1.75 oz |
Flavor Intensity | 3 - Balanced |
Brand: | East India Trading Company |
More Details |
East India Trading Company's Royal Challenge will treat you to a cool-smoking experience with the flavor and aroma of spiced rum. This blend of fine American tobaccos - including a black Cavendish that is first fire-cured and then steamed - has been aged with a combination of rum with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Not an aromatic smoker, but received this in the monthly sample box. Tin note is quite nice, aroma of spices, vanilla and caramel. (Note: for whatever reason, all aromatics on my palate have hints of vanilla and caramel - I'm sure it's the Cavendish.) Cut is quite lovely. Takes a light well and resists over-heating. It does, like pretty much every topped tobacco I have ever smoked, get a tad moist during the smoke, but very manageable and not problematic. It's fairly moist in the tin, not overly so and it does smoke dryer than I expected it to. Smokes to a nice fine ash with only a small dottle left. Some real tobacco flavor does manage to come through with this blend. Hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla(ish) and creamy. Little to no discernable bite, which is unusual for me - aromatics tend to bite the dickens out of me. Not a bad smoke at all. As I said, I don't do aromatics. I wouldn't order this, but I will finish the tin, and I'm going to try the other two EIT blend. Nicely done aromatic for certain. I think this blend would probably be most enjoyable during the cooler months.
I tried this blend because I favor the Navy style with hints of rum though aromatics aren't my go-to smoke. I like this blend a lot. It smokes exactly as described. The cinnamon is interesting and pleasant. The only problem is it's 95 degrees out and I can't get "Jingle Bell Rock" out of my head. I have been looking for a Christmas Holiday type blend and I believe I've found it. This will get a good workout come fall when I'm in front of the fireplace and a glass of Ardmore is on my side table.
This tobacco is a good mix of flavor and aroma, without being too overwhelming on the palate. The rum gives the tobacco an extra bit of sweetness, and the spices are enough to make it interesting without blasting your tongue. The room note smells a bit like eggnog, and everyone who have smelled it have liked it. This will quickly become a favorite in my rotation of aromatics. I can't wait to try the rest of the EITC line.