Nat Sherman - Metropolitan Tabac Blend #536

When I first tried this blend, I did not care for it. It is very mild, the latakia is subtle, in fact everything about this tobacco is subtle. I put it away. A little time after that, I took about a one month hiatus from my pipes. When I came back, this one was still out and still in its tin, so I thought I better work my way through it. I am glad I did. My palate cleansed of heavier flavors such as SPC Plum Pudding, Blend 536 was able to shine. I may also have dried a little from being in a previously opened tin for a couple months, though it did not feel any drier than I remembered it. Anyway, the flavors are still subtle, but they are fantastic. There's a bit of hay, a bit of smokiness, a little sweetness. The flavor really comes out with the retrohale (if you refuse this technique, then this will probably seem like a very neutral, bland blend to you). It is a good, relaxing smoke, great for the morning or middle of the day. It packs well, smokes evenly and cool, doesn't overpower the palate, and rewards the patient, slow smoker. Four out of five stars just because it is not a blend that blows me away with great, unique flavor, but it is a very refined blend that I could see keeping around as long as I keep my pipes.

Wow, I did not expect to fall in love with this so quickly. I've been a fan of frog morton's cellar for year, although someone recommend that this will be similar, i did not find it so. instead I thought it had its own unique body and aroma, the taste was definitely distinctive from other English mixture. Overall I give it 90 out of 100, fantastic all day smoke.

This one of the better English blends. I get my Latikia hit, also has that nice fragrance that the orientals supply. It is a full body tobacco at the same time mellow and mild enough for an all day tobacco if one choices to do so. Personally I save it as my morning with a cup of coffee tobacco. I believe this tobacco will be in the near future on the order of Esoterica hard to get if not virtually impossible. I have already started to stock pile the tobacco. If you haven’t tried Tabc 536 I highly recommend it.

Fantastic. Just a little sweetness mixed with some gentle Smokey Latakia. Man the taste was excellent. Just bought two more tins to cellar them. Worth the time to test this out.

Great cut tobacco...smoked well and full body...

Empire English - this is how it is referred to at their NYC location (with #536 being the same). This is a great "medium" English blend. If you enjoy early morning pipe, you will most definitely enjoy this if you get the chance. If the tins are the same as their loose bulk its worth it. Stuff a few in the cellar.

This is an underrated tobacco. It is a very nice English blend. It is even better when aged several years. I understand the argument that no cavendish should be in an English blend, but it works. You will not be disappointed. Buy a few tins while you still can. You will regret it if you don't.

I've been through several tins, all fresh with no significant aging, and enjoy this more with every bowl. Fair warning, it can have a pretty good bite to it if you tend to smoke hot, but if you don't, you'll be treated to a tobacco that changes through the bowl. The first 1/3 usually has a stonger Latakia influence, the middle 1/3 and smooth blend that changes as you smoke, and the final 1/3 has a rich, earthy composition to it. Probably not for everyone, and probably needs a more refined smoker to give a better review, but I enjoy this blend and ordered several more tins to age and keep handy.

A pleasing, mild mixture that can be smoked frequently without any discomfort to the tongue.