Westminster

Its sweetness reminds me of the sweetness of scotch whisky. A hint of bright virginia is a supporting actor for red virginia. It's reminiscent of citrus fruits in the background. A stillness of smokey latakia is a 2nd actor, helping the duet of virginia leaves. Perhaps, a key person of this blend is orient, which has earthy, botanical, and oily taste.

Westminster is the main settlement of the City of Westminster in London, England. It extends from the River Thames to Oxford Street, and has many famous landmarks, including the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and much of the West End cultural centre including the entertainment precinct of West End Theatre.

This tobacco, Westminster, is a blend of red virginia, a dash of bright virginia, orient and a large amount of Cyprian latakia. It makes me remember the history of The United Kingdom. Red virginia and bright virginia were from America, which was the colonies. It's said that oriental leaves were introduced into England after the Crimean War, which are one of the essential parts of English blend. Plus, Cyprian latakia is made from oriental leaves. This blend is a fine ribbon cut, which reminds me of a vestige of a coffee house during the middle of 17th century to 18th century, where stock trading, Insurance business, and journalism had developed. It looks so great for small pipes. 

It's like Aesop's fable "The North Wind and The Sun". The tin note is well matured red virginia and smokey latakia. It's reminiscent of dried prune. There is a hint of citrus aroma, which is, probably, from bright virginia. Earthy and botanical scent of orient is in the background. Humidity is comfortable.

Packing tobacco just a little tightly. It might be better to use churchwarden pipes which have long stems.

From the beginning, red virginia is sweet and deep, which is similar to grain or barley. Bright virginia has a citrus fragrance, which supports the character of red virginia. Smokey latakia gives me stillness. Orient has a woody and bitter flavour, it's like a noise-cancelling system. That's why the sweetness of virginia leaves stands out, thanks to the stillness. From the 2nd half of the bowl, the stillness is over, the melody of the sweetness of virginia and earthy orient begins. This blend is wonderful, its taste changes dynamically through the bowl. The climax is at the end of the bowl. The sweetness is reminiscent of brown sugar.

Although this tobacco has a strong taste, nicotine is mild. That means, it's great tobacco for anytime, no matter when. Early morning, looking at the window from the bedroom. Mist is out there, waking up with a cup of milk tea and this blend. Midnight, looking up at the moon in the sky. A glass of gin on the rocks and this smokey tobacco. This pipe tobacco is so elegant, and perfectly balanced.

Blend: Red virginia, bright virginia, orient, latakia

Flavour: None.

Cut: Fine ribbon cut

57g(2oz)/3350 yen