STUPENDOUS ANIMAL MAGNETISM, HERE NOW

As happens quite regularly, a group of very likable middle aged men, who are much more likable and young at heart than the cigar smokers present elsewhere in the building, gathered together for snacks and puffing.
Today was the appointed time for the meeting of the pipe club.
After a bit of nibbling, wine was poured and pipes were lit.
Soon fragrant smoke filled the air.

In all honesty, we need more women in our group. There are none at present.


For a brief while I joined them, to remind them of the time a curvy female in her twenties, just barely out of high school, stuck her tongue into Nick's ear. Despite being old enough to be her grandpapa, he's an irresistible chick magnet. And that time, he was glowing.

I have never glowed like that.

My ex once put her tongue in my ear. I found it a peculiar sensation.

Mind you, I am not opposed to lobe-licking in principle, and intellectually it has a certain appeal. But it needs to be planned ahead, and an appointment might be a good thing. And in any case, I prefer to see the other person's face, rather than having an invisible presence tongue me from the side, irrespective of curvy-ness and youth.
Oh! Wetness.


Opinions among our members may differ considerably on this issue.

We disagree gracefully.


With that in mind, I offer a few thoughts on some recent tobaccos. Feel free to disagree in the comments underneath this post. I shan't call you any names, nor curse you and your progeny, if you do.


SAMUEL GAWITH, NEWLY IN STOCK AT THE NEAREST ACTUAL TOBACCONIST

A few of these are dubious, though undoubtedly well-made and composed of quality ingredients. I very much like the Cabbie's Mixture, and Bothy Flake also has its charms. Sam's Flake needs to right time.


BLACK FOREST
Black Cavendish and bright Virginia, with a honey top-dressing. Ribbon cut. The bright is slightly dominant; the aroma is sweet and beguiling. The real honey flavouring is lightly applied, more noticeable to some than others.
Suitable for voracious readers.
Pleasant.


BOTHY FLAKE [Originally made for the Kearvaig Pipe Club]
Pressed Virginias with a little Latakia and Scotch Whisky. No, it does NOT smell like a Scotsman's boxer shorts, there's nothing except hair under the kilt. Malty, fruity, tangy, with a hint of smokiness. Don't smoke fast, and you will be rewarded. Hot box it, and you're a fool.
Women may not like the aroma.

Note: a 'bothy' is some kind of primitive Caledonian lodgement out on the bog. Use it, but leave it as stocked when you depart as you found it.
Always carry a roll or two of bumwad in these parts.


CABBIE'S MIXTURE
Virginia and Perique, handrolled, then sliced in little roundels (curly cut).
Appealing and zesty, sweet, plummy. Can be smoked all day. Tastes profoundly like tobacco.
Medium body. Enjoyable. Reminiscent of the old Three Nuns, before the Danes bollicksed it up.
Unlike the Viking horror, there is no Burley in this.
Figgy, figgy, figgy, figgy.


CHOCOLATE FLAKE ['The Kendall Mayor's Collection']
Burleys, Latakia, and Virginia. Dark brown in colour and taste. A medium style English blend to some, a mild aromatic to others. Sweet thick creamy smoke. The hint of chocolate augments the Burley, and compliments the Latakia. Medium-mild. Balanced. Still, why?


KENDAL CREAM DELUXE FLAKE
Burley and Virginia shpritzed with cream, floral essences (roses?), almond, citrus, and stone fruits. The topping is surprisingly light, and though it does remind some people of their maiden aunt -- or her linen chest -- it can be very enjoyable in a summery way. Burns cool and clean, once dried.
Grassy, sweet. Medium bodied. Mild tobacco, strong scent.


LAKELAND DARK
Fire-cured Kentucky with Virginia. A strong broken flake.
Leathery, earthy, woody, and slightly tart. The room note is powerful.
Cool-smoking, full-bodied. Almost one-dimensional.
Like 1792, but without the old lady perfume.


SAM’S FLAKE ['The Kendall Mayor's Collection']
Virginias and Turkish tobacco, steam-pressed then sliced, with a light tonquin dressing. Sweet and yeasty, with an earthiness. Floral, but the tonquin is scarcely noticeable.
The flue-cured leaf (from Africa) is dominant.
Mild. Hay-like.


Others on offer for a while: 1792 Flake, Brown No. 4, Commonwealth, Full Virginia Flake, Grousemoor, Navy Flake, Perfection, Saint James Flake, Squadron Leader.
They are out of Best Brown and Golden Glow. Possibly because I now have most of it.



In addition to flakes and smoky Oriental blends, some eccentric assayed a Burley mixture, and a few members brandished Havana cigars, courtesy of one of the Michaels. And I know for a fact that Penzance was enjoyed.

As usual, I talked smack about Molto Dolce, which is a dark oily aromatic that positively reeks of indiscretion, never dries out, and does weird and unpleasant things to your mouth and possibly your regenerative organs.
People who smoke it habitually should not breed.

I think we can call the meeting a success.
Despite the absence of ladies.

TOBACCO INDEX


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