Moi and Virginias: meh! Or not?
Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 4:41 pm
Now I think we all know, or believe, that Virginias are alleged to be most difficult, yet most rewarding tobaccos to experience...
Yup, they can be hard to prepare and dry (too much or too little), pack and smoke - sipping only! But at the same time those in the know state that say an FVF is worth all the time, trouble and tribulations. Now I don't own this one, but I have a McClelland Matured No. 27, orange-red, shag cut tin of Virginia. Has the McC fermented "catsup" aroma. I took considerable time to rub it out, dry it a bit, pack it to my best ability and have had at it a few times. The result:
It's not bad, and yes, I get some of the attraction of this well-respected product. Warm and toasty, Virginia sweetness, and with very careful sipping - no burn at all. But to me, and especially sipped so elegantly, just not all that much flavor either. Yes, it's there but not THERE as a good English or Balkan. Or even a good burley kake like H&H. These latter are definitely more accessible, you don't have to be as careful, they are easier to pack and the flavor is right there. And it may account for the many who go for the VaPers/
Now could this correspond with age and a loss of sensory perception? Answer: could be. It is well known that those of us in the retired category do in fact require more intense flavors and aromas. Simple aging. But still, I don't think my palate is that bad, at least yet. So what's next?
I won't give up on Virginias just yet. I may just have to spring for a big name like the FVF and take another turn at it. Any suggestions?
Yup, they can be hard to prepare and dry (too much or too little), pack and smoke - sipping only! But at the same time those in the know state that say an FVF is worth all the time, trouble and tribulations. Now I don't own this one, but I have a McClelland Matured No. 27, orange-red, shag cut tin of Virginia. Has the McC fermented "catsup" aroma. I took considerable time to rub it out, dry it a bit, pack it to my best ability and have had at it a few times. The result:
It's not bad, and yes, I get some of the attraction of this well-respected product. Warm and toasty, Virginia sweetness, and with very careful sipping - no burn at all. But to me, and especially sipped so elegantly, just not all that much flavor either. Yes, it's there but not THERE as a good English or Balkan. Or even a good burley kake like H&H. These latter are definitely more accessible, you don't have to be as careful, they are easier to pack and the flavor is right there. And it may account for the many who go for the VaPers/
Now could this correspond with age and a loss of sensory perception? Answer: could be. It is well known that those of us in the retired category do in fact require more intense flavors and aromas. Simple aging. But still, I don't think my palate is that bad, at least yet. So what's next?
I won't give up on Virginias just yet. I may just have to spring for a big name like the FVF and take another turn at it. Any suggestions?