GUEST REVIEW: Pipe Tobacco: American Black & Gold (7/10)

Xirius has been struck down with Glandular Fever and won't be smoking for a while, so I, Ragados, have been drafted in to do another guest review (any more of these and I'll be on the staff!). This time it's the American Black & Gold by Gawith and Hoggarth. Jim the tobacconist recommended this to me as I looked for something a little different and heavier than the light flavoured pipe tobaccos I tend to smoke. 

The first thing you will notice is the rich aroma of buttery molasses that the tobacco has been soaked in, producing a warm and slightly ginger flavour. The smoke keeps this rich flavour and has a tarry taste that can take a little getting used to, although it is far from unpleasant. There is unfortunately a dryness of the mouth than many not-so-sweet tobaccos seem to cause. Black & Gold is a tobacco for those times you are looking for some weight in your smoke; this is not going to be to everyone's taste but is perfect as an indulgence after a heavy meal, ideally with a snifter of brandy or possibly some tawny port.

• Flavour: 6/10
  
• Smoke Sweetness: 7/10
  
• Tar (1=wet, 10=dry): 5/10
  
• Value for Money: 7/10
  
• Indulgence Factor: 8/10
• Overall Rating: 7/10

GUEST REVIEW: Rollie Tobacco: Strawberry (6/10)

Apparently I have inspired one of our followers to write a guest review, so thanks very much Ragados!

The Gawith and Hoggarth 'Auld Kendal' Strawberry rollie tobacco may sound like just another sweet and fruity flavoured loose tobacco, however, this one is special. Unsmoked, the tobacco has a definite Strawberry scent, though when smoked, the flavour becomes a smooth, almost chocolaty affair. Everyone knows how well chocolate and strawberries combine.

The Strawberry tobacco produces a light, mild smoke, so if you smoke for the nicotine buzz then this is probably not the tobacco for you. I would recommend this if you are smoking around other people who might not like the dry cloying smoke of Drum or Golden Virginia or a more conventional pre-manufactured cigarette. In addition, the Strawberry keeps well for a long time before drying out which is certainly useful for me who only goes through about 12.5 grams per week or less. Give it a try, it is a pleasant, light, smooth smoke.

• Flavour: 4/10
• Sweetness: 6/10
• Tar (1=wet, 10=dry): 3/10
• Value for Money: 7/10
• Indulgence Factor: 5/10
• Overall Rating: 6/10

Pipe Tobacco: Ultimum (8/10)

Terribly sorry for not posting in a while, I have been ill, and TheGreatPhDExperiment has been busy... but here we go:

According to our sources (Jim, the tobacconist), the Ultimum pipe tobacco by Gawith and Hoggarth is relatively new, and supposedly in response to the success of the popular Peter Stockebye tobacco entitled Optimum.

I have to say I really quite enjoyed this tobacco. I was slightly skeptical on seeing it (I'm not one for trendy names labelling tobaccos), but upon smelling it in the jar in the tobacconist, I was quite taken by the aroma and decided to buy some. I have to say I was also quite pleased with the way it smokes. There is a distinct butterscotch flavour to the Ultimum, and it is very lightly sweetened without causing the dryness of the mouth than many not-so-sweet tobaccos seem to cause. The Ultimum is quite tarry, but with a good pint it is not a problem. I would suspect that this tobacco would be an excellent accompaniment to a whiskey old fashioned or a Manhattan for those who are so inclined, and will be trying this theory out myself in short time.

• Flavour: 8/10
• Smoke Sweetness: 6/10
• Tar (1=wet, 10=dry): 3/10
• Value for Money: 7/10
• Indulgence Factor: 8/10
• Overall Rating: 8/10