Details
4-13-15
Tobias Lutz
Yellow “A” G&H Dark Sliced
1983 BC Millesime 368
Outdoor

Observations
This is a dark brown colored rope that is half sliced into coins, and half rubbed out. The espresso color is slightly deceiving, because when you look at the individual ribbons, they are much more of a bronze tone when the light shines through them. The moisture level feels perfect right out the bag, and the aroma is wonderful. It had a touch of fire-cured smokiness, but there was some sort of floral essence that blended with it to produce a very intriguing scent, atop the fresh hay foundation. It reminded me very much of when I was a child and would explore a relative's library, with walls of books from 1850-1950, all with a sweet mustiness, combining with the fireplace, that was anything but repugnant.

I rubbed out the coins into a nice pile of medium width ribbon that was ready to go. I used a 3 pack gravity fill and even found the cold draw to be enticing.

I had a little trouble getting this stuff going, but it eventually took and it was steady going from then on. The ash was very fine and I didn’t have to tap it once, though I did tamp once or twice after the initial char.

I found what little sweetness was in this blend was only to be had when it was gently sipped. Then it came across as a molasses like flavor that was not overly sugary. At one point I thought the blend was very earthy and savory, in some ways resembled the marks on a char grilled piece of meat. I found it to be medium/strong in regards to strength, with a touch of pepper that tickled the nose in the retrohale. It seemed that the fire cured smokiness really emerged in the second half of the bowl.

Comments and conclusion
This was a touch too bold for my tastes- I tend to prefer less stout blends, and the pepper was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. I like the spice of Perique in a good VaPer, but not when the base of the blend is so strong. It smoked fine, and for someone looking for a strapping mix I believe this would be rather popular.