Milan Tobacconists Aromatic House Blends
Available here.
I. Black Forest:
I was initially attracted to this because it contains maduro leaf, in addition to an assortment of Cavendish. It is pretty dark, rough chopped, and moderately moist. The first scent I got in the bag was that of butterscotch- the ones old guys give you when you're a kid, wrapped in translucent amber cellophane. You can still make out tobacco beneath the toppings, and the vanilla is only moderate. This reminded me of homemade the butterscotch pudding that my grandmother used to whip up. It also had flavors of warm sweet milk and vanilla. It stayed lit very easily and didn't bite, but it can burn a bit hot if you go too fast. Combine all this with a respectable room note and we have a winner.
II. Hazelnut
This is a nice hay and nut scented aro. The Cavendish has a nice sweetness, but it's more like a butter cookie than something ridiculously desert-like. It's cut into a fine ribbon and reminds of some Danish mixtures by makers like Stokkebye. It is a touch on the moist side, but need not sit out long. This blend reminds me of eating Pecan Sandies. It has a grassy sweetness with the flavor of roasted chestnuts pulling up the rear. It burns easily to a fine ash and there is no bite to be had. This is a good aro for a guy who primarily smoke Virginias but needs a little variety.
III. Colonial Pastime
This is a ribbon cut, variegated blend. The bag note is pretty nuanced with a little hay from the Virginias, some liquor sweetness, and a splash of smokiness from a pinch of Latakia that finishes off the mix. It is pretty moist so I let it sit for over an hour. The flavors are as layered as the pre-light scent. The first thing I really pick up on is the vanilla- not really sugary, but distinct. The Latakia is only the faintest background flavor- like smelling your neighbor’s woodstove burning when you’re smoking on the front step. The burley contributes a slight nuttiness, and the Virginia (I assume) is offering up the slightly floral, honey sweetness. Burn is good, bite free.
IV. Buttered Rum
This is a medium brown, fine ribbon cut blend of Virginias and white burley. It is rubbed out nicely and offers a faintly spiced, sweet cream and bright tobacco scent. It’s a moisture good consistency from the shop and doesn’t require much drying. This is a very light blend- both in regards to topping, and in reference to strength. The Virginia and burley combination reminds me of Carter Hall. The rum is very faint, but it is dark rum with molasses like sweetness. It offers a cool burn, bite free smoke, and reasonably decent room note.
V. Appalachian Gold
This is primarily a dark Cavendish blend, with just a touch of lighter leaf. The bag note reminds me of peanut butter smores ice cream- vanilla, caramel, nougat, nuts. It’s pretty moist and can stand sitting out for a while prior to packing a bowl. It was a little difficult to get this blend lit and going. Of all the Milan blends I’ve had, this may be one of the first I’d ever consider mildly “goopy”. I gave me flavors of vanilla, pistachio, and a very faint touch of cherry. It is pretty sweet and doesn’t bite- even though it burns hot. This would probably be popular with serious aro lovers, but if you’re on the fence, don’t go with this one.
