Newminster Blends

I. 403 Superior Round Slices
This is a unique blend in that it is cut into rather smallish coins, about the diameter of a quarter, and it had the most unusual, variegated cross-section. I don't find it to be an overly moist tobacco, and it rubs out very easily into medium, caramel colored ribbons. It has a delightful scent, with hay and floral notes from the Virginia, counterbalanced with a touch of savoriness from the Kentucky. This is excellent tobacco for the pricepoint. While it can burn a bit hot, it doesn’t bite, and it is quite flavorful. The Virginias have a caramel like sweetness and the Kentucky adds just the faintest touch of smokiness. At just over $16 for a half pound, it is a winner on all levels.

II. 400 Superior Navy Flake
This is a medium thick flake, pressed moderately solid, yet easily rubbed out with a couple fingers. It is cocoa brown in color and its scent is somewhat unassuming. Mild hay, grass, and a touch of nuttiness make up the bag note. The moisture level is such that I rub it into springy ribbons and was able to pack it immediately. Upon lighting I found the blend to be slightly fragrant- reminiscent of vanilla, and medium in strength and flavor. It has the grassiness of brighter Virginias and the typical, slightly sour, notes that go along with them. I found that it became sweeter as I went along; reminding me of ripe, silver queen corn. It burned a little on the hotter side, but didn’t bite. Overall, a decent navy flake, but not the best around.

III. No.9R Rich Vanilla

I found this one to be very pleasantly scented, with a mild hay note and touches of creme and vanilla. It smelled sweet, but not a goopy/sugary sweetness. It was cut into finer width ribbons, and the moisture level was good out of the bag. I gave it a little extra rub to break up the last of the flake and then went straight to packing. My first thought when I got a couple puffs into the bowl was that it reminded me of the filling in a Cadbury Cream Egg. It just wasn’t quite as sweet- closer to vanilla biscotti in sugariness. It also had some slightly floral and cocoa notes. I would say it was medium strength, and could be bitey if smoked too fast. It burned easily, but a little on the hot side. It reminded me of a MacBaren Vanilla blend.

IV. No. 201 Straight Black

This stuff impressed me quite a bit before I even smoked it. For starters, I'm used to black Cavendish being wet/sticky (even quality brands like Dan), but this was moderately dry and felt ready to smoke right out the bag. It has a pleasant hay foundation that is generously topped with a fruity, cream like scent- like strawberry and cream oatmeal. It was very mild with just a touch of that fruit essence, but mainly vanilla notes- almost like a creamsicle. I found it to be a bit on the fireproof side, even after half a bowl. It burned cool and seemed bite free. Overall it is pretty passé, reminding me of Lane BCA. I can see it being a good component in blend, but a little too bland for me to enjoy as a regular smoke.

V. No. 17 English Luxury

This is a blend, cut into fine ribbons, that displays the light, medium, and dark browns of it's Virginia, Oriental, and Latakia respectively, with even mixture. It smells sweet, with hay and almost bourbon notes, with a mild smokiness. It is not as strong as Mixture 965, but more on par with EMP. The ribbons are springy but dry enough to pack out of the bag. The first impression I got was that of fresh sanded balsa wood. The blend was moderately sweet and, at times, gave a hint of cinnamon. The Latakia was in much more of a supporting role, contributing a touch of campfire essence. It had a good burn, zero bite, and stayed cool to the bottom of the bowl. This is a great pre-breakfast smoke.