I’ve just finished a tin of this tobacco and I thought I might share my impressions.
It’s beautiful packaged unwrapped reveals remarkably thin cut coins that are just gorgeous. I love this kind of cut anyway, also being partial to pressed flake tobacco. Both are convenient to carry around and they look sharp.
A Tin of Escudo Navy De Luxe
The mix of perique here is spot on, lending itself a nice color to the coin as well as filling the tin with fig notes and other dried dark fruits.
The coins are easy to rub out and fill up. I didn’t find the tobacco prone to burn too hot or bite, nor did it leave behind much dottle. It’s really a consistent smoke, from top to bottom.
I think the high opinion of Escudo Navy De Luxe can be found in the taste. It’s rich without overreaching itself. It’s sweet enough for those moments that deserve a sweet smoke, but it’s so pleasant and subtle that it can be smoked in every day-part like any sturdy Virginian.
I would recommend this tobacco to any smoker, whether they be novice, amateur or expert. But don’t take my word for it. This is so highly recommended by so many smoker’s; trust your fellows, I say!
A single coin of pressed and cut Virginia and Perique tobaccos
Brand: Peter Stokkebye
Blender: Peter Stokkeby
Tin Description: A combination of full bodied Virginia from North Carolina and Virginia blended with Perique from Louisiana are the cornerstones in Escudo. The blend is pressed and matured before it is spun and cut into coins. This process ensures the unique character of Escudo.
Country of Origin: DK
Curing Group: Air Cured
Contents: Virginia, Perique
Cut: Flake
Packaging: 50g Tin
Matches.
Having gotten that out of the way promptly, I’ll take my opportunity to expound.
I love lighters. Particularly, I love Zippo lighters. There are many reasons to cherish these fire-making objects, shared by many different people along the world. I bought my first Zippo, a knock-off, from a friend of mine for $10, when I was 16. It had a psychedelic little Alice in Wonderland illustration etched in it’s side, a sign of its cheapness, and it fell apart at the hinge a few months after use. Nevertheless, I’ve since acquired many Zippos, real ones, and they are a treasure. Many were presents from others, a few were from myself.
I only make semi-regular use of one, currently, an old copper plated job I went looking for years ago. Today it’s dirty and oxidizing, as I’d hoped it would. It lights well and I honestly can’t taste the fuel through more than the first few puffs of a cigar.
I don’t use a Zippo when I’m smoking a pipe. Moreover, I don’t use any lighters.
My thoughts are this: If it’s too windy to use a match, likely it’s too windy for a good smoke. And what are pipe smokers if not those fellows who aim high for the best smoke?
I know those who prefer lighters. Who could blame them? Matches are a bitch if you can’t tame that quick flame.
Insisting on a match has kept me patient with my pipes. I have to pack the bowl more carefully and I have to be mindful about how many matches I have versus how many times I may need to re-light. Learning these lessons and minding some of the certain rules by which one will have to play when insisting on matches before lighters should result in more thoughtful care of your pipes and smoking pleasure.