I've been a non-aromatic English variety pipe smoker all my life. So why am I buying and smoking Ennerdale like a maniac? Well, actually, there are two types of Irish-English blends: the latakia-virginia-oriental type and the more "Irish" variety which is primarily virginia, merged with burley and heavily laden with concotion of scents which some describe as "soapy". This is the latter. Its base is the highest quality virginias and burleys available in the world. The scenting process is unique and has nothing in common with the yucky black cavendish with which most American aromatics are laden. When you open the tin, the floral bouquet almost bowls you over. But the taste is balanced, smooth (zer bite !) and balanced. You can smoke the stuff for hours. The room note is very pleasing, much lighter than one would expect, and smells something like Earl Gray tea. It verily brings you back to the narrow, twisting streets of an Irish village. I love this tobacco so much, and recommend it highly to any pipeman, regardless of past preferences. For an occasional revisitation to the non-aromatic "English" smoke, you can't do better than "Owl's Head" created by the master, Rich Gottlieb of, guess where?, 4 Noggins.
