You've probably read the story behind Vincent Manil and the history of this most unique burley grown in Belgium, so I'll cut to the chase. La Volute, like the rest of the Manil semois line, truly lives up to its reputation as a pure, unadulterated tobacco, uncharacteristic of our Western tobaccos and blends. Yes, it's nutty and has hints of cocoa like you'd expect, but its incredibly dry, unpretentious presentation and earthy taste is so much a part of its region that it transports you to the Ardennes Valley in which it's grown. And SPICE! Wow, the spice profile at times comes off like a faint perique not unlike white peppercorn! A very clean burn that leaves a nice ashen cake around the bowl.
Be warned, though... not only is this the driest tobacco you'll ever touch, but you have to control your cadence by sipping this gently, just at the point of going out. The power of this tobacco is very sneaky and will punch you dead in the face if you dare to haul your way through it. I find it smokes best when packing it like a cube cut, just dropping it in with barely any pressure at all. In other words, this treats you as well as you treat it.
I plan to keep as much of this tobacco and its brethren in my "cellar" as much as is financially within my means to do so. There is simple nothing like Tabac Manil out there. In the West, only D&R comes close. You simply MUST try it for yourself!
P.S. The serious lack of moisture guarantees you 3.5oz of true tobacco weight. Just wonderful!
